Episode 63: Żubrówka Bison Grass Vodka
Episode 63 features Żubrówka, a Bison Grass flavored vodka from Poland. I ended up with two different bottles. First is Żubrówka brand, 750mL at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it sells for between $25 and $30. Second bottle is Bak's brand of Bison Grass vodka, 750Ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it sells for $21.
Enjoy this episode with Żubrówka on ice, or mixed with apple juice.
Żubrówka's official website: https://zubrowkawin.co.uk/
Brief Historical Timeline:
- 14th Century - This is when the earliest recipes for Bison Grass vodka originate
- 1920s - The European Bison is near extinction
- 1928 - Żubrówka the modern version and brand is first commercially produced
- 1954 - The FDA in the US bans the chemical substance Coumarin, removing Bison Grass from the US market
- 2003 - Żubrówka label listed by the US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) Certification/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approvals (COLA) shows "Neutralized Bison Grass" presumably having removed the Coumarin
- 2010 - Żubrówka returns to the US market
- 2019 - Sales of 9.7 millions 9 liter equivalent cases
Key Cocktails:
Żubrówka has a cinnamon flavor component to it, and the most popular way to drink it is with apple juice - resulting in a cocktail that tastes like an apple pie.
Apple ZU:
- 50 ml Żubrówka
- 100 ml Apple Juice
- Squeeze of Lime Juice
Pour ingredients over ice in a tall glass, like a Collins glass. Enjoy!
References:
YouTube Video on How It's Made
Wikipedia Article on European Bison
Eater.com Article on Bison Grass Vodka
Return to the US Market in 2010
Sales Figures from The Drinks Business
Contact Information:
Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com
Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/
Twitter: @LLConnoisseur
