Borovička
Borovička (Slovak pronunciation: [ˈbɔrɔvitʃka]) (also known as Juniper brandy) is a Slovak alcoholic beverage flavored with juniper berries.[1] It is characterized by a white[2] or golden colour[3] and a taste similar to that of dry gin.[4] It is popular especially in Slovakia,[4] Poland, and the Czech Republic. Today's commercially-produced borovička contains about 40%[2] alcohol by volume. As a benchmark, the minimum alcohol amount required by law in Slovakia is 37.5%.[5]
Similar drinks but differently made are known in south Slavic countries such us brinjevec in Slovenia (brin means juniper in Slovene) and klekovača in Serbia (kleka means juniper in Serbian). Other similar drinks include several types of Gin like jenever, etc.
[edit] History
According to The Dictionary of the Slovak Language, borovička derives its name from the Slovak word for juniper, borievka.[6] Borovička harks back to the 16th century, when this beverage was produced in the Habsburg Monarchy's in county part called Liptov , as well former part of Slovakia. It was exported to whole Habsburg Monarchy and specially to Vienna and Budapest, principally via rafts floating down the river Váh.[7][8]
[edit] Major brands
- St. Nicolaus (Slovakia)
- Old Herold (Slovakia)
- Rudolf Jelínek (Czech Republic)
- Spišská Borovička (Slovakia)
[edit] References and footnotes
- ^ St. Nicolaus - trade, a.s
- ^ a b http://www.alkoholy.wz.cz/alkoholy/B.htm (Slovak)
- ^ http://www.lineanivnice.cz/3496450_EN.html
- ^ a b Alcohol Beverages | Slovakia
- ^ http://www.svssr.sk/sk/legislativa/kodex/3_30.asp (Slovak)
- ^ Slovenské slovníky
- ^ http://www.nicolaus.sk/index.php?page_id=231 (Slovak)
- ^ http://www.plte.szm.sk/historia.html (Slovak)
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