As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that Smirnoff vodka is not made in Russia. Despite its Russian origin, Smirnoff is actually owned by the British company Diageo, which is one of the largest alcoholic beverage producers in the world.
Smirnoff was founded by Pyotr Arsenievich Smirnov in Russia in the late 19th century. The brand gained popularity and eventually became known internationally. However, during the Russian Revolution in 1917, the Smirnov family was forced to flee Russia, and the brand's ownership changed hands multiple times.
In 1934, Rudolph Kunett, a Russian immigrant, acquired the rights to produce Smirnoff vodka in the United States. Kunett's company, A.J. Kunett Distillers, began producing Smirnoff vodka in Connecticut. Fast forward to 1987, when Diageo, a British multinational alcoholic beverages company, acquired A.J. Kunett Distillers and therefore gained ownership of the Smirnoff brand.
Today, Smirnoff vodka for the US market is primarily manufactured in Illinois, not Russia. Diageo operates several production facilities in the United States, including a large distillery in Plainfield, Illinois, where Smirnoff vodka is produced. This ensures that Smirnoff vodka available in the US is not made in Russia.
It is worth noting that there was some confusion during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where Smirnoff was mistakenly targeted for boycotts due to its perceived Russian connection. However, it is important to separate the brand's origins from its current ownership and production practices. Smirnoff is now a global brand with operations and production facilities outside of Russia.
Smirnoff vodka is not a Russian-made vodka. It is owned by the British company Diageo and is primarily manufactured in Illinois for the US market. The brand's Russian origins should not be conflated with its current ownership and production practices.