Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/133302
CATEGORY REPORT PHOTO: JEREMY BALL Beluga Noble Russian Vodka Innovation plays huge in the vodka market. It helps distinguish a brand from the others in its class. If the target audience finds the innovation sufficiently compelling, then you've got a hit on your hands. Beluga Noble Russian Vodka is just such a spirit. Not only will this luxury-grade brand appeal to vodka aficionados and cocktail enthusiasts, devotees of fine single malt Scotch whisky will also greatly appreciate Beluga. The new import is crafted at the Mariinsk Distillery in Siberia from malted wheat and artesian spring water from Siberia. The vodka exits the still and is then rigorously filtered through silver impregnated birch charcoal. The final step prior to bottling is to rest the vodka for a minimum of 30 days to allow the vodka's constituent flavors to fully integrate. The labor-intensive process is well worth the effort. Beluga (SRP $45) has a honey, malt and lemon zest nose and the pronounced flavors of spice, citrus and long-lasting malt. Its similarity to single malt whisky is striking. While a natural served slightly chill, it's best to first sample it neat at room temperature. Everything about this new arrival screams class, including the small, shiny metal beluga fish individually attached to each bottle—a symbol of the nature and purity of Siberia, the land where Beluga is crafted. www.vodka-beluga.com Beluga North America 146 / the tasting panel / june 2013 TP0613_120-156.indd 146 5/23/13 4:56 PM