The name derives from the siwy (ash grey) color of the liquid due to Tyndall effect of the colloid emulsion of residual fusel oil.

[citation needed] In Polish it denotes a home-brew vodka or rotgut used for its preparation.

[citation needed] The name was first used as a vodka brand in Warsaw shortly before World War I.

[1] In 1995 the Polmos distillery in Zielona Góra reintroduced it as a way to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the company's foundation.

The mixture is then seasoned in oak barrels and a scent of forest fruit flavour is added.