Monopolowa Whiskey
Monopolowa Whiskey is a malt-and-grain blended whiskey produced in Austria by Gessler, reported at around 43% ABV (86 proof) in a 750mL bottle. Order it online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — a genuine rarity on the shelf: an Austrian whiskey with a 1782 pedigree.
- ABV: ~43% (86 proof — retailer-sourced; confirm from bottle)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Blend of whiskies distilled from barley malt and grain (other cereals), matured in oak barrels
- Origin: Austria, produced by Gessler (J.A. Baczewski brand lineage)
Not the Vodka — the Austrian Whiskey
Monopolowa is best known as a potato vodka brand, but this is a different animal entirely: Monopolowa 1782 Whiskey is an Austrian product produced by the Gessler house, a blend of malt and grain whiskies matured in oak barrels. The name reaches back to 1782, when a royal privilege was granted for spirit production — one of the oldest such charters in European distilling. Don't let the vodka association fool you: this is all whiskey, amber-hued and sweetish-delicate on the palate.
Tasting Notes
Amber in the glass with a sweetish, delicate profile — honeyed malt, light cereal sweetness, and soft oak on the nose. The palate is smooth and easy-drinking, leaning toward mild malt and vanilla rather than smoke or heavy spice.
How to Enjoy
This is a gentle sipping whiskey: pour it neat at room temperature to catch the malt character, or serve over ice as an evening dram. Its mild profile makes it a good entry point for drinkers curious about international whiskies beyond Scotland and Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monopolowa Whiskey the same as Monopolowa Vodka?No — they share a name and historical brand lineage, but Monopolowa Whiskey is an Austrian malt-and-grain blended whiskey produced by Gessler, while Monopolowa Vodka is a separate potato-vodka product. Award citations found online for the vodka (Beverage Testing Institute, International Review of Spirits) belong to the vodka, not this whiskey.
What country is Monopolowa Whiskey from?Austria. It is produced by the Gessler house, which holds the J.A. Baczewski licence — the brand's Polish vodka history does not apply to the whiskey.
What is the proof of Monopolowa Whiskey?Retailers list it at approximately 86 proof (43% ABV); confirm against the bottle. Compare it with other Monopolowa products at Del Mesa Liquor.
A whiskey curiosity worth having — order Monopolowa Whiskey online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA, and add Austria to your whiskey map.