Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/518118
SPIRIT OF CHOICE GORAL VODKA MASTER 1 18 / the tasting panel / june 2015 T here is no consensus as to which country made the first vodka, Poland or Russia, and the answer may turn out to be neither. Located on the border of Poland is the country of Slovakia and the picturesque city of Stará L'ubovnˇ a. In the heart of the town is L'ubovnˇ a Castle, and the oldest preserved distillery underneath. Evidence suggests that as far back as 650 years ago it was producing a grain-based distillate similar in description to vodka. Some six and a half centuries later, Master Distiller Ján Krak of the Gas- Familia Distillery in Stará L'ubovnˇ a relied on that original recipe discovered in the distillery as inspiration to create the world-class spirit, Goral Vodka Master. "I have dedicated my entire life to perfecting the distillation process and producing the smoothest, cleanest and most timeless tasting vodka yet. I think I've created that in this vodka," states Krak. Goral Vodka Master is indeed something special—it is crafted using select, late harvest durum wheat and mineral-enriched water sourced from the underground springs high in the Tetra Mountains. The wheat is milled, mixed with water and a proprietary strain of yeast is used to precipitate fermenta- tion. The mash is then distilled in Gas-Familia's sophisticated seven-column still. Prior to being rendered to 80 proof, the vodka is refined using an elabo- rate, seven-pass micro-filtration process through a special mixture of natural substances and activated carbon. North American General Manager Jeff Johnson thinks the sheer beauty of Stará L'ubovnˇ a contributes to Goral Vodka Master's elegance. "The setting is absolutely breathtaking. You couldn't find a more beautiful place to make a pristine spirit like Goral. Gas-Familia is an impressive distiller, and it's easy to appreciate how they could make such a sterling vodka. I think I'm most taken by the vodka's full body and long, smooth finish." An artisanal vodka is especially unforgiving. Any flaws or missteps are immediately apparent in the glass. Yet when made really well, vodkas like Goral Vodka Master are a sublime treat for the senses. Tasting Notes A touch of mocha powders the nose with soft aromas, a delicate start for this Eastern European–nuanced spirit. Light blue floral and berry tones grace a richly textured palate: grainy and sweet. The finish is clean—almost pristine—with a dry, calcareous middle that adds complexity to the elegant finish. 94 —M. M.