April 25, 2004
My absolute favorite tipple
Bison Grass Vodka. This stuff is rare, strange and sublime. Friends have been asking about it. This is an amber colored Polish vodka steeped in a special grass - sweet grass, holy grass, Seneca grass, vanilla grass, or in Latin Hierochloe odorata.
It was banned in the US in 1978 because of a carcenogen in the grass. But now thanks to modern science, it's back and it's legal in all 50 states.
Zubrowka is main brand allowed now in the US. An adaptation on the original, it has the same taste, without the chemical, but still with the grass in the bottle. Here's some of the other info from thier site:
"While Bison Brand does have an unique taste, it is not a "flavored vodka. It's a true and pure Polish potato vodka distilled three times and charcoal filtered to achieve a gold standard of purity. Unlike most vodkas that are bottled at 80 proof, Bison Brand's master distillers have found that taking up to 82 proof actually enhances its unique flavor.
So, what's with the grass? Well, legend has it "bison grass" found only in eastern Poland, is an aphrodisiac. Supposedly, its what's keeping Europe's only remaining bison herds from going extinct. Whether that's true or not, one thing's for sure, as an ingredient its essence makes for one hell of a great tasting vodka. Bison Brand still places a blade of this mystical grass inside every bottle."
To find where to find it click here.
Or, if in Washington click on the liquor board's handy search tool, type in "Zubrowka" and it will tell you where to buy.