Rodionov & Sons Polugar No. 4 Honey & Allspice (70cl)

Polugar No. 4 Honey & Allspice is made from a rye and wheat distillate infused with honey and pungent spices: coriander, clove, nutmeg and saffron. Polugar takes its name from an old Russian distillers' practice, and the style was revived in 2010 in Poland by the Rodionov family using old practices and recipes said to be about 250 years old. Before 1895, vodka was a grain distillate produced in copper stills, like single malt whisky, and was called bread wine or Polugar. Polugar can be drunk neat or used in cocktails in place of vodka for a stronger, more characterful flavour. On the palate it is elegant and nuanced, with a honeyed profile and strong spices; on the nose it is dense and sweet, yet vibrant and strong from the contrast of the spices.