1955 The U K B G Guide to Drinks (2nd edition revised)

SPIRITS—GENERAL

Schwartzwalder Kirschwasser(Black ForestCherryBrandy) has a world-wide reputation for excellence ; so has_ the Kirsch of Alsace. Kirsch is always pure white: it is matured in demijohns, not in wooden casks from which it would extract some colouring matter.

SAKE A spirit distilled from rice.

SZILVA A spirit distiUed from plums. (Plum Brandy.)

TEQUILA A Mexican spirit made from the cactus plant.

TODDY A spirit made from the sap of the palm tree, chiefly comes from Ceylon. VODKA A spirit produced from the selected mashes of grain, although a poorer quality is made from potatoes. This spirit is made in Russia, Poland and Latrua. It is possible that the manufacture of Vodka in the latter two countries is now under control of the Russian Alcohol Monopoly. The original manufacturers who escaped from these countries are finding difficulty in marketing their products under the name Vodka or Wodka due to the Labelling of Food Order. This no doubt, by good sense, will be over come in time. Vodka is also now produced in the United States and England. ZUBROWKA A spirit similar to Vodka but of a greenish colour. The colouring is brought about by steeping Zubrowka grass in the spirit. This gives an aromatic taste and a slightly bitterish taste. 249