On the one hand, the desire to recover the most ancient traditions, digging up to the roots of the great distillates of Eastern Europe. On the other hand, however, the desire to amaze, to innovate, and to create something absolutely unique. Belvedere, the prestigious Polish brand known throughout the world for its vodka, presents Heritage 176, a brand new rye malt distillate intended only for clubs and the most exclusive occasions.

When vodka returns to its origins

According to the definition of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the US government agency that regulates the circulation of alcoholic beverages in the stars and stripes, when we talk about vodka we refer to a "neutral spirit, without any particular character, taste or color" . A definition that certainly is close to many products of Polish origin, where the use of local rye it is able to give the distillate a rich series of specific characteristics. Belvedere reiterates this loudly, through its vodka proposals, of course, but even more so with the new Heritage 176, a blend of Belvedere Vodka Pure with – in fact – a rye malt distillate. A reference that somehow recovers an ancient process of the Polish tradition, where the malting in the oven and the roasting of rye was used to reveal its deepest and most distinctive aromas: it is a technique with which the very first rye distillers activated the enzymes present in cereals, starting the process of transforming starch into sugar, before fermentation.

What should we expect from Heritage 176

Heritage, because his is a direct reference to the great Polish tradition; 176, because those are the degrees Fahrenheit that the ovens reach during the last part of the rye malting process, also called kilning. Yes, but what concretely characterizes this fine distillate, which we can find not only in the best Italian cocktail bars, but also in the most prestigious wine bars and on a series of selected e-commerce platforms? First of all a very particular perfume, marked by notes of baked rye bread and of nuts, with hints of caramel, shortcrust pastry and various spices that make their way through alcohol. Hints that are also found perfectly on the palate: tasting it in purity it is possible to perceive a rich and velvety texture, which opens with a mix of toasted rye, walnuts and honey, to then end with a memory of spice and overall sweetness.

A proposal for a sweet and fresh cocktail

Not a simple vodka, in short, but a distillate with an identikit that is anything but obvious, which can obviously become an excellent basis for some creative experimentation in mixology. An example? Belvedere B, a cocktail of which you can find the recipe below, which enhances the hints of honey of Heritage 176, enriching everything with a pinch of freshness and acidity.

Belvedere B

30 ml Heritage 176
22.5 ml fresh lemon juice
15 ml Honey Mix
Topping: lemon zeist

Shake in a blender with plenty of ice and then strain into a martini glass. Top it all off with a lemon zeist.