Soviet-Themed Distillery Stirs Up Pork Roll, Egg and Cheese-Flavored Vodka

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A trend toward what could politely be called "bizarro" liquor has taken hold of social media feeds over the past year. We're talking about releases like Doritos' nacho cheese-flavored spirit, Arby's Smoked Bourbon and KFC's 11 Herbed and Spiced Rum. Whether consumers want to taste these spirits or simply gaze upon them with disdain is yet to be seen; one way or another, distillers aren't giving up on the concept quite yet. Taking the fast food-dominated genre in an anti-establishment direction, New Jersey's 3BR Distillery has unveiled an ode to the favorite sandwich of its home state. In an Instagram post at the end of last month, the brand unveiled a vodka with the savory flavor of egg and cheese on an everything bagel. In keeping with the inspiration, customers can now pick up the spirit in pork roll and Taylor ham varieties. The unusual release came courtesy of a collaboration with the nearby Planet Bagel. 3BR declared on Instagram:

"It combines distilled everything bagel seasoning, a touch of malt rye extract, and distilled pork roll. To complete the flavor profile, lactose sugar is added to achieve the creamy texture reminiscent of melted American cheese. The result is a liqueur that delivers a rich, savory taste, perfect for New Jerseyans and curious foodies alike."

 

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Walking into the Keyport-based distillery, customers are greeted by an abundance of red-and-white branding, furry hats and cartoon bears on virtually every spirits label.  This is because 3BR proudly proclaims itself a Soviet-themed distillery — its Instagram bio reads, "21+ comrades only." The distillery cites 1980s-era Soviet bootlegger Oleg Pichenikin, the grandfather of 3BR founders Aleks and Maks Zhdanov, as its chief inspiration. Today, you can find Pichenikin's split pea liquor recipe on sale thanks to his grandsons alongside far-flung additions like a mushroom and garlic gin, hopped agave spirit and ancho chile liqueur. If you're a local or happen to be stopping by New Jersey anytime soon, you can pick up the brand's pork roll vodka, dubbed "011 PEC On Everything," at $25 a bottle. For more info, check out 3BR's website here. [newsletter-promo]