SPIRIT-SPEC-001 Special Rye Vodka Specjalna Zytnia

Special Rye Vodka – Specjalna Żytnia, a distinctive raw-style vodka carrying deep historical significance:

🏁 Origin & Overview

Specjalna Żytnia (English: “Special Rye Vodka”) was once a popular brand in Poland during the PRL (People’s Republic of Poland) era — much like Extra Żytnia.
This version was typically bottled at a higher strength, around 45% ABV.

Originally produced by state-owned Polmos distilleries during the 1970s–1990s, it was often exported with bilingual labels (Polish–English), targeting international markets.

🍶 Ingredients & Production

Although the label states “100% rye spirit,” in reality, it included a small amount of apple spirit and walnut maceration (walnut extract).
These additions gave the vodka a slightly different flavor profile compared to those made purely from rye.

👃 Aroma & Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Noticeably grainy, with a slightly heavy scent reminiscent of damp cardboard right after pouring.

• Taste: Mild sweetness with dominant rye grain flavor, finishing dry with a perceptible alcoholic warmth.
  Often described as “sweet with grain notes.”

📏 Key Specifications

🎯 When to Enjoy It?

• Retro appeal: Perfect for enthusiasts of vintage Soviet- or PRL-era vodkas, offering a nostalgic drinking experience.

• Not for purists: If you prefer smooth, clean vodkas without residual harshness, you may prefer premium alternatives such as Chopin Rye, Quos, or Żytia HQ.

✅ Conclusion

Specjalna Żytnia (Special Rye Vodka) represents an era of large-scale, budget-oriented vodka production that prioritized quantity over refinement.
With its relatively high strength (~45%), sweet grain notes, and subtle hints of apple and walnut, it may not stand out by today’s quality standards — yet it remains a symbol of Polish vodka history and evokes a unique sense of nostalgia for collectors and enthusiasts alike.