Goral, an eastern European term, literally means “highlander”.  Gorals as an indigenous people live in southern Poland, northern Slovakia and the Silesian region of the Czech Republic.  But, over millenia they have also settled in western Ukraine, northern Romania and of all places, Chicago, Illinois.  Famous Gorals include Pope John Paul II and author Joseph Conrad.

Goral vodka follows this intrepid and entrepreneurial spirit and is distilled in the royal city of Stará Ľubovňa, home to the oldest distillery in Slovakia.  Using Durum wheat, it is distilled seven times, brought down to proof with Tatra mountain spring water and finally filtered seven times through a mix of Zeolite, active carbon and diamond before bottling.

Goral Vodka (80 proof)
Visual: Clear.
Nose: High mineral notes with a tart sweetness.  Fresh and engaging.
Taste: Sweet and full with a round creaminess.  After the initial notes of sugar candy fade, a more dry and rainwater character emerges with a lot of minerals.
Finish: Long for a vodka with a heavy richness that has a noble and distinct tone.
Overall: Best served ice-cold neat, this also is great in a dry Martini (Kangaroo cocktail).  Very down to earth and approachable.
GSN Rating: B+

For more information go to: Goral

Filed under: Spirits & Liqueurs