Hehe, Russians didn't quit drinking even during Gorbachev's "dry law" in late-80s
As Vladimir the Bright Sun said 1000 years ago - "Rusi yest' veselie piti", "Russia enjoys drinking". BTW, it was one of the main reasons why he had chosen an Orthodox religion
We already have so many "exise tax stamps" on the bottles as if vodka is delivered by mail
So far there is no shortages. Yesterday in a nearby store I counted about 50 different brands of vodka, from cheapest 30 rubles poison to de-luxe crystall bottles for 300 rubles per bottle. ($1 = 29 rubles now)
As for me - I have a bottle or two in my refrigerator, but they usually last for a few months. I think that 100g before a supper is good for disgestion, but I never drink more alone. Vodka is a special drink that requires special food (zakuska), and it's social. Maybe once in two weeks we have parties with traditional dishes and lot's of vodka, that's not used to get drunk fast, but to arise appetite and help people relax.
I am sure I'll be able to afford vodka even if the prices go up 100-200%. The brands I prefer (Vinogradov, Gzhelka, sometimes Topaz or Istok) cost 60-80 rubles for half-litre, it's next to nothing.
In fact I drink much more beer then vodka. If the beer price will rise - it will be much worse for me.
And don't forget that in province people still prefer "samogon" - moonshine, it's even cheaper, and good samogon is much better then vodka they can get in stores.
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With respect,
Pavel Pavlov,
Commissar 25th IAP WB VVS
