The Netherlands is mainly associated with cheese and … tulips. Flowers symbol. They are simple, yet sophisticated, they delight with the color and richness of varieties. And do you know that in the sixteenth century these innocent flowers led to the loss of the largest fortunes? After, in the second half of the 16th century, they were brought from the Middle East to Europe, they became an extraordinary attraction and a highly profitable business. There were known cases of selling bulbs rooted in the ground. At the apogee of “tulipomania”, flowers were treated like securities or exchange rates. In the end, speculation began with tulips, which led to a huge increase in their prices. At the top of the price lists, “Semper Augustu” was maintained. This specimen was exceptionally nice, but the breath took away the price he achieved – five thousand florins, or the equivalent of a house with a large garden. A lot, right? You can read about “tulipomania” in the story of Z. Herbert ” “Bitter smells of tulips”.
I also discovered the power of tulips when I received a gift from my friends from the Netherlands last year. … vodka. Made from tulips. First of all, I was surprised by the fact that vodka can be from tulips. Secondly, the packaging with a hint of history in the background was very interesting. On the box was a biographical note about the famous Dutch botanist Carolus Clusius, who not only examined the form and smell of flowers, but also the contents of bulbs and initiated the Dutch tradition of tulips.
The producer, Clusius Craft Distillers, following Carolus’s footsteps, discovered how to distill the beautiful, pure vodka from this Dutch icon.
We also learn that each Dutch Tulip Vodka PREMIUM BLEND bottle is made of at least 40 tulip bulbs of three kinds: “Negrita”, “Candy Prince” and “Strong Gold”. The water used is of exceptional quality and purity, thanks to the natural sand filtration of the Dutch dunes. The unique, patented distillation technology allows you to get a result, which is 40 tulips in one bottle – an interesting combination that gives the liquor several flavors, including two dominant ones. The first one is mineral shades, which name is “earthiness”, perceptible in smell and taste, but not intrusive or repulsive. The second one is a floral note, gentle, polite but well perceptible. It lasts longer than the “mineral phase”, so it’s easier to remember and enjoy the aroma.
It is worth trying in my opinion, especially in good company 🙂
At the end recipe for a cocktail „Tulipan Negroni. Bitter, sweet, floral magic”:
Fill your glass with ice cubes
add:
1/3 Dutch Tulip Vodka PREMIUM BLEND
1/3 Campari
1/3 Sweet red vermouth
stir into glass
Garnish: Orange zest slice
Bon appétit!
