Zubrowka Rose Vodka

Zubrowka is a Polish institution, made from rye by Polmos and named for the wisent, the European bison whose grass flavours the classic bottling. This Rose version starts from that same rye spirit, which brings a peppery, spicy backbone that sets it apart from softer wheat or corn vodkas, and after distillation the vodka is briefly matured in oak. It is then flavoured with an infusion of natural raspberry, cranberry, rosehip, rose petal and juniper, a mix that turns it pale pink and fruity-floral. Bottled at 32% by volume, it is lighter in strength to suit its softer, more aromatic style.

The nose is fruity and floral, with raspberry, rosehip and a grassy note. The palate is soft, with berries, a lemongrass lift and a flick of black pepper from the rye, before a long finish. The berry and floral notes are made for a long, refreshing pour, so build a tall serve over ice: 50ml topped with cloudy apple juice and a squeeze of lemon in the spirit of a Tatanka, the apple sweetness and citrus framing the berries while the rye pepper keeps it from going flat.