Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/46939
scrutinized by Master Distiller Waldemar Durakiewicz, who pioneered the luxury vodka category in 1993 and whose signature is on every bottle. Chopin Wheat possesses all of the hallmarks of greatness. It has crystalline clarity, a lightweight, satin- textured body and the wafting aroma of freshly baked bread. Its soft, gentle entry quickly fi lls the mouth with the semisweet fl avors of honey, toffee and butterscotch. The fi nish is seamlessly smooth. It's a perfect choice for sipping slightly chilled or in a vodka-based cocktail. Released in March of this year, Chopin Rye Vodka is also crafted to exacting standards and is comprised of nothing but naturally grown golden rye, a pro- prietary strain of yeast and artesian well water. The grain is milled and slowly fermented over the course of three days before being repeatedly distilled in the estate's copper column still. It, too, is fi ltered fi ve separate times, which renders it pure and free of any trace of impurities. According to David Gimpelson, Western Division Manager of Chopin Imports Ltd., the debut of Chopin Rye Vodka and Chopin Wheat has been greeted with enthusiasm and critical acclaim. "The brand enjoys such an incredible reputation for quality and taste, and our two new additions will further solidify this success. I think people will be surprised at the marvelous and unique taste differences in our single- ingredient vodka collection." Marvelous is an appropriate description of Chopin Rye. The vivacious vodka is crystal clear with a silky lightweight body and a surprisingly spicy bouquet. Its palate is slightly sweet and decidedly spicy, qualities that persist throughout the luxurious fi nish. The patriarch of the family—Chopin Potato Vodka—is a contemporary classic. Produced only from mid- September to early December, the small batch vodka is distilled exclusively from late harvest potatoes from the Podlasie region. The naturally grown potatoes contain a signifi cantly higher starch content, which yields a more fl avorful spirit. The vodka is essentially pure and bottled at 40% alcohol by volume. A quick sniff, sip and swallow immediately explains the brand's enduring success. The vodka has ideal clarity, a creamy, voluptuous body and an enticing vegetal and fruit bouquet. Its entry is soft and bit- tersweet, and the palate is imbued with the fl avors of cocoa, vanilla and toffee. Few other vodkas—European or otherwise—can compare in taste with this Polish thoroughbred. The famed potato vodka was recently awarded a coveted Gold Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition, as well as Gold Medal, Best of Category and Best of Class at the 2011 L.A. International Wine & Spirits Competition. It seems most fi tting that these classy vodkas are named in honor of Poland's most revered composer— Frédéric Chopin. Equally important is that they are worthy of bearing his name. Na zdrowie!! The three single-ingredient expressions of this luxury Polish vodka: Chopin Wheat, Chopin Potato and Chopin Rye. I think people will be surprised at the marvelous and unique taste diff erences in our single-ingredient vodka collection." november 201 1 / the tasting panel / 77 PHOTO COURTESY OF CHOPIN VODKA PHOTO COURTESY OF CHOPIN VODKA