Recently some friends from the States came for a visit. They were intrigued by the variety in local spirits. Here are two that I am sure will intrigue my readers.
Let’s start with Krupnik. I am sure that your immediate thought was, Krupnik? What is Krupnik? This is a sweet spirit that is crafted along the lines of a liqueur. Very popular in both Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine, it is essentially Vodka infused with honey. All three countries prefer using clover honey. Variations to this popular spirit are also quite common. I have found that as many as 50 different herbs have been added by distillers in their attempt to create their idea of a perfect liqueur. Typically the alcohol content for Krupnik is 40 – 50 %.
Though popular throughout Eastern Europe, Krupnik actually originated in a region that is now within the country of Belarus. In Belarus Krupnik has a loyal following. Legend has it that in the 16th century, Benedictine monks developed the original recipe. Krupnik became an instant favorite of the Szlachtap, the nobility of Poland, Lithuania, and Ruthenia. On a side note, Ruthenia is present day west Ukraine along with the Zaporozian Host, which was a Cossack state in central Ukraine. In Crimea, the Karaims preferred their Vodka infused with more herbs, and on the spicier side.
With all of these variations, what then is the proper way to serve Krupnik? Due to its versatility and popularity, Krupnik can be enjoyed at room temperature, chilled, or slightly heated. With regard to cocktails, any mixed drink that is based on flavored Vodka, Krupnik can serve as a viable substitute. A particularly popular cocktail is the Krupnik Toddy.
These days Poland’s renown distillery, Belvedere is one of the primary producers of Krupnik. If your preference is for Ukrainian spirits, Nemirov is the preferred distiller.
Up next, Nalewka. If you have never heard of this spirit, I am not surprised. Nalewka is a traditional Polish spirit with an alcohol content of 40 – 50 %. However, there are styles of Nalewka that are as strong as 75 % alcohol. What exactly is Nalewka? Essentially it is a style of Vodka or neutral spirit with added ingredients. Such ingredients can range from fruits, herbs, spice, sugar, or molasses. Unlike ordinary liqueurs, Nalewkas are usually aged. On the palate, the more popular Nalewkas are similar to apple and other fruit brandies such as Calvas or Eau – de – viewpoint, yet much sweeter as in the vein of a liqueur.
On the unfortunate side the name Nalewka can be misleading. Oftentimes low quality, and low alcohol content spirits, are referred to as Nalewka or some derivation of the name. In both Russia and Ukraine such inferior spirits are known as “nalivka.” The primary difference is that in Poland, Nalewka is an infused spirit. Just for clarity sake, infusion is the taking of a rectified spirit (hard liquor) and infusing it with either fruit or herbs. Whereas in Russia and Ukraine, nalivkas are made by filling a jar with berries, sugar, and water. The jar is then sealed and left to ferment for six months. Obviously they are weaker in alcohol content, usually only 18 – 20%. The aroma is also much sweeter and concentrated than that of the Polish Nalewka. The Russian distillery, Stolichnaya exports 15 various “nastoika” (the official name in Russia), These nastoika have a range in flavors of fruits, herbs, pepper, vegetables, and horseradish.
Don’t be afraid to broaden your horizons and take a step beyond your comfort zone. I have found it to oftentimes be an enjoyable and tasty experience. After all, what’s the worst that could happen? You won’t like the drink. I will close by saying that my house guests loved both Krupnik and Nawleka. In fact they were open to try many other local gems, but that my friends is another story…
Wine & Spirits Connection with R. Gregory Alonzo 