Wódka Żołądkowa Gorzka
Wódka Żołądkowa Gorzka (Polish pronunciation: [ˈvutka ʒɔˈwɔntkɔva ˈɡɔʃka]) (colloquially shortened to Żołądkowa Gorzka or Żołądkowa) is a herbal vodka from Poland that has been the leading brand of Polmos-Lublin/Stock Polska since 1956. The name is translated as "bitter vodka for the stomach". Production of the vodka has followed the same recipe since 1956, following the traditional Polish practice of producing alcohol infused with fruits and steeped with herbs. The brand is very popular among consumers and has recently been introduced to international markets. In addition to Poland, it is available in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Germany and Spain. It has won several awards, including the Oskar FMCG 2006 award, CoolBrands award, the Gold Medal at Poznan International Fair POLAGRA 2000, and the Monde Selection 2009 (Grand Gold medal). In 2009, Polmos changed the bottle design for a more modern one that is still inspired by the original and traditional bottle.[citation needed]
Żołądkowa Gorzka follows in the long Polish tradition of herb and fruit vodkas. The label claims Wódka Żołądkowa Gorzka eases stomach digestion.
[edit] Taste
Despite its name, Żołądkowa Gorzka is a sweet, amber-coloured vodka with a unique spiced aroma and herbal flavor. Żołądkowa Gorzka is produced in five flavour variations:
- Traditional (Wódka Żołądkowa Gorzka Tradycyjna). A classic, special herb, bitter vodka.
- with Mint (Wódka Żołądkowa Gorzka z Miętą). Traditional with added peppermint. Introduced to the market in 2005
- with Honey (Żołądkowa Gorzka z Miodem). Traditional with added Polish honey. Introduced to the market in 2006
- clear/white (Wódka Żołądkowa Gorzka Czysta de Luxe). Introduced to the market in 2007
- with Bison-Grass (Wódka Żołądkowa Gorzka na trawie Żubrowej). Introduced to the market in 2009
The distinctive taste of Żołądkowa Gorzka is the result of combining the herbs and dried fruit (process of maceration of herbs and aging). The secret recipe includes, among others: wormwood, gentian root, pepper, and galangal.[citation needed] The flavour is enriched thanks to cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Wódka Żołądkowa Gorzka owes its distinctive color to addition of caramel. The vodka contains 40% alcohol.
