This gallery is possibly among one of the most phenomenal in Russia, since it’s totally devoted to the nation’s most preferred beverage – vodka.
Situated in the historical centre of St. Petersburg, the event has actually taken individuals on the trip via the tale of Russian vodka’s social value given that 2008.
Its screens consist of fired glasses, among Russia’s most significant collections of uncommon vodka containers, posters and also banners from Soviet marketing campaign and also old purification tools that was still being made use of throughout the Gorbachev age.
Vodka’s increase in appeal and also improvement
After beginning as a drink generally intoxicated by peasants in the middle ages age, it ended up being the favorite beverage of the Russian tsars of the 19th Century.
” Lots of think about that Russian individuals are drunks, there is a stereotype that many individuals have an alcoholism, and also this constantly has actually held true,” claims gallery overview Anastasiya Anufreykova.
” We wish to display in our gallery that actually, individuals consumed alcohol culturally, and also the society of alcohol consumption was created. Individuals attempted to consume alcohol wonderfully, exceptionally. They really did not obtain thrown away.”
Among one of the most uncommon displays is a big, hefty medal that would certainly be spent time the neck to penalize individuals that had actually been consuming alcohol.
” Peter the Great attempted to eliminate alcohol consumption (alcohol), and also he developed numerous penalties for individuals. As an example, this is a medal for alcohol consumption: this was held on the neck of enthusiasts for a week. It considered rather a great deal, regarding 7 kg, and also it was difficult to eliminate it.
” Yet afterwards duration, individuals might involve an alcohol consumption facility and also obtain a totally free beverage. We have this renowned Russian motion when we welcome someone to consume alcohol, many thanks to this penalty,” claims Anufreykova.
Costly vintage containers
Anufreykova indicate one of the most costly product in the gallery, yet it’s not simply the vodka that’s an unique vintage.
She claims: “This is Beluga Epicure, developed in partnership with a French brand name Lalique, and also it sets you back 515,000 roubles (EUR6,200). The cost is for a factor: the brand name Lalique is really recognized, it made items constructed from crystal for imperial households.”
The gallery’s companion dining establishment motivates you to match vodka with food
The gallery shares its residence with a dining establishment called Vodka Area Leading which dishes out specialized vodkas with zakuski.
One of the most typical zakuski spreads could include a couple of easy products, such as herring, cheese, and also bread, or even more intricate recipes that number 20 or even more.
” Vodkas provided in our dining establishment are created throughout all the region of Russia, as our dining establishment is incredibly popular amongst not just international people, yet amongst visitors of our city, Russian people, visitors usually select those beverages created on the region where they are from,” claims dining establishment supervisor Alexander Morozov.
This a standard buffet-style design spread of treats on a table referred to as a zakusochnyi stol which was covered with a series of foods. The gallery for Tatiana Ovchinnikova is an opportunity to experience her young people.
” When it comes to the gallery, I am from the Soviet age, and also I have a great deal of fascinating points to check out right here,” she claims.
” We were little bit, yet they stated that rouble sufficed to purchase a container of vodka and also a smoked cheese. For that reason, there is a rouble on display screen, and also when you can see all this, I do not have an organization with alcohol usage, yet with our childhood years.”
” I reside in St Petersburg yet have actually never ever been right here. It interests see what the gallery of such a beverage can supply to check out,” claims neighborhood resident Oksana Boyko.
The Russian Gallery of Vodka lies in the St.Petersburg’s Konnogvardeisky Blvd. Excursion and also sampling tickets can be bought for 500 rubles (EUR6), specific tickets without excursion or sampling are 170 rubles (EUR2).
