Belarussian moonshine

Vodka in Belarus is the most popular drink and, perhaps, the main entertainment. It's no secret that the so-called «Vodka tour» in Belarus, organized by some of the Belarusian travel agencies, acquired over several years of sustained popularity in Europe, along with traditional to the local places tours to the reserves, lake, and ancient castles.

Official statistics in the country reports on critical levels of per capita consumption of alcohol. But Belarus has always has this problem. There were always those who likes to drink and can control himself, and those who simply like to drink. It is therefore not surprising that in everyday life of the Belarusians felt the words of famous Eastern poet Omar Hayam, who said that before you decide to drink, you need to know «where, with whom, when and how much».

Vodka in Belarus is one of their most popular products. Average cost of one bottle (0.5 liters) of ordinary Belarusian vodka is about 2.5 dollars. The most famous «folk» Brands - «Belaya Rus» and «Belarus Sineokaya». In addition, there are many brands of vodka, such as «Officer», «Vodoley», «Kristall Lux», «Belyi Korol», which have different names, but do not vary greatly in taste and price. Belarusians joke that these sorts of vodka poured from «the same pot».

Recently in Belarus has been started the production of high-quality vodka. Its quality, in the first place, is proved by the design of the bottle - in contrast to the usual sorts these types of vodka are bottled in special bottles, with ribs and non-standard form. As a rule, these sorts of vodka are made using different additives: from hot pepper to birch buds. To the list of high-quality Belarusian vodka can be added «Bulbash», «Minsk» and «General».

But the most important Belarusian alcoholic «treat» is moonshine. It is produced mainly in the villages. It produced mainly from potato or beet. Connoisseurs of strong alcoholic drinks say that Belarusian moonshine on quality and taste palette surpasses many famous world brands of vodka, such as «Finlandia», or «Smirnoff».

It should be mentioned that production of the moonshine is an underground business. The law in Belarus prohibits individuals producing strong alcoholic drinks. Nevertheless, in almost every Belarusian village you will be offered «a cup or two». And in every village the moonshine will be unique: infused on honey, cranberries, or simply «spotykach». «Spotykach» is a special kind of moonshine, which has a unique feature: after a certain dose of the drink the mind remains clear, but feet refused to obey and stop. Often, it is better to wait till the effect of «spotykach» ends sitting at the table.

In Belarus, the center of moonshine production is considered to be the town of Starye Dorogi. However the place where you will be able to officially taste Belarusian moonshine is, not surprisingly, the museum, or more precisely, located in Dudutki museum complex of Belarusian culture and way of life. Here, as a traditional Belarusian food, you will be able to taste moonshine made directly in the museum, with the use of the real distiller. According to the old Belarusian tradition as snacks to the moonshine you will be offered salted cucumber, dipped in the honey. In addition to the museum in Dudutki, in Belarus moonshine production is officially permitted only on the territory of National Park «Belovezhskaya Pushcha»