Samogon - moonshine

The Russian name for any home-made distilled alcoholic beverage is called samogon, literally translated as "self-distillate". The most popular source for samogon is sugar as it is quite effective. Other sources include beets, corn, potatoes and even plywood (Fictional sort of samogon, called Tabouretovka, which has to be made from wooden tabourets. Recipe of it was sold by Ostap Bender to ingenuous American tourists. Possible origin of this myth - early industrial alcohol was often made from wood scraps).
Samogon of one distillation only is called pervach (ru: первач), literally translated as "the first one" - it is well known for its impressive smell. The production of samogon is widespread in Russia. It is legal only for personal use, and sale is prohibited. Samogon often has a strong repulsive odor but, due to relatively cheap and fast production and ability to personalize the flavor of the drink, it is of relative popularity. It was common during the Soviet era, when products were scarce and supply unstable. Samogon of 2-nd and 3-rd distillation, filtered through birch charcoal loses its specific smell and taste and can hardly be distinguished from Vodka by taste.