Produced in Poland and named after Jan III Sobieski, this vodka reflects a traditional Eastern European production style, with a clear emphasis on raw material character and controlled distillation rather than complete neutrality. The base ingredient is Dankowski rye, a heritage grain variety cultivated specifically for spirit production. Rye contributes a fuller mouthfeel and a subtle spice profile, distinguishing it from wheat or corn based vodkas. Fermentation is carried out using selected yeast strains to ensure efficient alcohol conversion while preserving flavour compounds derived from the grain.
Distillation takes place in continuous column stills, allowing for multiple stages of purification. However, the process is deliberately managed to retain a portion of the grain character rather than stripping the spirit to total neutrality. This results in a vodka that maintains both clarity and a degree of identity linked to its raw material. Filtration is relatively restrained compared to highly processed vodkas. Charcoal filtration is used to remove unwanted impurities, but not to the extent that it eliminates texture or flavour. This approach aligns with Polish vodka traditions, where a subtle grain presence is considered desirable.
Water used for dilution is sourced locally and treated to ensure purity while maintaining a balanced mineral content. This contributes to a slightly rounder mouthfeel and supports the structure of the final spirit. The overall style is clean but not completely neutral, offering a balance between smoothness and character. It stands as an example of rye based vodka that prioritises authenticity and production integrity over excessive refinement.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Clean with a light grain presence, showing soft rye spice and faint cereal notes. A subtle earthy undertone adds depth.
Palate:
Smooth with a medium body, carrying gentle rye spice and a mild sweetness. The texture is slightly fuller than neutral vodkas, with a controlled warmth.
Finish:
Moderate in length, with lingering grain notes and a touch of peppery spice. Clean and structured, with a subtle dryness at the end.
