卡拉什尼科夫的大名在当今世界几乎是无人不知无人不晓，以他名字命名的AK系列自动武器因威力大、易操作和维护方便，数十年来风靡全球。不过，令人难以置信的是，这位有“世界枪王”之称的传奇人物近日在英国推出的最新产品却与战争和杀人无关，这种以他的名字命名的伏特加酒给“卡拉什尼科夫”家族又增添了新的含义。

Two of Russia's most famous exports have been combined in the launch of Kalashnikov vodka - but one shot of it should not prove lethal.

Mikhail Kalashnikov, 84, inventor of the AK-47 assault rifle, proudly presented the new liquor in London.

The general, who designed the rifle after being wounded in World War II, said he wanted to continue the "good name" of his gun.

It has long been the weapon of choice for guerrilla armies around the world.

The new vodka, distilled in St Petersburg, retails for about $24 a bottle. It is already available at several clubs in London.

The general agreed to give his name to it after being approached by a British entrepreneur, John Florey.

Mr Kalashnikov argued that he created the gun for "purely patriotic reasons".

"I created it to protect the borders of my country," Reuters news agency quoted him as saying on Monday.

The gun is made in the Urals city of Izhevsk.