Okovita
Encyclopedia
Aquavit or okovita has two meanings. It is an old name for vodka
, and it can also be a strong alcoholic beverage
, usually around 70-80% alcohol, of very low quality. It was usually unclear, as it was distilled
with alcohol content and cheap price in mind, with little regard to taste.
It is likely that the name vodka (from voda (or woda), "water") stems from the difference between high-quality clear (and thus water-like in appearance) products and the lower-class stronger okovita. Also, the former was preferred by upper class
es of the society, while peasants wanted strong intoxication
for the lowest price possible.
As better distillation techniques became widespread, the cost difference between poor-quality okovita and clear drinks became smaller, and thus both the drink and the term have fallen out of use.
Vodka
Vodka , is a distilled beverage. It is composed primarily of water and ethanol with traces of impurities and flavorings. Vodka is made by the distillation of fermented substances such as grains, potatoes, or sometimes fruits....
, and it can also be a strong alcoholic beverage
Alcoholic beverage
An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits. They are legally consumed in most countries, and over 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale, and consumption...
, usually around 70-80% alcohol, of very low quality. It was usually unclear, as it was distilled
Distillation
Distillation is a method of separating mixtures based on differences in volatilities of components in a boiling liquid mixture. Distillation is a unit operation, or a physical separation process, and not a chemical reaction....
with alcohol content and cheap price in mind, with little regard to taste.
It is likely that the name vodka (from voda (or woda), "water") stems from the difference between high-quality clear (and thus water-like in appearance) products and the lower-class stronger okovita. Also, the former was preferred by upper class
Upper class
In social science, the "upper class" is the group of people at the top of a social hierarchy. Members of an upper class may have great power over the allocation of resources and governmental policy in their area.- Historical meaning :...
es of the society, while peasants wanted strong intoxication
Intoxication
Substance intoxication is a type of substance-induced disorder which is potentially maladaptive and impairing, but reversible, and associated with recent use.If the symptoms are severe, the term "substance intoxication delirium" may be used.-Classification:...
for the lowest price possible.
As better distillation techniques became widespread, the cost difference between poor-quality okovita and clear drinks became smaller, and thus both the drink and the term have fallen out of use.