Destinations and their iconic beverages (part 3)
Today we’re finishing off the week by rounding off our list of destinations and their iconic beverages, so grab a stool and lend an ear because we’ll be pouring you a fresh one.
Czech Republic – Becherovka
Now this is a truly unique entry on our list because there are only two people who know the secret recipe to produce this all-natural liquor. These two individuals are the only ones allowed into the ‘Drogikamr’ where they add in the many herbs and spices and place them in a sack which is then steeped in alcohol for week. This mixture is then blended with water and sugar and stored in oak barrels for two months to create a uniquely – and always slightly different – tasting 36% alcoholic digestive which is traditionally served chilled.
USA – George Dickel Tennessee Whisky
Back in 1870, old George Dickel discovered that making the whisky in winter made it smoother, so he added a lengthy cooling step to the traditional production process so as to distinguish his product from others. He also refined a special combination of mashed cors, barley and rye which he used as base ingredients and double-distilled and aged the liquid in charred white-oak barrels for up to twelve years.
Mexico – Tequila
The truest tequila can only be made in Mexico’s Tequila region, from the heart of blue agave plants which grow here. The booze can have anywhere between 35% to 55% alcohol and is usually clear and transparent, however there are varities that are aged or rested in oak casks.
There’s a difference between tequilas though, only true tequila is made for 100% blue agave, the rest are made from other agave plants in general. Traditionally it is served at room temperature and sipped slowly, as opposed to what American pop culture would have us believe.
Poland – Vodka
Probably associated more with Russia, but Poland was one of the countries that took part in more of a communal development of vodka. Poland makes dozens of varieties and in its purest form it has neutral taste and has little or no hangover effects, depending on the level of consumption obviously.
Made from starch – usually rye or potatoe – and alcohol the drink has been in large-scale production in Poland since the 16th century.
The best-known Polish vodka is called Zubrovka and is infused with bison grass.
