The pictures to the left are not from a liquor store. They're from a museum. The Vodka Museum in Moscow features 2707 different types of vodka of varying levels of rarity. Groups go on tours to look at the interesting bottles, to observe the distillation process and, of course, to sample. The museums restaurant offers samples of all of the varieties shown in the museum but it's a good idea to have a designated buyer willing to keep a clear head, some of the varieties are very expensive.

Vodka is something of an art form in Russia and it isn't all about the drink itself, although it's definitely important. The wild, creative bottles the drink comes in are half the fun. There is vodka for sale at the museums gift shop but many of the same brands can be picked up at smaller local shops for a way lower price. Additional pictures can be found at http://englishrussia.com/?p=1216.