In the fertile fields of Krzesk, eastern Poland, the Chopin Distillery has been steadily perfecting its craft since the 19th century. It is one of the last vodka producers in the world to own its distillery and control every stage of production, a rarity in an industry increasingly defined by consolidation and outsourcing. Here, generational farmers provide the raw ingredients, their families having worked this land for decades. Distillery workers pass down traditional methods with care and precision, many having spent their entire careers within these walls. The Master Distiller has been here since 1978. Families often work across different roles, their lives intertwined with the rhythms of harvest, distillation and bottling.
The Dorda family, led by CEO Tad Dorda, has remained at the heart of Chopin for decades, ensuring the heritage continues to evolve whilst staying true to its roots. In 1993, Chopin pioneered the premium vodka category, reshaping perceptions of what vodka could be. Tad often says, “We don’t make vodka to be neutral, we make it to be distinctive.” That conviction has guided them ever since, from the creation of single-ingredient expressions to innovations that challenge convention.
For the team, the work is as much about creativity as it is discipline. Each harvest tells its own story, and distilling those flavours into vodka requires both craft and instinct. They experiment with new potato varietals, age vodka in oak barrels, and constantly seek ways to push boundaries. The goal is not simply to produce vodka but to reveal its character, to show that when made with care and passion, it has depth worth savouring.
Chopin Vodka is distinctive because it is distilled to preserve the character of the raw ingredients, not erase it. Each of their single-ingredient vodkas, potato, rye and wheat, has its own personality. In 2019, they launched Chopin Family Reserve, the world’s first super-premium rested vodka priced above $100. In 2023, they released Chopin Vintage Vault, the world’s oldest rested vodka. They are trendsetters, not trend chasers, constantly exploring new varietals and techniques whilst remaining independent and family-led in a world of global mergers.
