Borovička

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Juniper berries
Juniper berries

Borovička (pronounced [ˈbɒrɒwɪtʃkʌ]) (also known as Juniper brandy) is an alcoholic beverage made from juniper berries.[1] It is characterized by a white[2] or golden colour[3] and a taste similar to that of dry gin.[4] It is popular especially in Slovakia,[4] Poland and the Czech Republic. Today's commercially-produced Borovička contains about 40%[2] alcohol by volume. As a benchmark, the minimum amount required by law in Slovakia is 37.5%.[5]

[edit] History

According to Slovník slovenského jazyka (Dictionary of the Slovak Language), borovička derives its name from the Slovak word for juniper, borievka.[6]

Borovička harks back to the 16th century, when this beverage was produced in the Kingdom of Hungary's Liptov county, a part of present day Slovakia. It was exported as far as Vienna and Budapest, principally via rafts floating down the river Váh.[7][8]

[edit] Major brands

[edit] References and footnotes

  1. ^ St. Nicolaus - trade, a.s
  2. ^ a b http://www.alkoholy.wz.cz/alkoholy/B.htm (Slovak)
  3. ^ http://www.lineanivnice.cz/3496450_EN.html
  4. ^ a b Alcohol Beverages | Slovakia
  5. ^ http://www.svssr.sk/sk/legislativa/kodex/3_30.asp (Slovak)
  6. ^ Slovenské slovníky
  7. ^ http://www.nicolaus.sk/index.php?page_id=231 (Slovak)
  8. ^ http://www.plte.szm.sk/historia.html (Slovak)
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