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Vana Tallinn (translated into Russian as “Old Tallinn”) is the pride of the Estonian capital, the harmonious combination of burning Jamaican rum, tart herbs, citrus oils and delicate sweetness has brought this strong drink many international awards, diplomas and medals.
By the standards of alcoholic products, this is a very young liquor: he was barely 60 years old (invented in 1962). We are not talking about a thousand-year history, nor about centuries-old traditions of production and consumption. However, the appearance of the Vana Tallinn liqueur is associated with a curious legend, which, like in a mirror, reflected both the respect and reverent attitude of Estonians towards their national alcohol.
Medieval alchemists were looking not only for a way to turn any metals into gold: their main goal was to create a recipe for an elixir of eternal youth and immortality. They say that one such inquisitive scientist lived in the XII century in ancient Tallinn (then still Kolyvan). Unlike his less fortunate colleagues, he was lucky: endless experiments led to the desired result. Unfortunately, at the very moment of the great discovery, an explosion thundered in the laboratory, the waters of Pirita burst into the alchemist’s house, and the river carried away all the magic potions.
They also say that since then a fiery river has been flowing under the capital, the water from which has an amazing taste and healing properties. It is not difficult to guess that according to legend, this miracle ingredient is part of the drink loved by Estonians.
What happened to the alchemist? Someone claims that he died in a fire, others believe that the old master managed to take a sip of a rejuvenating potion, and now wanders through the narrow streets of Tallinn, others read somewhere that a terrible death awaited the scientist in torture cellars – the ruler of the city also wanted to know recipe for immortality.
Fortress and views of Vana Tallinn
The classic Vana Talinn has a strength of 45 degrees, but the manufacturer has expanded the range of modifications to enter the European market. Now liquor in strict and slender bottles is available in three types:
- “Original” – a fortress of 40%. This drink is popular in Western Europe, where they are not used to alcohol stronger than vodka.
- “Classic” – the original version (45%). It is respected among the Slavs and the inhabitants of the Baltic states.
- “Strong” – fifty-degree modification. This variety Vana Tallinn was created for the harsh Scandinavians who need something to keep warm during long frosty winters.
It is curious that all three variations are absolutely identical in taste, the only thing that distinguishes them from each other is the fortress. Liviko, the owner of the trademark rights and the official manufacturer of Vana Tallinn, deliberately achieved this effect. The main idea of expanding the line was to enable residents of other regions to enjoy the invigorating and fresh taste of this original drink.
“Lady’s” creamy Vana Tallinn
Creamy Vana Tallinn is often called the “Estonian Baileys” – these two alcohols are really very similar. Weak – only 16 degrees with a thick creamy taste and various additives, this drink is a festive table decoration and a gourmet treat for ladies.
The “creamy” line has four “models”:
- Cream (cream);
- Chocolate;
- Coffee (coffee);
- Orange (orange).
Special varieties Vana Tallinn
Estonians enjoyed experimenting with recipes, and in the 2000s, the following types of favorite liquor appeared on the market:
- Winter Spice (winter spice). Vana Tallinn with cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg – a complete set of Christmas spices strongly associated with mulled wine, a striped sock over the fireplace, the chime of Santa’s reindeer bells.
- Summer Lime (summer lime). Liquor with a pronounced mint-citrus taste. Easy to drink in the heat. The perfect refreshing drink for summer parties.
- Heritage Edition (Heritage). This balm uses dark Jamaican rum 60 years old in bourbon barrels. The result is a “solid” drink with a caramel-woody aftertaste.
- Signature (signature, autograph). This variety was created in 2013 to celebrate the release of the XNUMX millionth bottle of Vana Tallinn. In this drink, French cognac and Estonian liqueur are mixed in filigree exact proportions.
- Glög is a light 12-degree drink, a “blend” of liquor and red wine.
How and with what to drink Vana Tallinn
There are no strict consumption regulations for Vana Tallinn, just as there are no special dishes for it. This liquor is drunk both in its pure form with ice, and as part of cocktails, adding to soft drinks, tea or coffee. “Old Tallinn” is served as an aperitif or digestif, but it is more of a dessert drink that is good to eat with fruit, sweet pastries or sweets.
Estonian liqueur is an excellent analogue of pure rum for those who want to feel like a pirate, but do not tolerate too strong alcohol: with the same strength, the taste of liquor is smoothed out by aromatic additives and spices.
Like any strong alcohol, Vana Tallinn liquor is used as a warming and anti-cold remedy. The herbs and oils that make up the drink contain vitamins, trace elements, and useful minerals. Estonians themselves often drink Vana Tallinn when they have a cough, a runny nose, a decrease in tone, or general malaise.