PEORIA, Ill. – In case you’re looking for an “adult beverage,” regardless of the time of day, the Russian invasion of Ukraine may limit some of your choices.
A check at midday Wednesday of the liquor shelves at several grocery and liquor stores turned up some emptier shelves where the vodka goes — especially vodkas that have Russian names.
Chains like Kroger and Hy-Vee, among others, have been seen on social media taking Russian-made alcohols off the shelves. Media reports also have highlighted Kroger’s move in recent days. That’s coupled with social media encouragement of purchasing more American-made liquors like Tito’s vodka.
But, there is some “buyer beware” to add. Some alcohols with Russian names have labels indicating they’re made and/or bottled in the U.S.A. Stolichnaya, for instance, is owned by a Russian-born billionaire who reportedly moved to Latvia when Vladimir Putin became president.
One liquor store manager who declined to be interviewed for this story said his store has taken Russian-made vodka off the shelves, while Russian beer remains for now. That’s because, the manager said, it has a short shelf life, so it might get canned if it doesn’t sell soon anyway. Plus, we’re told that in many cases, the Russian makers have already been paid for their product.
And, one more note: at least one liquor store manager says his Russian-made vodka shelves have been invaded by Ukranian-made products.
