Baltic Vodka is a Polish clear vodka from Polmos Siedlce, distilled from potatoes, with a name and character that evoke the Baltic Sea. The brand has its roots in the communist era, when it was one of the more popular vodkas, offered in several versions, both export and domestic, at 50 and 40% ABV. In 2015 Polmos Siedlce brought Baltic vodka back with an entirely new recipe, now distilled from potatoes.
Production takes place at the Chopin Distillery in Krzesk – the very same one from which the Chopin brand originates. The foundation is a specific raw material: this vodka is made from Ikar variety potatoes, harvested at the end of the season, when the starch level reaches 22%. Baltic is distilled from pure potato spirit, then filtered twice and subjected to natural refining processes.
The sensory profile clearly reveals the origin of the raw material. The aroma offers refreshing vegetal notes and a subtle hint of alcohol, the palate is slightly earthy, and pleasant vanilla notes appear on the finish. The strength is 40% ABV, and the bottle holds 0.5 l. This is a vodka with a smooth, delicate texture, in which the earthiness of the raw material sets it apart from grain-based counterparts.
It is worth noting that at the international Baltic International Spirits Navigator Competition in Riga, the potato-based Baltic vodka from Polmos Siedlce, as the only Polish entrant, was awarded 9.85 points and took joint first place among the absolute winners. A historical curiosity is the fact that Baltic Vodka is also produced under Polmos licence in Serbia, by the Swisslion-Takovo plant in Gornji Milanovac.
Served well chilled or straight from the freezer, it pairs nicely with traditional Polish cuisine; it also works well as a base for fresh cocktails with citrus and herbs.