Monopolowa Vodka
Monopolowa Vodka (750mL, 40% ABV / 80 proof) is the potato-vodka cult classic: triple distilled from 100% potato spirit and produced in Vienna, Austria by Altvater Gessler-J.A. Baczewski, working from an old Polish family recipe. It has repeatedly beaten vodkas at triple its price in blind competition — gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a 2003 "World Champion Vodka" title, and 90+ scores from the Beverage Testing Institute. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Base: 100% potato spirit (special potato varieties)
- Distillation: Triple distilled
- Origin: Vienna, Austria — Polish family recipe (Baczewski distilling family, since 1782)
- Awards: Gold medals, San Francisco World Spirits Competition; "World Champion Vodka" 2003; 90+ Beverage Testing Institute
A Polish Recipe, Distilled in Vienna
The Monopolowa story starts in 1782 with the Baczewski family distillery in Lwów — purveyors to the Imperial Royal Court by 1876 — and continues today in Vienna, where Altvater Gessler-J.A. Baczewski still distills it from potatoes under the original family recipe. The recipe is Polish; the bottle in your hand is Austrian. Potato vodka is one of the most expensive vodkas to make, yet Monopolowa sells at a bargain price — which is exactly why bartenders and blind-tasting judges keep reaching for it. Explore more from Monopolowa or browse our vodka collection for more potato, grain, and craft standouts.
Tasting Notes
A creamy, soft entry with subtle potato sweetness, vanilla, and citrus gives way to a fuller, slightly sweet mid-palate — blood orange and banana notes with a hint of anise — before a smooth, semi-dry mineral finish with citrus. Richer in texture than grain vodkas at the price, with the gentle warmth of an old-world distillate.
How to Enjoy
Serve it ice cold straight from the freezer with a twist of lemon — the brand's classic pour — or over a single rock. Its neutral character and creamy body make it a superb mixing vodka: martinis, Moscow mules, and vodka sodas all benefit from the extra texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monopolowa a Polish vodka?Half right: the recipe is Polish, from the Baczewski family distilling tradition dating to 1782, but it's produced in Vienna, Austria by Altvater Gessler-J.A. Baczewski. The storefront's Region: Austria tag is correct.
What is Monopolowa vodka made from?100% potato spirit from special potato varieties, triple distilled. Unlike most vodkas at its price — which are grain-based — Monopolowa uses potatoes exclusively, giving it a fuller, slightly sweeter mouthfeel.
Why is Monopolowa so well regarded?Because it keeps winning: gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a 2003 "World Champion Vodka" title in head-to-head competition against the world's most recognized vodkas, and repeated 90+ scores from the Beverage Testing Institute — at a price well under its peers.
Order Monopolowa Vodka online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA — gold-medal potato vodka at a price that makes no sense until you taste it.