Facts and myths about Lithuanian vodka

The first written account of the word vodka is from the mid 1800s, so despite the fact that the beverage itself probably has been around for a longer period of time, vodka in its current form is a rather recent invention. As indeed are most destilled spirits of strong potency. However, more crudely manufactured destilled beverages have a far longer history.

Home made moonshine is still made in Lithuania, particularly in the countryside, and this beverage is typically somewhat stronger than what can be bought is shops. As most homemade vodkas, its potency varies from 40 to 96 percent, depending on the manufacturers motives. Purity does however not alone make great taste, as anyone who has ever tasted 96% pure vodka will agree.

Many Lithuanians are for good reason proud of their national tradition when it comes to vodka production. Some are even so fiercly proud that they have no problems with bending the truth a bit when they fill thirsty visitors inn on their glorious national achievements in the field of vodka making. Here are some claims you are likely to hear:

Lithuanian Auksine vodka

#1 Lithuanians invented vodka

Claims to having invented a technique does however not mean that you are particularly good at it. The chinese for instance invented gunpowder hundreds of years ago, but have yet to develop a decent firearm. Since most scholars agree that the modern term vodka, which is connected to the word water, is a more recent term, the fact that the Lithuanians still use the word for burning when referring to this drink, points in the direction that they might in fact have invented some early type of vodka. Although, this is difficult to prove.

Lithuanian Bajoru vodka

#2 Lithuanian vodka is the worlds` best vodka

This might well be true, even though the entire spectre of qualities are represented in the Lithuanian vodka market - from divine drops to liquids indistinguishable from toxic waste. Speaking for my self, I can at least say that the best vodka I`ve ever had is a Lithuanian brand.  And that Lithuanian vodka is greatly underestimated in comparason to many other internationally known vodka brands. Like for instance the unexpainably popular swedish brand Absolute Vodka, which in comparason tastes more like a chemical for cleaning windows. At least they take vodka seriously in this country, and that is probably why they have so many successful brands.

In my opinion, this is the best Lithuanian vodka

#3 Lithuanians drink massive ammounts of vodka

This is undoubtable true for some, although most Lithuanians walking the streets appear rather sober to me. But there are of course exceptions. Most households do however keep a stash of vodka, since this traditional product has taken on a variety of different uses. From universal heavy-duty cleaning agent and active ingredient in home made cosmetics, to medical supply for both internal and external use. For several diseases it is in fact possible to first drink yourself into symptoms, and then cure yourself using the same vodka - But this time taken externally.

Vodka section in a Lithuanian hardware store

#4 Vodka is available all over in Lithuania

Well, if compared to western societies (and particularly my own), this claim is virtually true.
Vodka can be found in all kinds of shops, from supermarkets to gas stations and even hardware stores. And until recently it was available all night is some shops. EU legislators, however, fail to see the practical purpose of this, so the policies have been somewhat restricted in recent years. But for visitors from more restrictive countries (like Scandinavian countries) this place is still like one big duty free shop, with cheap vodka available everywhere.

Vodka in a plastic cup. Aparently, there is a market for such a product

#5 Public drunkenness is accepted in Lithuania

Just because something occurs, it does not mean that it is accepted. And besides, there is a time and place for everything. Vodka is quite common in Lithuania, but public drunkenness is not that common.  At least not if you want to be taken seriously. And as a tourist you would usually want to be taken seriously, so I recommend to avoid getting pissed in public. Observing this rule will keep you out of a lot of trouble. And PS: Even though it doesn`t seem so, the legal limit for driving under the influence is the same as in the rest of the EU.

Last tips:

• For those of you visiting Lithuania and not taking a fancy to the local vodka - have a beer. Lithuanian beer is far better than its virtually non-existant international reputation.
• For those of you who prefer vodka, have a look at my vodka test for recommendations on which vodka to choose