An aggressively different vodka – in a good way!
Notes: This vodka is produced in Poland for Adamba Imports, who bring in a wide variety of vodkas of various types.This particular one features a blade of bison grass from the forests in northeastern Poland in Bialowieza and traces its origin to Polish aristocrats in the 13th century. Like absinthe, it was banned in this country until, like another beverage, (Coca Cola and its coca leaves) it was able to use a neutralized and acceptable herb.
Appearance: Interesting, somewhat distinctive clear green color similar to some absinthe, clear, with no sediment whatsoever. On swirling, it leaves a a thick clear coat on the inside of the glass with legs and droplets forming.
First Impression: Interesting smell at first, clover,grassy then picking up vanilla, (nutmeg?), aromatic oils, and honey and citrus. Heavy bodied smell to it compared to most vodka, not of the high ester and rubbing alcohol fumes some lighter vodkas display.
Taste: Cinnamon,a wallop of cardamom,honey,and citrus all in a big rush,sweet and oily on the tongue, thick body, with high aromatic citrus notes playing off against the initial mouthfeel. The citrus notes cut the thickness down and coat the tongue in a nice way with all the botanicals. A very slight warming of alcohol as it goes down the throat, It is beguilingly smooth stuff: with lingering warmth and tingle to the lips and the long lingering oily finish.
Drinks: An interesting vodka, but a challenge to mix with. Traditionally served with apple juice, we liked mulling cider with it. We tried making Lassi’s with it – interesting. Our martini attempts were very nice -a more gin-like vodka than any we have come across (with no juniper, really).
Check their web site www.bisongrassvodka.com for more ideas. Its well worth some exploring and experimenting.
Bottle: Cylindrical clear glass with flat front and flat angled to round neck is an eye catching design. Distinctive color, O.K. it reminds me a little of radiator fluid or absinthe, but hey, it stands out from all the clear stuff. Nice graphics bottle and on the labels. The single blade of grass (looks a bit like calamus) is a nice touch. Attractive graphics on neck collar. Design on cap make it easy to find in a chest freezer among other bottles.
Final Thoughts: An excellent value for the money – less than the price of some of the fashion victim flavored vodkas and it has real taste to it. The fear of flavor crowd will hate this vodka. People who embrace flavor will love it. A vodka yhat a gin drinker can warm up to. An aggressively different vodka – in a good way!
Web site:: http://www.bisongrassvodka.com
Fast loading with fair amount of information. Simple navigation, easy-to-read . Good content and descriptions of product, if a bit short in some ways.