(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A state lawmaker is reminding people that a popular brand of vodka is made in America — in Plainfield, Illinois, in fact.
Rep. Mark Batinick, a Republican from that southwest suburban village, took to the floor of the Illinois House to urge people not to make assumptions about Smirnoff Vodka.
His comments come as some businesses and even one government authority are effectively banning Russian-made vodka after Russia’s widely condemned invasion of Ukraine.
"It’s actually produced about a bike ride from my house,” Batinick said of the Smirnoff brand. “So, as we’re cheering on the good versus evil that’s going on the other side of the world, feel free to support Smirnoff while you’re doing that.”
Smirnoff was founded in Connecticut in 1933. It changed hands several times over the decades and is currently owned by the British liquor conglomerate Diageo.
The Plainfield distillery is also responsible for Bulleit Bourbon and Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey.
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