POLAND: THE BIRTHPLACE OF PREMIUM VODKA Polish vodkas are known throughout the world today for their excellence and superior taste. Of course, this should come as no surprise since vodka originated in Poland over 600 years ago (not in Russia as many people mistakenly believe). In fact, the word "vodka" itself is of Polish origin, derived from the word "woda", meaning water.

THE IMPORTANCE OF VODKA IN 16TH AND 17TH CENTURY POLAND Some records show that vodka was used as a bartering tool in Poland as early as the 1600s. Certain forms of vodka, obtained from herbs, were even used as medicines, taken in small doses orally and used externally.

But word of this popular spirit spread quickly, and it was soon in demand and exported throughout Europe and Russia. Records show that by the end of the 1700s vodka was being mass produced all over the country and consumed by people of all levels of social strata, including aristocrats. The three major distilleries during this period were Krakow, Poznan and Gdansk.