Style: Artisan Wheat Vodka
Age: Unaged
Proof: 80 (40% ABV)
Region: Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada
Horilka (Ukrainian: горілка) is a traditional Ukrainian alcoholic beverage with a rich history spanning centuries of production and consumption in the country. While similar to vodka in production methods, Horilka boasts distinctive characteristics and variations that allow for unique flavor profiles, making it a versatile spirit for any occasion. At Stillus Craft Spirits, located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, this understanding is ingrained in their approach. They produce a flagship horilka distilled from wheat and artesian well water. This exceptional spirit is then infused with перцівка (pronounced pertsivka), adding a subtle warmth from chili peppers, and медова (pronounced medova), contributing a natural sweetness from raw honey. This infusion not only honors their Ukrainian heritage but also enriches the diversity of spirits available in the market today.
Tasting Notes:
With a subtle golden hue, the rich infusion of Canadian raw honey is immediately apparent. As I swirled the Horilka in a Glencairn glass, delicate floral notes and a subtle earthiness emerged on the nose, a testament to the honey’s influence. A gentle hint of spice adds balance to the richness, lingering with a delightful warmth. The first sip reveals a silky smooth texture, a hallmark of meticulous distillation. The raw honey complements the ethanol’s heat without overshadowing the wheat’s grainy undertones from the initial distillation. Moments later, the chili pepper infusion takes center stage, gradually introducing warmth and a lingering spice that culminates in a savory finish. This interplay beautifully enhances the floral and nectar-like sweetness of the honey.
Final Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed the balanced flavor infusion of Stillus’ horilka. The distillery’s ability to harmonize such intense flavors without allowing one to overpower the others is impressive. It is an intricate dance that the distillers and blenders at Stillus have perfected with their horilka. While I savored the nuanced flavors neat, I couldn’t help but imagine the possibilities for whimsical cocktail creations and variations on beloved classics.
Inspired, I decided to take some home and experiment. I filled a highball glass with crushed ice, added 2 oz of Stillus horilka, 0.5 oz of fresh lime juice, and 6 oz of ginger beer. After a gentle stir, I garnished it with a sprig of mint and an optional light dusting of cayenne. I call this variation on a ‘Moscow Mule’ the ‘Kiev Mule.’ I look forward to this drink becoming a staple in large pitchers at parties and barbeques throughout the upcoming summer.
