Rifle maker takes a shot with vodka

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- The Russian creator of the AK-47 assault rifle is marketing a new vodka that packs quite a punch all its own.

Lt. Gen. Mikhail Kalashnikov invented what has become one of the world's most popular rifles during World War II, Sky News reported Tuesday.

Now, he's come up with what he hopes will become the world's most popular brew -- a powerful 82 proof vodka known as "the kalashnikov."

The vodka is made from grain harvested in Russia and water drawn from Lake Ladoga north of St. Petersburg, Sky News said.

Kalashnikov says he hopes the vodka will carry on "the good name" of his rifle.

"I've always wanted to improve and expand on the good name of my weapon by doing good things," he added.