Diversification Of Mother Russia
If you’re eager for something outside of the norm, our friends in Austria might have something to offer you. Monopolowa has been known for its vodka, which tied the Russian Stolichnaya at the International Review of Spirits in 2003. Some of you might not be informed that they are also offering a potato based gin as well. That being said, don’t run out and grab a fifth expecting it to be a london dry gin. It has an oily mouthfeel and a nose of pepper and lemon peel, but I detected very little juniper. I don’t particularly care for this spirit in a gin and tonic, because I feel the delicacy of it is lost. I would recommend trying it in a martini, with these specifications:
2 oz Monopolowa Gin
1/2 oz dry vermouth (Noilly Prat dry goes well in this one)
1 dash of a spicy orange bitter (such as Regans)
1 dash of a sweet orange bitter (such as Fee’s)
Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass and peel a long lemon twist over the glass and enjoy.
Photography by Emily W. Kincke.
