Let’s get right into it this week! Today we’re looking at Dębowa wódka, a polish vodka that’s name translates to “Oak”. Vodka isn’t usually my forte, however having a polish partner does make you have an appreciation for the stuff!
Bottled at 40% ABV, Dębowa utilises a technique often found in Polish wódka: strips of oak in the bottle to add a layer of softness to the spirit. It’s a very cool technique that does a fraction of what happens during the aging process for a spirit like whisky, rum or brandy, allowing for the edge to be taken off what can otherwise be quite a confronting spirit.
The aroma has a strong sense of cleaning alcohol, but has a slight, sweet buttery undertone that helps prevent it from being a sharp scent. The front is quite soft and neutral, only presenting mild hints of spiced wood, like sandalwood. The body brings in more explicitly oak tones, though they’re still subtle, and are presented with a twinge of nuttiness too! The finish is the first time in the flavour I can truly taste pure alcohol, which has been hidden well to this point. The wódka leaves an oily texture on the tongue that isn’t unwelcomed. As is the way with most polish spirits, an emphasis on warmth in the afterglow is present, warming both the throat and mouth thanks to the aforementioned oily nature.
Dilution is a bit disappointing with this wódka, as although the smell of alcohol is subdued, the taste is certainly not. The cleaning alcohol is far more pronounced on the palate now with the sweetness that originally took the edge off both the nosing and the palate seemingly vanishing.
Dębowa is interesting, as its flavour, bottle design and general marketing evoke a particular feeling of rustic cosiness, something mirrored in the gentle hum of warmth after a sip, however straight diluting this spirit in a mixer seems to destroy that. One thing I have observed however is that while those characteristics are lost in simple mixers, in cocktails their subtle flavour really shines. Relaxing cocktails perfect for winter, like a White Russian or a Twinkle, really benefit from this wódka’s best aspects, while concealing the sharper notes perfectly.
Overall it’s a good wódka, but not my cup of tea. I do like it neat, however I doubt many others will. Although I do think this wódka is best in a cocktail, it’s important to mention that no matter how you drink this, Dębowa is a very smooth wódka, which is the most important part in my eyes. If you’re a vodka lover, I do recommend giving this a try, however I believe it may be too pricey for the everyday consumer, especially since to most people the flavour may be unremarkable for the money. A good spirit all around, but not for everyone!
This post’s recommended song is: “Lili” – Enej
