Młody Ziemniak 2024 is a vintage potato vodka from Podlasie in a 0.05 l miniature format, distinguished by a single distillation without rectification. It is made at the Chopin Distillery in Krzesk in Podlasie, and the bottle contains a spirit drink at 40% ABV, produced from young potatoes of the Denar variety, harvested in June and July 2024.
Młody Ziemniak debuted in 2009, when Waldemar Durakiewicz, distiller and manager of Polmos Siedlce, used a single potato variety harvested in June, subjected it to a single distillation, dispensed with rectification and diluted it to 40%. The same Master Distiller oversees production to this day. Each edition of Młody Ziemniak is made exclusively from one potato variety, and the production process is supervised by Master Distiller Waldemar Durakiewicz. The distillery in Krzesk is the very same one where Chopin potato vodka is produced.
The raw material defines the character of this spirit. Young potatoes, being low in starch, are a far more difficult raw material for producing alcohol than those harvested in autumn – a single bottle of the finished spirit is made from around 50 potatoes. Among other potato spirits, Młody Ziemniak stands out in that the distillate is not rectified, while single distillation demands both high-quality raw material and technological care. The absence of rectification means that, formally, it is not a vodka within the meaning of EU regulations, but a spirit drink. Distillation is followed by a stabilisation stage: to lend the alcohol smoothness, Młody Ziemniak rests in vats, which is why the bottlings of individual vintages are not filled until March of the following year.
The nose is dominated by delicate, sweet potato notes, with subtle floral and fruity accents. This is a vodka that is more expressive and fuller than classic, highly neutral rectified vodkas – potatoes give a fuller, creamier texture and a less neutral profile than typical grain vodkas. On the palate there are juicy fruits, above all pear, along with a slightly smoky, even earthy note – depending on the vintage. Given the pronounced character of the raw material, the spirit shows at its best when sipped slowly, neat. Clear, at 40% ABV, it is best served at room temperature in cognac glasses. The 0.05 l format allows you to get to know the 2024 vintage in a compact tasting serving.