Monopolowa

3 StarStarStarStarStar

Monopolowa is a 40% ABV vodka from Austria. The vodka is produced by J. A. Baczewski and imported by International Import Export. The quality is considered to be good. The average price is around $13.04 per 750mL. Rated 3 out of 5 based on 10 reviews.

The bottle states the following:

Attributable to the original tradition of being distilled from potatoes, Monopolowa is a vodka of infinite distinction produced in Vienna at the foot of the majestic Austrian Alps in the heart of the old world.

A winner of prestigious awards, Monopolowa is indeed the vodka of choice for the aficionado.

Monopolowa Vodka Review

3 StarStarStarStarStar

Monopolowa was suggested by a reader. We happened to find a bottle in Denver, Colorado.

The Shot

The taste of Monopolowa in the mouth is clean and comfortable. The swallow brings out bitter flavors that stick to the tongue. On the way down, the vodka is very smooth. Monopolowa doesn’t require a chaser, but the bitters that hang around aren’t the most pleasant.

The Mixed Drink

I mixed Monopolowa with Welch’s White Grape Juice, at least two times as much juice as vodka. Monopolowa significantly bitters the juice, making for a less than enjoyable cocktail.

Opinions

Daniel tried a shot of Monopolowa. He said it was alright going down, fairly smooth, but the bite afterwards was very strong. He thought it needed a chaser, and he wouldn’t just sip on. He wasn’t impressed.

Monopolowa is an okay vodka, but if you’re after a potato vodka, there are much better options. The saving grace is that it is priced for the middle shelf.

Rated 3 out of 5.

Robert Brodrecht

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By SATworks

    No Rating

    I always find it fascinating that some reviewers (and judges on shows like Iron Chef), comment as though everyone should share their opinion as being fact. In this case, bitter is what I want in my potato vodka. If you’re a grain lover, however, you may want to pass on this one.

    Monopolowa does indeed have staying power that is a bit on the bitter side, and that is exactly what I love in a potatoe vodka, and precisely why I love Chopin and Monopolowa. The only real difference between the two being a slightly smoother finish with the Chopin, and of course, the price. If you love Chopin, you’ll certainly love Monopolowa–top shelf taste at a middle shelf price.
    Makes a truly wonderful dirty martini! Cheers!

    SATworks

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Gary

    5 *****

    I just opened a bottle for the first time… Owner Keith at the liquor store said it’s good mixing vodka…He knows I like to try new vodkas all the time… I must say that after having a cocktail mixed with sprite…I’m impressed…I like the way it has a little bite to it… Has a great taste to it as well…Great price too…. I would buy it again…

    Gary

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By GolemGolem

    No Rating

    I just picked up a bottle at the liquor store due to liking the bottle and it’s nice big 6$ rebate sticker attached…I like it. I find it smooth and easier to sip than any other vodka at this price range. I get poster noting that there is a bit of liquorice flavor as you dig into the bottle. I’ll be getting this again rebate or no rebate.
    //Shit, I work for a living I can’t afford 40$ bottles and 10$ shots unless you’re buying.

    GolemGolem

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By AZWolverine

    4 *****

    Excellent value, and the first potato vodka I ever purchased. In terms of Polish potato vodka, this is second only to Luksusowa.

    AZWolverine

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Szram

    No Rating

    Monopolowa is actually made in Austria from an old Polish recipe (J.A. Baczewski), hence the quality. It was very popular between the world wars, and was referenced in Polish literature due to its quality. But during WW2 the factories in Lwow, now Lviv in Ukraine were destroyed so it is now produced in Vienna (www.agjab.com) I believe. Unfortunately it’s not widely available in Poland so it’s fallen out of fashion there. So although it is relatively cheap, this does not mean it’s poor quality. I have paid top dollar for some dreadful vodkas (e.g. u’luvka). Experience tells me that overpaying for a shot in a bar is better value than buying a bottle of something dreadful. Another example of a lesser-known quality Polish vodka is Chleb Sol (bread salt).

    Szram

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Haans

    No Rating

    Interesting, the comment about bitter flavors are new to me. Of course being of central European heritage I would not think of drinking unchilled vodka. Perhaps this bitterness is when tasted at room temperature? From my perspective and that of my vodka drinking friends, Monopolowa is the best Vodka we have had at any price. Chopin is really overpriced and does not have the slight sweetness we find in Monopolowa. Oh and that little bite afterward. To me a very desirable trait

    Haans

    Reply

    • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Robert

      @Haans I’ve been wondering for awhile if there aren’t different brands with the same name or if different places get different “recipes” under the same brand name. Monopolowa came across to me (both in terms of packaging and flavor) as a solid middle shelf vodka, where as Chopin tasted more refined (though I do agree that it’s price is a bit hard to swallow).

      For the record, we do chill the vodka before reviewing.

      Reply

      • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Haans

        @Robert. Monoplowa has recently introduced international labeling. We have not noticed any change in the product. Also we have tried blind tastings with numerous potato vodkas. Lusakowa, Chopin, Galcier(?), Monoplowa, etc. We serve right out of the freezer in traditional vodka glasses. It is interesting how people gravitate to the Monopolowa. I was originally introduced to Monoplowa by the owner of a liquor store. He thought it to be better than any premium or super premium vodka available. The price is certainly middle shelf. A Russian friend’s only complaint is there is no 100 proof version.

        Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Mark

    4 *****

    Yep, spot in review. Monopolowa does indeed have a tongue sticking characteristic, almost numbing, yet retains slight pleasent potatoeyness. More character than say Luksusowa, but Luksusowa is smoother. Monopolowa hits the tongue with more flavor, Luksusowa is smoother with slight throat warming, could chug hole bottle of Luky like water with slight throat burn on last chug. Difference likely due to filtration. Pick your poison.

    Mark

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By JimmyJoeBob

    2 *****

    Tastes like Pringles and potato starch. Did not like. I’ll stick to my wheat or rye vodkas. Do like Chopin though, very smooth.

    JimmyJoeBob

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Dove hunter

    No Rating

    I would recommend monopolova with ice and maybe a little club soda and line for flavor. When mixed with ice, you can taste the flavor develop into a sweet licorice aftertaste over time. The beauty in this drink is that it can be sipped like a whiskey and take on dynamic tones that leave no hang over when enjoyed to excess.

    Dove hunter

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Fred

    No Rating

    I think this is a fantastic vodka considering the price, it does have a little aftertaste but I don’t find it objectionable at all.
    one way to find out, try it yourself. At the price you have nothing to lose.

    Fred

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Steve

    No Rating

    Monopolowa is not quite as smooth as Chopin, but it is less than half the price. Monopolowa is great for shots out of the freezer and for mixing. I like better than Luksusowa.

    Steve

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Chris

    5 *****

    Luksusowa is slightly better but for the money, I will buy Monopolowa every time. Too bad Trader Joe’s in not in my town.

    Chris

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Laura

    5 *****

    Smooth! Nice surprise.

    Laura

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Rob

    4 *****

    it is funny how often my tastes are so often out of match with others. I really liked the Monopolowa. I tried it for the first time two nights ago after finding a 1.75 Liter bottle for sale at my local, Apple Jacks Liquor store. I tend to like all potato vodkas. I don’t think the Monopolowa is the smoothest vodka I’ve ever had, but it certainly has character. See my own impressions in detail, here:
    http://productreviewratings.com/2013/03/monopolowa-vodka-made-with-potatoes/

    Rob

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By BRAD

    5 *****

    This vodka is very popular in the hipster bars of Portland. I live in Atlanta, where it’s tough to find, but when I do, it’s as low as $14.99 for 1.75 liters! It’s become the only vodka I drink, and I would gladly pay double the price. I think there are just too many trendy vodkas out there for most stores to bother with it.

    BRAD

    Reply

    • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Nick

      Brad,

      I’ve been having a hard time finding anyone besides a place in Decatur GA that sells this. I live in Atlanta. Surely there are more sources. Do you know of any?

      Thanks
      Nick

      Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Daniel

    No Rating

    Minor correction to this review: Monopolowa is from Austria. Other than that, this review is pretty well spot on, if not a bit generous to this spirit.

    Daniel

    Reply

    • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Robert Brodrecht

      I made the correction. Polish in heritage but indeed made in Austria.

      Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By betty clark

    No Rating

    Please compare the difference of Monopolowaya Vodka and Chopin Vodka. Which is the best buy

    betty clark

    Reply

    • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Robert

      I’d buy Chopin over Monopolowa. If you’re looking for a good and cheap potato vodka, try Luksusowa. We haven’t reviewed it yet here but it’s really good. I think we paid $11 in Georgia.

      Reply

      • Monopolowa Vodka Review By bclark378

        Thank you for your imput – I will see if I can find it.

        Betty

        Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By abbeltone

    No Rating

    Was looking for a mid priced potato Vodka tried Monopolowa. Made my wife a vodka & grapefruit and myself a Dry martini.
    My wife didnt notice the difference from her normal more expensive brand. My martini was excellent, very pleasant taste.

    abbeltone

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Nathan Galvin

    No Rating

    This vodka is so aesthetically pleasing in the bottle I could care less how it tastes, yet mixed with a sweet vermouth or -my personal favorite with cheap vodka- Sweet Tea, it SHINES. Seriously, a good sweet tea and this vodka is perfect for a hot summers day. Splash in some lemonade and you’re set.

    Nathan Galvin

    Reply

    • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Thomas Riley

      Howdy Nathan…….. I read your review on (Potato) Monopolowa Vodka. I just today bought my first Litre($9.99) @ Trader Joe’s here in Northern California at the recommendation of a customer there @ TJ’s who looked like he may know what he’s talking about. Nathan, what kinds of “Sweet Tea” are you talking about w/splash of lemonade ? Your recommendation(Sweet Tea) most appreciated. Best Regards.

      Reply

      • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Robert Brodrecht

        As a Southerner, I have an opinion about sweet tea. I lived in LA for three years, and I could drive 45 minutes to one of the two SoCal Chick-Fil-As or brew my own. Here is the easiest way to make it:

        1. Put four family sized tea bags in a mason jar filled with water.

        2. Microwave for three minutes, then let sit for 5 minutes.

        3. Into a gallon jug, empty the tea and squeeze the tea bags out. discard the tea bags.

        4. Mix 1 and 1/3 cup of sugar or 1 and 1/3 cup of “baking” sucralose into the tea. Mix until blended.

        5. Fill with water and ice.

        You can do it other ways but that is the fastest way I know of. Finally, you can mix to taste with the vodka you like best.

        I’m not sure if Red Diamond does sweet tea in Cali. I never saw it, but Chick-Fil-a and McDonalds are doing sweet tea in Cali now. So, at worst, get some from then and drop a few shots in.

        That said, several vodka companies are making sweet tea vodka. Check out our review of Deep Eddy Sweet Tea or Dukes Sweet Tea for a couple of examples.

        Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By softmorningcity

    No Rating

    I really like Monopolowa. Great price, and I love the flavor, slight bite and the nice bitterness that hangs around for a few moments after the swallow. I also notice a bit of a citrus quality to the taste, which gives it some personality. I’d recommend this to anybody who wants a good, reasonably priced potato vodka. Luksusowa is great too. I drink both regularly. If you like vodka, you owe it to yourself to try Monopolowa.

    softmorningcity

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By fifthkilla

    No Rating

    It’s only 9.99 for a liter bottle at Trader Joes in California, definitely a good choice as a value vodka.

    fifthkilla

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By rikoz

    No Rating

    Tastey spirits, smooth, leaves a little reminder of quality on rear taste buds.
    Usually favor Smirnoff blue label #57 triple distilled. Monopolowa potatoe vodka
    is good. Got my sample from a friend, ccame from mining are in Oregon. Apparently
    needs more advertising as my friend tells me it is in short supply. Good vodka
    Rick

    rikoz

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By simplyvmail

    4 *****

    This isn’t too bad, and one I order often. The white label is the one I see most often and like it much better. Not sure if there is a difference but there seems to be.

    simplyvmail

    Reply

  • Monopolowa Vodka Review By Thomas Riley

    No Rating

    (June 2012) I’m sitting here in Northern California(Boston Native) and thus far enjoying my first Monopolowa (Potato) Vodka,tonic water,ice,fresh lime & ginger slices and a few drops of Angostura Bitters(Carribean). So far so good for a refreshing Summer drink(s). This Litre was $9.99 @ Trader Joe’s here in NorCal. I’m a quality Scotch/Irish Whiskey drinker,but am switching to refreshing Potato-Vodka drinks in warmer weather. Pricing/Quality ratio is very important as I am “retired” and live on a very modest income.Any other Potato-based Vodka/mixed summer drink recommendations are appreciated by yours-truly. Go-Red Sox !

    Thomas Riley

    Reply

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