Encyclopedia Britannica writes that Vodka originated in Russia during the 14th century

Encyclopedia Britannica writes that Vodka originated in Russia during the 14th century, but exact origins of vodka cannot be traced definitively. It is believed to have originated in the grain-growing region that now embraces Poland, western Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, Ukraine. It also has a long tradition in Scandinavia.
For many centuries beverages contained little alcohol. It is estimated that the maximum amount was about 14% as only this amount is reachable by means of natural fermentation. The still allowing for distillation – the "burning of wine" – was invented in the 8th century.