We know that some may argue with us about it but…

For as long as we Poles can remember, vodka has always been present at Polish celebrations, parties and wedding receptions. We cannot imagine any kind of party without a few bottles of vodka. Even if you don’t like vodka you have to admit that drinking vodka is a part of our Polish, social tradition.  Some people claim that vodka is somehow linked to our national identity. This is especially visible during our wedding receptions. In some parts of Poland, mainly in villages, there is an interesting tradition of stopping a bride and a groom on their way to church. Men usually gather and wish the couple good luck, in exchange they get one or two bottles of vodka.

This July 2010 photo from Upper Silesia region of Poland was taken when a couple was heading to church to get married. Best man is holding a basket with a few bottles of vodka to give away.

Nowadays, there are many brands of vodkas, and Poland is among tradition vodka-making countries: such as Russia, Sweden or Lithuania. This popular liquor is made from fermented grain and potatoes. Here in Poland it is usually drunk straight up but you can use vodka in mixed drinks or cocktails, which have recently become quite popular, especially among women. Men usually drink chilled, clear vodka followed by pickles or pickled herring.

As we Poles are very fond of our history, many luxurious vodkas has been named after famous Polish figures. We also have a long tradition of flavor and herbal vodkas. Among the best Polish brands are: Chopin Vodka, Pan Tadeusz, Kopernik, Sobieski Vodka,  Luksusowa Vodka, Wyborowa Vodka, Wódka Żołądkowa Gorzka, Żubrówka and Krupnik.

Chopin vodka is named after the greatest Polish composer, Fryderyk Chopin and it is well known outside Poland. Very smooth potato or rye vodka, which is distilled four times with purified artesian water. Chopin vodka is quite expensive but very common. There is a possibility to visit its distillery on the border of Mazovia/Podlasia regions, the eastern Polish town of Krzesk, where the historic distillery is located.

Poland Culinary Vacations Touring Chopin Vodka Distillery in Krzesk, Poland.

Pan Tadeusz is a very common grain vodka, smooth and delicate. It is named after Adam Mickiewicz’s – Polish poet, publisher and political writer – famous national epic “Pan Tadeusz”. It was launched in 1999, when Andrzej Wajda film “Pan Tadeusz” premiered. Produced by V&S Luksusowa, Zielona Góra S.A.

Pan Tadeusz Polish Vodka in an exclusive label.

Sobieski Vodka – with Bruce Willis as its spokesperson Sobieski Vodka is well known outside Poland. It is named after the Polish King, Jan III Sobieski, and has been produced since 1864. In 2007 Sobieski Vodka was ranked as number one by the Beverage Testing Institute.

Sobieski Polish Vodka.

Krupnik– traditionally sweet vodka known as “Honey Liquour”. Very common and well liked by women. Produced by Destylarnia Sobieski S.A., Polmos Starogard Gdanski.

Wódka Żołądkowa Gorzka can be translated as “bitter vodka for the stomach.” It is a sweet, amber-coloured vodka with herbal flavor. Żołądkowa Gorzka follows a long Polish tradition of fruit and herbal vodkas. There are five flavour variations: traditional, with mint, with honey, clear white, and with Bison Grass.

Zoladkowa Gorzka Polish Vodka.

Żubrówka - Bison Grass Vodka. It is dry, herb flavored vodka that is distilled from rye and flavored with a tincture of buffalo grass. The name Żubrówka comes from “żubr”, the Polish word for the European bison. Produced by Polmos Białystok.

Zubrówka Vodka - Bison Grass Polish Vodka in an interesting bottle.

Dębowa Polska In recent years Oak vodka of Poland has become very popular. With its interesting bottles it has been promoted successfully all over the world.

Debowa Polish Vodka.

Śliwowica.Together with other nations in Central and East Europe, Poland is among primary producers of Śliwowica. It is a popular beverage distilled from plums.

Sliwowica Plum Polish Vodka.

Give the above MADE IN POLAND  fine vodkas a try!  NA ZDROWIE! (Translation: To Your Health! – Cheers in Polish!)