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Is vodka a Russian or Polish creation?
Vodka is derived from the Slavic word 'voda', or as the Polish
use 'woda', meaning water. The history of Vodka is ancient, the
first documented production of vodka was in Russia at the end of
the 9th century, but the first known distillery, at Khylnovsk, was
established about two hundred years later as reported in the Vyatka
Chronicle of 1174. Although Poland claims to have begun distilling
vodka earlier, in the 8th century, the first documented Polish vodkas
appeared in the 11th century and were called 'gorzalka'.
During the Middle Ages, distilled liquor was used mainly for medicinal
purposes, as well as being an ingredient in the production of gunpowder.
It wouldn't be until the 14th century that Vodka would be recognized
formally as a 'drink'.
Toasts: here's how to say "cheers" in other cultures:
Chinese - Wen Lie!
French - A votre sante!
German - Prosit!
Greek - Yasas!
Hebrew - L'Chayim!
Hungarian - Ege'sze'ge're!
Irish - Slainte!
Italian - Alla Salute!
Japanese - Kanpai!
Polish - Na Zdrowie!
Russian - Za vashe zdorovye!
Spanish - Salud!
Swedish - Skal!
Famous Quote: "One martini is alright, two is too many, three
is not enough." James Thurber
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