Gdanski Spirytus

Gdanski Spirytus, also known as Danziger Goldwasser, is a traditional herbal liqueur that originated in Gdansk, Poland. It is made from a high-proof neutral grain spirit that is flavored with a blend of herbs and spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and anise.

The liqueur is most famous for the flakes of 22-24 karat gold that float in the bottle, which give it a distinctive appearance. According to legend, the gold flakes were added to the liqueur in the 16th century by a Gdansk alchemist who believed that gold had therapeutic properties.

Gdanski Spirytus/Danziger Goldwasser is typically served as a digestif after a meal, and is sometimes used as a flavoring in cocktails. Due to its high alcohol content, it is not usually consumed straight, but rather diluted with water or mixed with other ingredients.

History

The history of Gdanski Spirytus, also known as Danziger Goldwasser, dates back to the 16th century in the city of Gdansk, which was then part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The liqueur was originally developed by a local alchemist named Ambrosius Vermöllen, who was known for his skill in distillation and herbal medicine.

Vermöllen created a recipe for a strong, aromatic herbal liqueur that was infused with a blend of spices and herbs, including cinnamon, anise, and nutmeg. He also added flakes of 22-24 karat gold to the liqueur, believing that it had therapeutic properties.

The liqueur quickly became popular in Gdansk and the surrounding regions, and was soon exported throughout Europe. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Danziger Goldwasser was considered a luxury item and was enjoyed by royalty and aristocrats.

Over the centuries, the recipe for Gdanski Spirytus has been refined and perfected, but it has remained true to its origins as a high-proof herbal liqueur with flakes of gold. Today, it is still produced in Gdansk according to the traditional recipe, and is enjoyed as a unique and distinctive spirit around the world.

ABV

The Gdanski Spirytus is a Polish spirit known for its high alcohol content. It is typically made from rectified grain spirit and has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of around 95%. This makes it one of the most potent alcoholic beverages available. It is often used in small amounts as a base for homemade liqueurs or as a flavouring agent in cooking. However, it should be consumed cautiously due to its high alcohol content.