We’ve been reading about Sobieski’s launch of three new flavors. But one caught our eye more than the other two (cynamon and espresso). And that is the bison grass vodka.

 

If you are of Polish decent or a pharmacist, bison grass may not sound all that exotic. It is an aromatic herb native to the Białowieża Forest in Europe. This vast primeval woods, protected by a special United Nations designation, is home to one of Europe’s last herds of bison, which are cousins of the American buffalo.

 

Until recently, the Food and Drug Administration banned the use of bison grass because the herb contains the toxic compound coumarin (that’s right; like the blood thinner), which is prohibited as a food additive. So only a few black-market bottles have been available, mainly in the Polish neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Chicago.

 

Now, thanks to chemists who managed to extract the coumarin, bison grass vodka, or “Zubrowka,” as it is know in Polish, has found a home in the U.S.

 

When this ban was lifted last year, Bak’s Bison Grass Vodka hit the U.S. scene first. Now Sobieski is getting into the act.

 

We wish the brand luck. Poles living in this country say it’s not as good as the real thing. But we wouldn’t know the difference. It sure is hot at the moment. Have you tried it? Like it? Doing your part to save it from extinction? Give us the dirt, below.

 

photo