Rectified Spirit Duch Puszczy (Spirytus Rektyfikowany Spożywczy) 50cl / 95%
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Duch Puszczy Rectified Spirit is a 95% ABV food-grade spirit in a 50cl bottle, intended as a base for homemade nalewki, infusions and baking syrups. The name translates as 'Spirit of the Primeval Forest', and the label calls it Spirytus Rektyfikowany Spożywczy, edible rectified spirit. Its neutral, near-pure alcohol pulls flavour and colour out of berries, nuts and herbs, which is why Polish home cooks have long used spirytus rather than vodka for their larder liqueurs. Like any 95% spirit for homemade liqueurs, it is never drunk neat and must always be diluted before use.
What Duch Puszczy is used for
Duch Puszczy belongs in the larder, not the drinks cabinet. Steeped with blackcurrants, rowan berries, quince or green walnuts, it becomes a spirit for nalewka making, the Polish fruit or herb tincture that many families prepare in summer and open at Christmas. It also makes lemon vodka (cytrynówka) and honey liqueur, and some bakers brush the diluted alcohol onto sponge cakes.
How to make a simple nalewka with Duch Puszczy
Start with how to dilute spirytus: roughly 700 ml of cold boiled water per 50cl bottle gives about 40%, and around 300 ml gives roughly 60%, a useful strength for steeping. For a raspberry nalewka with Duch Puszczy, layer 1 kg ripe raspberries with 400 g sugar in a large jar and leave for two days until juice forms. Add the bottle mixed with 300 ml water, steep for three weeks, then strain, filter through muslin and rest it in a cool, dark cupboard.
How it compares
On paper it matches BZK Rectified Spirit, with the same 95% strength and 50cl size, so the two are interchangeable in recipes. For a finished flavoured spirit that needs no preparation, Na Przełęczy Bimber Lis Gruszkowy offers pear at 40% ABV, and Dębowa Gold Raspberry is a ready-made raspberry liqueur if you lack the time to steep your own.
Good to know
Store the bottle tightly closed, upright and away from heat, open flames and children, because spirit at this strength evaporates and ignites easily. Never drink it undiluted. Wodka Company delivers Duch Puszczy Rectified Spirit 50cl to adult buyers anywhere in the UK from its London base.
Po polsku
Nazwę Duch Puszczy nosi spirytus rektyfikowany spożywczy o mocy 95%, sprzedawany w butelce 0,5 l. Siedem destylacji zboża daje neutralny alkohol, który dobrze wyciąga smak i kolor z owoców, orzechów i ziół. Jego miejsce jest w spiżarni: na jego bazie powstają domowe nalewki i nastawy z czarnej porzeczki, zielonych orzechów, pigwy czy jarzębiny, a także cytrynówka. Nigdy nie pij go nierozcieńczonego. Butelkę należy trzymać szczelnie zamkniętą, z dala od ognia i dzieci.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Duch Puszczy' mean?
Duch Puszczy means 'Spirit of the Primeval Forest'. A puszcza is an ancient forest, such as Białowieża in eastern Poland, and Duch Puszczy Rectified Spirit uses the name for its neutral grain spirit for home infusions.
Can I make walnut nalewka with Duch Puszczy?
Yes. Polish orzechówka is made with green walnuts, traditionally picked in late June before the shells harden. Quarter them, cover with Duch Puszczy Rectified Spirit diluted with water, steep for several weeks, then strain, sweeten and leave to mature.
How long should a nalewka made with Duch Puszczy rest?
A nalewka made with Duch Puszczy Rectified Spirit needs at least two to three months of rest after filtering for its flavours to settle. Many home makers keep fruit and nut nalewki for six months to a year, as they grow smoother with time.
