- Vana Tallinn
Vana Tallinn (Estonian for "Old
Tallinn ") is aliqueur produced by theEstonia n companyLiviko . It is available in 40%, 45% and 50% varieties (80, 90 and 100 US proof respectively), as well as a 16% (32 US proof)cream liqueur (Vana Tallinn Kooreliköör). The liqueur is sweet with a hint ofrum , flavoured by various natural spices, includingcitrus oil,cinnamon andvanilla .Vana Tallinn is widely available in all of the
Baltic states (Estonia,Latvia andLithuania ).The sweetness and flavours disguise the high alcohol content making it potentially dangerous, especially in a
cocktail called the "hammer and sickle " where it is mixed withRussia n champagne. The drink is so named because according to local legend, it hits the drinker on the head and cuts off his legs. It is mixed with 1 part Vana Tallinn and 4 partssparkling wine or champagne.The normal Vana Tallinn can also be mixed with soda or
milk to make something resembling the cream liqueur version.Until recently Vana Tallinn had been only available in Europe making it nearly impossible for anyone in the U.S. to acquire a bottle short of bringing it back from a trip. In 2007 Matrics Importing, based in Oak Lawn Illinois, became the US importer for Vana Tallinn. Efforts are under way to establish nation wide distribution and gain broad acceptance of the product.
External links
* [http://www.liviko.ee/vanatallinn/ Liviko] (in Estonian)
* [http://www.matrics-importing.com/ Matrics Importing] (in English)
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