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Przeczytaj po polskuThis page is also written in polski.

Polish Vodka

Poland's national spirit, born of rye and potato - clear and flavoured vodkas with centuries of tradition, from bison-grass to honey and cherry.

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WhereNationwide
Nearest cityWarsaw
Best seasonYear-round
Time to allowA tasting
Getting thereAt bars and vodka museums across Poland
EntryCost of a drink

Poland claims vodka as its own, with a tradition going back centuries, distilled from rye, wheat or potato into clear spirits of real refinement, and into a world of flavoured versions. Zubrowka is scented with bison grass from the Bialowieza forest, others with honey, cherry or herbs, and it is drunk cold, in a small glass, often with food.

What you actually see

  • Clear vodka - the refined rye and potato spirits, drunk cold.
  • Zubrowka - the bison-grass vodka from the eastern forest.
  • Flavoured vodkas - the honey, cherry and herbal versions.
  • The vodka museum - the Warsaw museum of vodka's history.

When to go

Year-round; drunk cold in a small glass, traditionally with food and in company rather than alone. The Warsaw vodka museum offers a tasting and the story.

Honest expectations

It is strong spirit, so it is meant to be sipped cold with food and in moderation, in the Polish way, not knocked back carelessly. The flavoured versions are more approachable than the clear. Quality varies widely, so choose a good brand.

Nearby

Bars across Poland and the Warsaw vodka museum offer tastings.

What to pack for Polish Vodka

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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