Żubrówka Bison Grass is the original Polish bison grass vodka, a rye-based vodka flavored with bison grass from the Białowieża Forest, bottled at 75 proof (37.5% ABV) in a 1L bottle, with a blade of bison grass in every bottle.
The Żubrówka story started over 500 years ago in the primeval Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the border of Poland and Belarus where Europe's last remaining herds of wild bison roam free and wild bison grass grows in the glades. The bison gave the grass its name, and the vodka is known as bison vodka; its name means just that. In Poland, the practice of flavoring spirit with this grass dates back centuries, and Żubrówka has been produced commercially since 1928.
The grass is harvested by hand once a year in June, when its flavor is richest, then dried, cut and bound in bunches for the distillery. The US version is made to a coumarin-free recipe on a rye base, as bison grass contains coumarin, which has been barred from US food since 1954. Each bottle still carries a blade of bison grass added by hand.
It is silky and aromatic, with a scent of fresh grass, thyme, lavender and vanilla, and a round palate of herbs, gentle sweetness and citrus.
Polish drinkers often serve it ice cold, straight from the freezer, in small glasses alongside food. It is also famous in the Szarlotka, or Polish apple pie: Żubrówka topped with cloudy apple juice.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Fresh grass, thyme, lavender, vanilla.
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Palate: Silky; herbs, gentle sweetness, citrus.
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Finish: Round and aromatic.
Specifications
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Origin: Poland
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Base: Rye
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Flavor: Bison grass from the Białowieża Forest
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Proof / ABV: 75 proof (37.5% ABV)
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Size: 1L
How to Enjoy It
Serve it ice cold from the freezer, or mix a Szarlotka with apple juice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bison grass?
A fragrant grass from Poland's Białowieża Forest, home to wild bison.
How is the US version made?
On a rye base with a coumarin-free recipe.
What is a Szarlotka?
Żubrówka with apple juice, a Polish favorite.
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