Episode 63

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Published on:

30th Jul 2021

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:

Wikipedia Article on Żubrówka

YouTube Video on How It's Made

Wikipedia Article on European Bison

Eater.com Article on Bison Grass Vodka

Distillery Profile

Coumarin History

Label Sample from 2003

Return to the US Market in 2010

Sales Figures from The Drinks Business

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

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About the Podcast

Liquor and Liqueur Connoisseur
Podcast dedicated to drinking, discussing, and discovering the world of distilled spirits.
Liquor and Liqueur Connoisseur is a podcast for anyone that enjoys distilled spirits!

Built on the premise of drinking, discussing, and discovering the world of distilled spirits, each episode features consistent tastings and much more. The featured spirit's backstory is covered, including history of production, marketing, availability, notable events for the spirit, as well as personal stories on enjoyment.

This podcast features new episodes at least weekly, and is the work of host Matt Birchard, who created the podcast as a way to keep a new year's resolution to himself - which was to drink more!

So enjoy each episode whenever you have time, but it's recommended you enjoy a liquor or liqueur during the show!

About your host

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Matthew Birchard

I'm a fan of distilled spirits, and marketer by trade. Native of Portland, Oregon, USA.