The Vodka from Zubrovka (Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka)

Member Name: Zmugzy

Product:	Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka
Date:	25/07/09 (295 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The exquisite taste.

Disadvantages: Makes you a bit sleepy

I remember seeing Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka at an airport on the way back from a trip to Europe some years ago. It's unusual appearance of having a slight yellowish green tint in the bottle with a blade of grass floating inside attracted my attention and being rather partial to Polish vodka, I couldn't resist picking a bottle up in order to try when I got back home.

Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka was originally distilled in the thirteenth century. The Bison grass is an aromatic herb that grows in Poland and Belarus. It has in the past been used in perfume, tobacco, tea and other foods. The grass contains a high concentration of the chemical compound coumarin that is supposed to have a mood calming effect. The presence of this chemical coumarin led to the banning of Zubrówka in the USA. The single blade of grass in each bottle has become the trademark of the Zubrówka brand.

Like most Polish vodkas it is a strong concoction at 40% proof. It has a distinct flavour possessing what is often described as having a slight vanilla essence and an almond like aroma along with notes of woodruff and coconut. Most importantly as far as I'm concerned, like all good Polish and Russian vodkas, when drunk straight it is possesses that crisp, clean quality and lacks the sticky residue of a Smirnoff that clings to your mouth and gums. I like to drink Zubrówka straight with ice. It's certainly best served chilled. In Poland it is often drunk with apple juice.

Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka is not something you're likely to find in your local Tescos (but if you do let me know). At a good off- licence you should be able to pick up a 700ml bottle for around £16.

Summary: The Polish vodka with a blade of grass.