🥃 Starka

Starka is a rye spirit aged in oak barrels, known in Poland and Lithuania. It is made from rye, and by tradition a small amount of linden, apple or pear leaves is added to the barrel. Unlike ordinary clear vodka, Starka is dark because it takes its colour from the wood. The age ranges from a few years to half a century.

History. According to the story, purified rye spirit was once aged in barrels that had held Tokaj wine, sealed with beeswax and buried until a child's wedding. The sources give no exact date of origin, and such tales are more folk tradition than record. In the 20th century Starka was an export product of a Polish plant in Szczecin; today it is made by Szczecinska Fabryka Wodek Starka and the Lithuanian company Stumbras. If the producer is sold or restructured, the state of the aged stocks may change.

How it is made. Traditionally natural rye spirit is used, distilled no more than twice and without rectification. It is then aged in oak. Linden, apple or pear leaves give a barely noticeable aroma. Different producers use different methods, so exact recipes and ages should be checked on the label.

The range. Releases differ by age: from a few years to 25-year-old and 50-year-old bottlings, and there are also very old stocks at the Polish plant. Craft producers in the USA make versions aged for several months.

Why this matters to you. In our sources Starka has no single protection as a geographical indication. So on the shelf you may find drinks of different strength, age and method of production, so read the description. Be careful with "old" brands that come without explanation: the age must be confirmed by the producer. WHO reminds us: there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.