Zubrovka is a type of bitters that has been known in Poland since the beginning of the XNUMXth century. The strong drink got its name due to the main component – fragrant grass, a favorite food of European bison. The plant has a whole range of healing properties and is considered an aphrodisiac. The name of the drink is not a brand – bison is produced not only in Poland, but also in Belarus.
Historical information
The Zubrowka brand is owned by CEDC, one of the largest producers and distributors of alcohol in Poland. The company’s products are among the top ten most popular brands in the world. Polish vodka “Zubrovka” is sold in 80 countries. The tincture is produced in the city of Bialystok, the administrative center of the Podlaskie Voivodeship.
One of the oldest companies in the industry, Polmos Bialystok was founded in 1928. The plant produced more than 35 types of vodkas, liqueurs and brandy. In 2013, the Polish alcohol holding CEDC was on the verge of bankruptcy and was bought out by Russian entrepreneur Rustam Tariko, owner of the Russian Standard group of companies.
Production features
The basis for bison is the herb Hierochloe odorata, common in Belovezhskaya Pushcha and in a number of regions of northeastern Poland. Collection of plants in the European part of the reserve requires a license. Harvesters carefully cut the stems, trying not to damage the roots, then dry the grass for a week. From the collection points, raw materials are delivered to the Bialystok distillery.
The grass is loaded into a maceration plant, poured with a mixture of water and alcohol and kept for three days. The resulting infusion is placed in tall oak barrels for a month. Ready filtered extract is mixed with alcohol and prepared water. The process takes place automatically, compliance with the recipe is controlled by a computer system.
After assessing the quality of the drink by the laboratory workers, the bison goes through the last filtration and enters the bottling line. Signature herb stalks are added to each bottle by hand. At the output, the products undergo additional control. The Bialystok plant produces 36 liters of bison a day.
Awards
During its existence, the brand has won more than 60 awards at international competitions. Among the achievements of the last decade.
Monde Selection, Brussels:
- 2011, 2012 – gold medal.
The Spirits Business, Лондон:
- 2016 – gold medal;
- 2018 – silver medal.
San Francisco Spirits Competition, San Francisco:
- 2013, 2015 – silver medals.
Interesting Facts
According to the profile magazine Impact, Zubrovka vodka was among the top sellers in 2018. The tincture took third place in the ranking after the famous brands Smirnoff and Absolut. During the year, more than 77 million liters of the drink were sold.
In the United States, the sale of Polish vodka was banned in 1978, as the herb contains coumarin, which is recognized in the country as hazardous to health. Although the substance can only be harmful in high concentrations, only imitation bison with flavorings and a plastic blade of grass in a bottle are allowed to be sold in American stores.
Types of “Zubrovka”
Zubrowka Bison Grass, 37,5%
The vodka is made according to the original recipe and contains grain alcohol, crystal clear water and an infusion of bison grass, which gives a greenish tint to the transparent drink. The aroma is fresh, without alcohol aggression. Vodka is very easy to drink and does not burn. The taste is spicy, with pronounced herbal tones, typical for bison.
Zubrowka Zlota, 37,5%
An amber-colored bitter with a rich flavor range, which harmoniously combines oak and forest herbs. All ingredients are natural. An ideal drink for an aperitif in a male company.
Zubrowka Pedy Sosny, 37,5%
The composition includes an alcohol infusion of young pine branches, which gives the drink the aroma of wood resins. Sweetish-spicy tincture without excessive cloying and long aftertaste.
Zubrowka, Maple Leaves, 37,5%
Dessert vodka with the addition of maple leaf infusions and ripe fruit. A clear drink with a caramel flavor, without harsh alcohol notes. Despite the high strength, it is easy to drink.
Zubrowka Kora Debu 37,5%
The main component of the tincture is oak bark, which gives the vodka a pleasant brown color. The bouquet is fresh and multifaceted with pronounced vanilla nuances.
Zubrowka Biala Pure, 40%
The classic variety without additives is the sales leader on the Polish alcohol market. A crystal clear drink with a mild taste made from spring water and high-quality six-fold distilled grain alcohol.
Zubrowka Biala with a hint of mint, 40%
Flavored variety, the strength of which softens the infusion of natural mint. Vodka with a delicate fresh taste and pleasant aroma. The manufacturer recommends consuming well-chilled bison in spring and summer as an alternative to lighter drinks.
Zubrowka Biala with a note of juniper, 40%
Formulated with juniper extract, purified water and alcohol from a blend of carefully selected grains. Natural additive gives the drink a unique flavor and neutralizes alcohol notes. Well-chilled juniper vodka enhances the taste of dishes, so this variety should be served with an appetizer.
