Russian Vodka Madness! (difference, drink, inexpensive)

[tijlover]

Am reading King of Vodka, story of Pyotr Smirnov from Russia. And we all know how much Russians love their vodka.

The earliest vodka had curative properties, it was a medicinal product, a powerful disinfectant for wounds or a soothing, warm balm massaged into the back and chest.

A practice known as "wetting the bargain" used vodka as an inducement to bring communities together to build a church, bring in a harvest or construct a bridge. A job well done meant that vodka would flow freely.

And? The "penalty shot". It purportedly forced anyone late for a meeting or gathering to pay either a fine or payment in vodka.

Vodka was even used as payment in lieu of money, as a bribe, and as an encouragement for soldiers on the front lines.

The so-called drink of life was even fed to women in labor and to newborn babies when other remedies failed to calm them.

In 1811 a law was passed in Russia, making it a crime for employers to continue their common practice of substituting vodka for wages.

What's the difference!!! Take the paycheck and buy the vodka or receive payment in vodka?

[Magnum Mike]

Originally Posted by tijlover

Am reading King of Vodka, story of Pyotr Smirnov from Russia. And we all know how much Russians love their vodka.

The earliest vodka had curative properties, it was a medicinal product, a powerful disinfectant for wounds or a soothing, warm balm massaged into the back and chest.

A practice known as "wetting the bargain" used vodka as an inducement to bring communities together to build a church, bring in a harvest or construct a bridge. A job well done meant that vodka would flow freely.

And? The "penalty shot". It purportedly forced anyone late for a meeting or gathering to pay either a fine or payment in vodka.

Vodka was even used as payment in lieu of money, as a bribe, and as an encouragement for soldiers on the front lines.

The so-called drink of life was even fed to women in labor and to newborn babies when other remedies failed to calm them.

In 1811 a law was passed in Russia, making it a crime for employers to continue their common practice of substituting vodka for wages.

What's the difference!!! Take the paycheck and buy the vodka or receive payment in vodka?

Well, Vodka was or still is a medicinal remedy, and like most prescription drugs that are available nowadays, the side-effects probably outnumbered the benefits..

[Harrier]

One should drink vodka for "medicinal purposes only".

[Woof]

I've recently tried a relatively inexpensive Polish vodka that I liked more than many Russian vodkas - Sobieski.

[calel]

If someone tried to placate me with tasty booze, I'd probably be "hysterical" a lot.