Our History
The True Story Of
EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY FROM THE START
PA was known to filter his vodka through charcoal columns more times than his competitors – 5 times, to be exact. This process is an instrumental piece in the creation of the "St. Petersburg model."
INFAMY IS BORN
"Table Wine No. 21" becomes his most successful vodka and is stocked at the Winter Palace, being enjoyed by Russian peasants and Czars alike, receiving awards and accolades internationally. This recipe is what we know now as 'Smirnoff Recipe No. 21'
pictured:
Russian Smirnov advert from 1896 referencing their awards and distinctions
pictured:
Russian Smirnov advert from 1896 referencing their awards and distinctions
AMBITION RUNS IN THE FAMILY
1896
PA's third son, Vladimir, starts to work in his father's factory and joins the company's board of directors at age 21.
pictured:
Vladimir Smirnov
pictured:
Vladimir Smirnov
RUSSIA GOES DRY
1914
Russia imposes a dry law, ultimately forcing Smirnoff to close it’s doors.
pictured:
Closing day at the Smirnov factory after the state’s vodka monopoly went into effect.
pictured:
Closing day at the Smirnov factory after the state’s vodka monopoly went into effect.
ENEMY OF THE STATE
1919
Vladimir joins the anti-Bolshevik White Army and helps refugess escape through Southern Russian. He's ambushed, imprisoned, tortured and sentenced to death by firing squad.
FROM FAME TO INFAMY
Vladimir escapes death and is liberated by the White Army. He's taken to Crimea and flees across the Black Sea to Constantinople.
SEEKING OPPORTUNITY IN POLAND
1923
Vladimir gathers investors and establishes "Pierre Smirnoff Sons" to produce the Smirnov line. Polish government regulations change and he is forced to halt production.
RELENTLESS
1925
Vladimir joins the émigré Russian community in Nice and brokers a deal to produce vodka in France. During this time he changes the name from Smirnov to Smirnoff. The business and production overcome bankruptcy and an entire line of Smirnoff vodka was available including pre-Revolutionary best-sellers like No. 21.
CAPITAL TROUBLE
1933
Vladimir began seeking investors for the establishment of Smirnoff outposts in other countries. Rudolph Kunett, a Russian émigré living in New York, visited Vladimir and purchased the rights to begin making Smirnoff vodka in North America.
CRUEL TWIST OF FATE
1934
Vladimir passes away widowing Tatyana, his third wife, who inherits the business. Vladimir passes away without ever visiting his new enterprise in the U.S.
INVENTION OF AN ICONIC SERVE
1941
The head of the Smirnoff brand and a bar owner in California come together and co-conspire to create the legendary Moscow Mule.
pictured:
The Greatest Name in Vodka, 1950s-1960s
pictured:
The Greatest Name in Vodka, 1950s-1960s
INFAMOUS MARKETING
1940s
The head of Smirnoff markets the new cocktail across the country, taking instant camera pictures of barmen with his new concoction to entice the competition and encourage adoption. The Moscow Mule sparks a cocktail revolution and more than triples Smirnoff volume over the next 10 years.
NOTORIOUS AND INNOVATIVE
1999
Smirnoff continues to adapt to changing times, revolutionizing club culture with innovations such as new flavors. During this time, Smirnoff Ice is created to address the changing consumer palate.
A HUMBLE OLD LABEL ICES ITS RIVALS
2005
The New York Times holds a blind taste test of 21 of the leading vodkas in the world. "After the 21 vodkas were sipped and the results were compiled, the Smirnoff was our hands-down favorite"
CONTINUING TO EVOLVE
2016
Smirnoff Seltzers launch, with only 90 calories, zero sugar, one carb, and infused with natural fruit essence.
pictured:
Smirnoff Seltzer original variety pack
pictured:
Smirnoff Seltzer original variety pack
DOUBLE GOLD WINNER
2017
Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka wins a Double Gold medal from the San Francisco Spirits Competition. Smirnoff continues to be the most awarded name in vodka.
THE WORLD’S #1 VODKA
2018
Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka launches a new label to bring back our heritage shield and focus on our core roots. Smirnoff is continuing traditions since 1864, ten times filtered for remarkable smoothness, Made in America, and continues to be the World’s #1 Vodka.