Linda Himelstein

The story of a one-of-a-kind man, a Russian serf who became a tycoon, right at the confluence of capitalism and communism.

You know the end, Smirnoff vodka rules the world, a distinctly Russian drink that becomes a worldwide phenomenon. But the origin is interesting enough.

Pyotr Smirnov, an indentured servant, sees an opportunity at the last days of the Tsars and little by little builds a business and then a brand, and then an empire. He sought, and received, the imprimatur of the Tsar, and became a big-timer.

And then, revolution.

The whole thing comes crashing down as communists nationalize the business and Smirnov dies without his creation.

One of his sons, who didn’t really want in the business, takes over and resurrects the vodka and the family name.

Finally, Americans step in and take Smirnoff international – I didn’t know that part!

This is a really interesting look at alcohol, Russia and the forces that changed the world.

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