Borovička
Borovička (Czech 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 as 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.
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 county of Liptov, today part of northern Slovakia. It was exported throughout the whole Habsburg Monarchy, particularly to Vienna and Budapest. It was transported southward principally via rafts floating down the river Váh.[7][8]
Major brands
- St. Nicolaus (Slovakia)
- Frucona - Spišská Borovička (Slovakia)
- Frucona - Borovčkový destilát 55% (Slovakia)
- Gas Família - Spiš original borovička (Slovakia)
- Gas Família - Spišská borovička (Slovakia)
- Old Herold (Slovakia)
- Rudolf Jelínek (Czech Republic)
References and footnotes
- ^ St. Nicolaus - trade, a.s
- ^ a b http://www.alkoholy.wz.cz/alkoholy/B.htm (Slovak)
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-03-04.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ a b Alcohol Beverages | Slovakia
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2007-04-03. Retrieved 2007-03-04.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) (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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