As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to the question of when Smirnoff stopped being Russian. Smirnoff, a well-known vodka brand, originated in Russia but ceased to be solely Russian due to historical circumstances.
In the early 20th century, during the Russian Revolution, Vladimir Smirnov (later changed to Smirnoff) fled the country and sought refuge in Europe. It was during this time that he re-established the Smirnoff brand outside of Russia. This marked the beginning of Smirnoff's journey as an international vodka brand.
Since then, Smirnoff has expanded its presence globally, including in the United States. In 1934, Smirnoff officially entered the American market and has been a popular vodka choice ever since. It is important to note that during this time, Smirnoff was fully owned by Diageo, a British company.
The association of Smirnoff with Russia still remains due to its origins and the historical connection to the country. However, it is essential to understand that Smirnoff has transcended its Russian roots and has become a global brand with a diverse consumer base.
In my personal experience, I have witnessed how Smirnoff is perceived as an international vodka brand rather than solely Russian. When recommending vodkas to customers, I often highlight the global popularity and reputation of Smirnoff, emphasizing its long-standing presence in the market rather than focusing solely on its Russian origins.
To summarize, Smirnoff stopped being solely Russian when Vladimir Smirnov fled Russia during the Revolution and re-established the brand in Europe. Since then, it has expanded its presence globally, including in the United States, and is currently owned by Diageo, a British company. While the association with Russia remains, Smirnoff has become an international vodka brand with a broad consumer base.