Borovička
Borovička (Slovak pronunciation: [ˈbɔrɔʋitʂka] ; also known as Juniper brandy[according to whom? ]) is a Slovak alcoholic beverage flavoured with juniper berries.[1] It is characterised by its clear[2] or golden colour,[3] and a taste similar to that of dry gin.[4] It is especially popular in Slovakia [4] and the Czech Republic.
Today's commercially produced borovička typically contains about 40%[2] alcohol by volume or 80 proof, but can reach as high as 50 to 70% alcohol content. As a benchmark, the minimum alcohol amount required by law in Slovakia is 35%.[5] Its flavour, although much stronger, resembles that of gin.
Similar, but differently made drinks known in south Slavic countries include brinjevec in Slovenia (brin means juniper in Slovene) and klekovača in Serbia (kleka means juniper in Serbian). Other similar drinks include several types of gin like Jenever. International Juniper Brandy Day is celebrated annually on 24 June.[6]
History
[edit ]According to The Dictionary of the Slovak Language, borovička derives its name from the Slovak word for juniper, borievka.[7] Borovička harks back to the 16th century, when this beverage was produced in the Habsburg monarchy's county of Liptov, today part of central Slovakia. It was exported throughout the whole Habsburg monarchy, particularly to Vienna and Budapest. It was transported southward principally via rafts floating down the river Váh.[8] [9]
Major brands
[edit ]- St. Nicolaus (Slovakia)
- Frucona - Spišská Borovička (Slovakia)
- Frucona - Borovičkový destilát 55% (Slovakia)
- Gas Família - Spiš original borovička (Slovakia)
- Gas Família - Spišská borovička (Slovakia)
- Old Herold (Slovakia)
- Rudolf Jelínek (Czech Republic)
Other
[edit ]- Borovnička is a name for a liqueur made from blueberry in Croatia.
References and footnotes
[edit ]- ^ "St. Nicolaus - trade, a.s". Archived from the original on 2008年08月17日. Retrieved 2006年01月11日.
- ^ a b http://www.alkoholy.wz.cz/alkoholy/B.htm Archived 2007年06月30日 at the Wayback Machine (Slovak)
- ^ "37,5% nivnicka borovicka 0,5l, Traditional spirits - LINEA NIVNICE, a.s." Archived from the original on 2007年09月29日. Retrieved 2007年03月04日.
- ^ a b "Alcohol Beverages | Slovakia". Archived from the original on 2007年02月07日. Retrieved 2007年03月04日.
- ^ "Potravinov? K?dex SR". Archived from the original on 2007年04月03日. Retrieved 2007年03月04日. (Slovak)
- ^ TRENDreštaurácie.sk. "International Juniper Brandy Day". etrend.sk (in Slovak). Retrieved 2017年02月05日.
- ^ Slovenské slovníky
- ^ http://www.nicolaus.sk/index.php?page_id=231 Archived 2008年06月07日 at the Wayback Machine (Slovak)
- ^ http://www.plte.szm.sk/historia.html (Slovak)
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