Zoladkowa Gorzka 750ML

The Legendary Bitter-Sweet Heritage of Polish Herbal Craft

Unlock an exceptionally smooth, time-honored Central European tradition with Żołądkowa Gorzka Traditional (known historically as Wódka Żołądkowa Gorzka). Produced by Stock Polska at their historic distillery in Lublin, Poland, this unique amber spirit has been a definitive pillar of Polish drinking culture since its official commercial debut in 1950, utilizing maceration practices that date back to 1822.

While its name translates literally to "bitter stomach vodka"—a historical nod to its ancestral origins as a medicinal herbal remedy—this spirit elegantly defies expectations. It is not aggressively bitter like a German krauterlikör, nor is it a fiery, neutral shot. Instead, it stands as a masterclass in sweet, spicy, and amber-hued finessing, delivering an uncompromised tasting experience that has earned prestigious international accolades, including multiple Grand Gold Quality Awards from Monde Selection.

The architectural genius behind Żołądkowa Gorzka lies in its patient, natural infusion program. Instead of relying on industrial chemical flavorings or artificial concentrates, the distillers execute a weeks-long maceration of real bitter orange peels, exotic cloves, nutmeg, and a closely guarded secret blend of local Polish mountain herbs inside pure alcohol.

Just before bottling, the liquid is naturally sweetened with a touch of rich caramel. This precise layering technique allows the sweet, warming qualities of the baking spices to perfectly balance the tart, structural grip of the citrus pith, creating a deeply complex spirit that feels velvety and luxurious on the palate.

Taste Profile & Mixology

• The Profile: A beautiful, brilliant amber-gold color in the glass. It commands a wonderfully silky, medium body, a plush, mouth-coating texture, and a soft, accommodating structure that carries its proof with absolute grace.

• Flavor Highlights: An inviting, perfume-forward nose opens immediately with candied orange peel, sweet cloves, and dried christmas spices, gracefully lifted by subtle undercurrents of herbal tea and white pepper. The palate follows like liquid silk, flooding the mouth with sweet marmalade, nutmeg, root beer spice, and an intriguing array of dried botanicals.

• The Finish: Moderate to long, clean, and remarkably warming, resolving with an enjoyable caramel sweetness, a soft citrus-pith dryness, and a lingering, appetizing trace of herbal complexity.

• How to Enjoy: To enjoy like a true native of Warsaw, store the bottle directly in your freezer and serve ice-cold in chilled shot glasses as an after-dinner digestif. It is also exceptional when sipped slowly at room temperature alongside a rich espresso.

• In the Glass: It functions as a phenomenal, high-end workhorse for creative craft cocktails, adding vastly more spice depth than standard vodkas. Pour it over ice and top with a premium ginger ale and a squeeze of fresh lime for a classic Polish Mule, or use it to replace the sweet vermouth in a daring, spice-forward twist on a traditional Manhattan.

Product Specifications

• Size: 750ml Bottle

• Origin: Lublin, Poland

• Spirit Type: Traditional Polish Flavored Vodka / Herbal Spirit

• Producer: Stock Polska (Stock Spirits Group)

• Key Botanicals: Bitter Orange Peel, Cloves, Nutmeg, Selected Polish Herbs, Caramel

• Accolades: Multiple Monde Selection Grand Gold Medals & International Taste Institute Stars

• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): ~34%–36% (Depending on vintage/regional bottling)

Spiced complexity with generations of pedigree. By pairing a natural, spice-infused maceration with a velvety caramel finish, Żołądkowa Gorzka Traditional over-delivers a racy, bittersweet tasting experience—making it a perfect conversation piece for home spirits tastings, a magnificent post-dinner digestif, or a proud, exotic staple on any premium bar cart.