About this vodka

Belvedere is made at the Polmos Żyrardów distillery, west of Warsaw, which has been producing spirits since 1910. It is distilled from Polish rye, now 100% organic, and bottled with nothing added, so all of its character comes from the grain and the distillation. The bottle carries an image of the Belweder, the Warsaw palace that gives the vodka its name, and the producer was named Vodka Producer of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge three years running, 2015 to 2017.

Rye gives Belvedere more personality than most vodkas. Expect a soft, creamy nose with vanilla, a full and rounded medium-bodied palate with light vanilla, black pepper and spice, and a finish of almond and faint Brazil nut. It is a vodka worth sipping chilled and neat, or in a properly made Martini, and it is a dependable choice for corporate and festive gifting.

Key facts

• Made at the Polmos Żyrardów distillery, operating since 1910
• Distilled from Polish rye (now 100% organic rye) with no additives
• Bottle depicts the Belweder palace in Warsaw, from which the name comes
• International Spirits Challenge Vodka Producer of the Year in 2015, 2016 and 2017

Tasting notes

Nose:

Soft and inviting, vanilla and cream

Palate:

Full and round, medium body, light vanilla with black pepper and spice

Finish:

Almond, clotted cream and a faint Brazil-nut note

Serve

Chilled and neat, or a classic Vodka Martini (60 ml vodka, 10 ml dry vermouth, stirred and strained, lemon twist). Also good on the rocks.

Food pairing

The creamy rye suits smoked and cured fish, from smoked salmon to Polish pickles and rye bread, and Bengali starters like fish fry or mochar chop.