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Post by tufta on Sept 14, 2008 21:14:43 GMT 1
Does Poland make any great wines? I am unable to find any. Just mead wine, are there others? Mike No great wines. Only cheap ones, Bo, true of course, but I have heard about the revival of Polish grape wines. Have you heard about it. Or - even better - ever tasted one? |
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Post by Bonobo on Sept 14, 2008 21:27:26 GMT 1
Bo, true of course, but I have heard about the revival of Polish grape wines. Have you heard about it. Or - even better - ever tasted one? I read about it in an article posted above. But never tasted one - I usually drink my own wine. |
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Post by Bonobo on Oct 5, 2008 20:46:45 GMT 1
Ask The Bartender: Slivovitz
by Maggie Dutton
Seattle Weekly, WA
10/1/08
Each week we answer all those burning questions that you've always
wanted to know the answer to, but then get too drunk (or shy) and
forget to ask. From Stephanie:
My grandfather used to drink something called Slivovitch which he
called plum brandy, but I've tried a few fruit brandies and can't
ever get anything like it. It's not sweet enough. Can I make an
infusion at home with ripe plums, and I was thinking of adding pears
for sweetness.
Weird, we all must have plums on the brain, just picked 10 pounds
from my backyard. Slivovitz is a certain kind of plum brandy,
manufactured mainly in Eastern Europe. It's very popular around
holidays in American with the Jewish (a few are certified kosher) and
Polish communities. It depends on what fruit brandies you tried.
Maraska is the most common Slivovitz. Anything along the lines of
Clear Creek is going to be closer to grappa, and anything labeled as
a fruit brandy is likelier to taste like flavored syrup with alcohol.
Although some cheap versions of Slivovitz fare no better.
But Slivovitz is more than brandy made from plums, the kernals of the
plum are also ground and used in distillation. This gives Slivovitz
an almond aroma and flavor, not nearly intense as amaretto, but it
adds to the perception of sweetness in it and a really pleasing
aroma. I'm guessing this is what you remember.
Of course you can make a Slivovitz, a version anyway. And of course
you can use any fruit you like. Now is the time, though, if you want
to make a homemade version with plums. Get a base brandy from the
liquor store, like Christian Brothers, and add a pound of macerated
plums (preferably Italian) per one liter of brandy. Let it sit for a
week or two until you get the flavor you want. Strain the mixture
through fine mesh and then a coffee filter; you want to get all the
fruit out. If you want to add a little almond flavor, add a few drops
of extract (Neilson & Massey's is best). You can also add almond
syrup if you want to sweeten your Slivovitz. Start with small
amounts, though; the almond flavor will increase over time.
I'd keep my Slivovitz-esque liqueur in the freezer and serve it in
shot glasses with a slice of citru or mix it with sparkling wine.
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Post by valpomike on Oct 6, 2008 3:41:45 GMT 1
We have it here, and I have tried it, and it is good. Even with the fact that I don't drink.
Mike
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Post by Bonobo on Dec 12, 2008 22:05:33 GMT 1
Authentic Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka Awarded Gold in Prestigious International Review of Spirits Competition Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka has received a Gold Medal for "Exceptional" taste in the flavored vodka category of the 2008 International Review of Spirits competition, conducted by the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) in Chicago. Announcing its U.S. launch last year, Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka is the authentic Polish bison grass-flavored vodka owned by Polmos Bialystok. The 400-year-old spirit derives its unique flavor from an extract of bison grass, a rare aromatic herb grass that grows exclusively in the last remaining primeval forest in Europe. Chicago, IL (PRWEB) December 8, 2008 -- Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka has received a Gold Medal for "Exceptional" taste in the flavored vodka category of the 2008 International Review of Spirits competition, conducted by the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) in Chicago. Announcing its U.S. launch last year, Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka is the authentic Polish bison grass-flavored vodka owned by Polmos Bialystok. The 400-year-old spirit derives its unique flavor from an extract of bison grass, a rare aromatic herb grass that grows exclusively in the last remaining primeval forest in Europe. "Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka is the true genuine brand of bison grass-flavored vodka, and we are seeing its international popularity apparent in the U.S. among consumers and spirits experts," said Jimmy Todd, VP of Sales, Marsalle Company. "Polmos Bialystok is the only distillery in Poland authorized to produce the iconic bison grass vodka, and those who taste the authentic Zubrówka realize its delicate flavor and distinctive aroma cannot be imitated." Chicago-based Marsalle Company is the exclusive importer and distributor of Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka in the U.S. The International Review of Spirits is the largest and most prestigious annual spirits competition in the United States. The blind tasting competition is judged by the Beverage Testing Institute in its dedicated tasting lab in Chicago, using a proprietary tasting methodology that assures consistent results, scoring products based on a 100-point scale. Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka received an "Exceptional" score of 92 with BTI noting its authentic "grass character." Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka made its U.S. debut in Chicago, Washington D.C. and the New York metropolitan area, including New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut. It is also now available in areas of California, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas. Priced at $24.99 per 750ml. bottle, Zubrówka holds a signature blade of bison grass to keep its subtle flavor fresh. Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka originated in the early 14th century as a local specialty from the Bialowieza forest region, which today is Europe's last remaining primeval forest, relatively untouched by civilization and pollution. The secretive Bialowieza Forest, located deep in northeastern Poland, remains home to the largest population of European bison, and the storied, aromatic bison grass on which the herd of 400 feeds. Bison grass cannot be grown artificially, and production of authentic Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka has remained unchanged for centuries.   .jpg)  |
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Post by franciszek on Dec 12, 2008 22:18:51 GMT 1
A friend of mine got some Polish vodka with gold leaf quite supprised to find it was real gold leaf.I used to drink vodka and orange but stopped after my heart attack.
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Dec 12, 2008 22:29:45 GMT 1
A friend of mine got some Polish vodka with gold leaf quite supprised to find it was real gold leaf.I used to drink vodka and orange but stopped after my heart attack. Hello Franciszek! Nice to see you posting again. How have you been? |
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Post by franciszek on Dec 12, 2008 22:37:02 GMT 1
I have been ok hand injury has healed and i have new job i am just printing photos of my son to send to family in Poland and USA for christmas deadline tomorrow for posting.
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Post by Bonobo on Dec 12, 2008 23:04:35 GMT 1
I have been ok hand injury has healed That`s great. I am really glad. Welcome back and take care. |
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Dec 12, 2008 23:07:35 GMT 1
I have been ok hand injury has healed and i have new job. Good news indeed!  |
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Post by franciszek on Dec 13, 2008 6:50:15 GMT 1
thanks to you both!
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Post by Bonobo on Dec 13, 2008 7:10:57 GMT 1
We missed you. Did you have problems with the Net or just rested your hand? |
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Dec 13, 2008 14:54:42 GMT 1
 Happy Birthday Franciszek! Sto Lat! We'll send you a cyber cake instead of vodka!  |
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Post by franciszek on Dec 15, 2008 21:59:33 GMT 1
We missed you. Did you have problems with the Net or just rested your hand? To some extent i was resting my hand but as well as was a bit down and worried about not having a job and not being able to support my family even though my wife works we need both incomes.I found it hard to concentrate but i always had a quick peek to see how things were going.Now i have a new job and things are very busy some days i work 12 hours in one day,but i am now trying to find more me time may still require another change of company. |
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Post by franciszek on Dec 15, 2008 22:02:37 GMT 1
Happy Birthday Franciszek! Sto Lat! We'll send you a cyber cake instead of vodka! thanks for the cake cannot blow the candles out though! what does Sto Lat mean? |
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Dec 15, 2008 22:31:56 GMT 1
thanks for the cake cannot blow the candles out though! what does Sto Lat mean? Sto Lat means "One hundred years" in Polish. It basically means to wish someone longevity. There is also a Sto Lat song that is similar to "Happy Birthday": By the way, the new avatar is adorable. My, how your son has grown! |
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Post by franciszek on Dec 16, 2008 0:38:52 GMT 1
thanks for translation yes he has grown and he has found his voice he cannot stop talking at the moment he would repeat Polish words if you spoke it to him but we will stick to english for the time being.
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Post by Bonobo on Jan 10, 2009 23:27:49 GMT 1
Sobieski Vodka Has Anything But a Sob Story
Nov 26, 2008
Becky Ebenkamp
Brandweek Magazine, NY
Brand: Sobieski vodka
Headquarters: Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Product: Premium Polish vodka
U.S. launch date: 2007
Sales: 200,000 cases in the U.S. in its first year
Target demo: Vodka drinkers of any age (well, over 21, of course)
Competition: All vodka brands regardless of price, from $10 to $50
Distribution: In all 50 states
Claims: "Consumers don't have to pay a king's ransom to get superb vodka."
Secret weapon: $10.99 price tag
New product: Flavored vodkas
Sorry, Russia. Vodka originated in Poland. That's just one sobering fact people learned from Sobieski's "Truth in Vodka" advertising campaign. The effort originally launched in the U.S. a little over one year ago to introduce the nice-priced premium spirit to the trade market.
And, apparently, it worked. Even though the vodka shelf is saturated with brands running the price gamut from cheap to steep and new SKUs seem to debut daily, Sobieski has had the most successful liquor launch in the U.S., with sales of 200,000 cases even before one year was up.
Created by New York advertising agency Meter Industries, the "Truth" work pointed out that paying through the nose for what's in the bottle is pointless. Rather than ante up a $40-50 premium to support marketing gimmicks and notice-me packaging, Sobieski slyly suggested that shoppers focus on a bottle's contents, which in its case is Poland's No. 1 premium vodka and one of the fastest-growing international spirits. Sobieski, incidentally, sells for $10.99 per 750 ml bottle because the price isn't inflated by these irrelevant marketing expenditures.
"We designed a bottle to suit the spirit inside," one Sobieski ad reads. "Notice the lack of la-di-da."
Another tackles a silly competitor claim that sounds meaningful, but isn't. "Distilled 5x, 8x, 39x. Stop the madness. How about distilled enough," that execution reads.
"Eight times distilled—it doesn't mean anything!" said Timo Sutinen, vp, marketing and business development at Imperial Brands, the exclusive importer of Sobieski and a subsidiary of Belvedere S.A. (which used to own Belvédère Vodka, but doesn't anymore). "Distilleries like ours use a continuous distillation system, and that's much more important than how many times it's distilled. While it's not a lie, we wanted to break these myths and tell people what matters in vodka."
Mainly, that's flavor, or lack of it, depending upon one's personal taste. Americans prefer a vodka that blends well with mixers and doesn't leave a hangover, Sutinen said, while European drinkers tend to appreciate vodkas with more character.
Sobieski, which is known for being smooth yet flavorful, is produced from Dankowski rye at a Polish distillery that was established in 1846. "This is not two guys from Ohio coming up with new vodka," he said, scoffing at the marketing claims of the vodka du jour. "Nothing against Ohio, but our folks have been making vodka for hundreds of years so they know what they're doing."
As if to prove its no-frills point, the brand chased its cheeky back-to-basics campaign by scoring best on some key taste-tests: French wine and spirits publication La Revue du Vin de France ranked it the No. 1 vodka out of 25 different brands, including Grey Goose, Absolut and Stolichnaya.
The initial "Truth" in vodka marketing effort included print, outdoor, digital ads and a publicity outreach. The latter led to a story in the New York Times, which caught the attention of a Madison Square Garden executive who was intrigued by the little-known brand's bravado. He called up Sutinen, and in March, Sobieski became the official vodka of Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall in a multiyear partnership.
Due to its success among the beverage trade media and its resulting national distribution, "Truth" was extended to a $4 million consumer marketing campaign this past summer.
In the first half of 2009, Sobieski will roll out its first flavored vodkas along with additional "Truth" executions. There's no reason to shift gears because many Americans still need to hear about the brand, Sutinen argues. Plus, he thinks the concept will remain timely and effective as long as hyperbole is alive and well in alcohol ads.
"Whenever a new vodka brand comes out, it just gives us more material to talk about 'Truth' because, frankly, many brands are bullshitting you," Sutinen said. "It just gives us another chance to tell people how things really are."
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Post by Bonobo on Jan 31, 2009 21:52:24 GMT 1
As a non-drinker, I have difficulty in understanding these terms: Drink: Blender Drinks Drink: Mixed Drinks Drink: White Zin Drink: Shots What is the difference? |
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Jan 31, 2009 23:08:11 GMT 1
As a non-drinker, I have difficulty in understanding these terms: Drink: Blender Drinks Drink: Mixed Drinks Drink: White Zin Drink: Shots What is the difference? I will explain, but first I must ask one question - by non-drinker do you mean that you do not drink hard alcohol, just beer and wine? Okay, moving on then... Drink: Blender Drinks - drinks made using one of these:  Example: a frozen margarita (a good use of tequila, I say)  Drink: Mixed Drinks Hard alcohol (liquor/spirits) plus a mixer of some kind; also referred to as a c0cktail, but I think purists would say their is a difference (has to do with the other additives, I think). Examples: whiskey sour, white Russian, cement mixer  (my first "official" drink) Drink: White Zin Abbreviation for White Zinfandel, a type of rosé wine Drink: Shots Abbreviation for a shot glass of liquor(s); sometimes called a "shooter". I think that's right, anyway. I'm not a big drinker, so it is kind of funny that I am explaining this. |
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Post by Bonobo on Feb 1, 2009 20:36:42 GMT 1
I will explain, but first I must ask one question - by non-drinker do you mean that you do not drink hard alcohol, just beer and wine? Exactly. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D The whisky which you could see in pictures has been waiting for my wife`s cousin for years. Very exotic. I never did such a thing in my life. What is actually blended in it? Fruit? Here we call it dad and mum - spirit with water. What kind of wine is it? Popular or exclusive? It is not mixed or blended? Just pure alcohol of one sort? So, we are two little drinkers. |
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Feb 2, 2009 18:07:46 GMT 1
Very exotic. I never did such a thing in my life. What is actually blended in it? Fruit? Sometimes they have fresh fruit (I like those the best). They are great with Mexican food, which you probably do not have very often.  You might like a dish like steak fajitas, though. Anyway, it has been a long time since I had a margarita.  Strawberry Margarita Ingredients: - 1 1/2 oz silver tequila - 1/2 oz triple sec - juice of half lime - 2 strawberries Garnish: strawberry Mix all ingredients with 4 to 5 ice cubes until smooth. Pour into a margarita glass. Garnish with a strawberry on the rim. You can also get a margarita served on the rocks (on ice) vs. blended. The tequila taste can be a lot stronger with those.  What kind of wine is it? Popular or exclusive? White Zinfandel is a rather sweet wine, and more popular with people who are not big wine connoisseurs. It is often an entry-level introduction to wine for many people. Here is more info on it: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_ZinfandelIt is not mixed or blended? Just pure alcohol of one sort? There are a lot of different kinds of shots. Some are just one type of alcohol, others contain several (mixed shots).  They are served in a shot glass and are meant to be consumed quickly - as in all in one shot, no sipping! Many of the mixed shots have funny or provocative names. Some (such as those served at bachelorette parties, for example), "require" a certain method of drinking them. It's a bit embarrassing. I think that's right, anyway. I'm not a big drinker, so it is kind of funny that I am explaining this. So, we are two little drinkers. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by Bonobo on Feb 2, 2009 21:53:46 GMT 1
Gig, I am catching the drift on most of the things you have explained and thank you for that. However, it is amazing that people go to such pains to get inebriated. All those mixtures, decorations, blends etc are very funny, as if people needed to make a nasty habit look more exalted than it is in reality. It is like decorating a nasty TV set with figures, mascots, pots etc. I am a traditionalist and simpleton: I drink my home-made cherry wine because my doctor advised me to consume a lot of cherry stuff. So I do. I pour a glass and drink it in the evening. That`s all. |
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Feb 5, 2009 17:07:28 GMT 1
According to the latest issue of Bon Appétit magazine...
Vodka tasting note: Hot Bottles
Belvedere ($30) - A smooth Polish vodka with spicy nuances, made from rye.
Chopin ($35) - An elegant Polish vodka with a peppery finish, distilled from organic potatoes.
Ultimat ($40) - A blend of three Polish vodkas (wheat, rye, potato) that results in earthy, nuanced flavors.
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Post by valpomike on Feb 5, 2009 23:45:59 GMT 1
Gigi,
How did you learn so much on Vodka and drinking. Do you drink a lot?
Mike
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Feb 6, 2009 0:17:23 GMT 1
Gigi, How did you learn so much on Vodka and drinking. Do you drink a lot? Mike Actually I rarely drink alcohol. That is why it is funny to me that I am "teaching" Bonobo a bit about different drinks. |
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Post by locopolaco on Feb 6, 2009 4:39:30 GMT 1
Gigi, How did you learn so much on Vodka and drinking. Do you drink a lot? Mike That is why it is funny to me that I am "teaching" Bonobo a bit about different drinks. oh, i am so sorry to have to inform you about this but you must not be polish then.  ;D ;D |
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Feb 6, 2009 21:13:25 GMT 1
Actually I rarely drink alcohol. That is why it is funny to me that I am "teaching" Bonobo a bit about different drinks. oh, i am so sorry to have to inform you about this but you must not be polish then. ;D ;D Darn! What's the quota I have to meet to maintain my official Polish descent status??? |
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Post by locopolaco on Feb 7, 2009 1:47:09 GMT 1
oh, i am so sorry to have to inform you about this but you must not be polish then. ;D ;D Darn! What's the quota I have to meet to maintain my official Polish descent status??? do you use mouthwash every morning? that may be close enough. ;D ;D |
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Post by Bonobo on Mar 17, 2009 21:50:32 GMT 1
How a New Vodka Brand Set a Sales Milestone
Thursday, 12 Mar 2009
Christina Cheddar Berk
CNBC
It's what marketers strive for: to have their message fit the times.
Long before the first economists began forecasting a recession, and the markets spiraled downward, Sobieski Vodka launched their "Truth in Vodka" campaign, with the pitch that consumers don't have to pay a "king's ransom" to drink a quality vodka.
The message apparently has struck a chord.
According to Impact, a spirits trade magazine, Sobieski has hit the 255,000-case sales milestone faster than any other newly introduced spirits brand.
Industry trends continue to be favorable for Sobieski. Recent figures from industry trade group the Distilled Spirits Council have shown that sales of super-premium vodkas are slipping, while premium-priced vodka sales continue to rise.
"I think that consumers are trading some of that image-badge mentality with the reality that their wallets may not be in the same shape," says Chester Brandes, president and chief executive of Imperial Brands, the Belvedere unit that imports of Sobieski vodka from Poland.
"By accident, we've caught a wave," Brandes says of the company's advertising.
Brandes says consumers are trading down, but doing it with care. He notes, for example, that consumers aren't simply selecting the vodkas at the lowest price point. Growth at the low end was marginal.
"I think that's somewhat telling....Consumer s are not prepared to overspend," he says.
Still, he doesn't expect to see consumers skimp on certain luxuries.
"I think alcohol is one of the last luxuries consumers are going to give up," Brandes says.
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(my first "official" drink)
You might like a dish like steak fajitas, though. Anyway, it has been a long time since I had a margarita. 
