Spirits are an important part of the Russian lifestyle as per capita consumption is very high; a 2011 report documented that Russia is fourth in this category for spirits in the world.

Of course, it is vodka that is Russia's most famous spirit; dating back to the 14th century, Russian vodka is one of the textbook styles of this spirit. Distilled from wheat and rye, Russian vodka is ultra clean and rather neutral - but super smooth - thanks to filtering through carbon and quartz sand.

In Russia, vodka is served neat for the heads of state as well as the common worker or farmer. In many other countries, it is used in cocktails. Either way, Russian vodka remains a model and is one of the world's best selling spirits.