Russia is famous around the world for its vodka. However, countries like the US and Canada have withdrawn Russian spirits from their bars and liquor stores, in solidarity with Ukraine.
With such boycotts and bans of Russian brands taking place, many people will be left confused over which brands they should buy and which ones they should dodge amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
When we think of vodka, Smirnoff, which is one of the world’s best-selling vodka brands, will always come to mind. But is Smirnoff a Russian-made vodka brand?
While many assume the popular beverage brand is Russian and with some even threatening to boycott it, it's important to note Smirnoff no longer has Russian owners. Here's what you need to know.
Where is vodka brand Smirnoff from and what are its origins ?
The Smirnoff vodka brand has its origins in Russia, with roots in Moscow, where Pyotr Arsenievich Smirnov founded a vodka distillery in 1864. However, the beverage is not a Russian product anymore and now has UK owners.
Smirnov’s distillery was also reportedly a favourite of the Russian royal family. However, after the vodka industry was nationalised in 1904, Vladimir Smirnov, who was Pyotr’s third son, had to sell the distillery and the brand.
In 1933, Vladimir Smirnov sold the rights for their family's vodka production to Russian-born businessman Rudolph Kunett, who came to New York in the 1920s.
Since then, the Smirnoff brand has changed hands several times over the years, and it is now owned by UK firm, Diageo.
The manufacturer, which also owns the alcohol brand Guinness, has also announced that it has paused exports of its liquor to Russia.
A Smirnoff spokesperson told Reuters: "Our priority is the safety of our people in Ukraine and the wider region."
Who makes Smirnoff vodka now?
Though its roots are in Russia, Smirnoff vodka isn’t actually made in Russia today. While manufacturer Diageo's products, including Smirnoff vodka and other spirits, are manufactured in different parts of the world, the drink is not produced in Russia.
The countries Smirnoff gets produced in includes the UK, United States, Ireland, Italy, Brazil and Latvia.
Which vodka brands are Russian?
Many supermarkets including Sainsbury's, Aldi, Asda and Waitrose have banned Russian-made vodka in the UK, many popular brands of vodka in the UK are actually not made in Russia anymore.
For instance, though Stoli was historically Russian brand and is made at least partly from Russian wheat, it is produced in Latvia after the Russia-born owner of the company had a falling out with the Kremlin and left the country.
