Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/5037
A fter only two years in the U.S., Sobieski vodka's V.P. of Marketing has something to boast about. "Ours is one of the most successful vodka growth stories in U.S. history," he told a group at the brand's roll-out party at Spago Beverly hills, where two new flavor extensions were introduced. While many brands experienced the worst of times, Sobieski's "Truth in Vodka" campaign and its exceptionally reasonable pricing, made it the best of times for the Polish vodka, which also happens to be the number-one premium vodka in its mother country. Urging consumers to focus on what's in the bottle, a true anti-hype campaign, was one of the factors that helped Sobieski break sales records; in 2008, over half a million cases were sold in the U.S. in the first calendar year of its debut. So, why not extend the brand with a couple of savory flavors? Like the original formula, Sobieski Vanilia and Sobieski Cytron are made from Dankowski rye and spring water. Vanilia shows a delicious marshmal- low nose and a pure-tasting nutty toffee palate. The finish is dotted with refreshingly clean with an orange- lemongrass—almost verbena, taste and aroma—with hints of linen and white flowers. Imperial Brands The 360 Vodka Eco- Friendly Gift Pack For the holidays, your customers can follow the eco-friendly trail with a 750 ml. bottle of 360 Vodka, in its revolutionary bottle consisting of 85% recycled glass, and two handcrafted, naturally absorbent coasters. Go to www. Vodka360.com. Economy Buster With two new flavors and status as one of the world's fastest growing vodka brands, Sobieski — a super-premium vodka at a bargain price—leads the way as an Shawn Barker, Mixologist for Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, is taking creative cocktails to a new level with Sobieski's flavored line extensions. Best of Times by Shawn Barker, Mixologist, Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group 1 oz. Sobieski Cytron ½ oz. Campari 2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice 1/2 oz. dessert wine Garnished with brûléed grapefruit Tru Vodka For this brand, what's in the bottle is just as important as the envi- ronmental factors affected by its productions and the footsteps left behind. That's why this Los An- geles–based company sources all of its lemons for its lemon expres- sion from local famers in Southern California and plants one tree for every bottle sold. Also offered in plain and vanilla expressions, Tru Vodka's clean and smooth flavors are the perfect building blocks for the Jasmine Martini, a cocktail that's gently sweet, with beautiful- ly soft, rounded jasmine and hints of black tea and honey. Modern Spirits LLC Jasmine Martini True vodka Thea Jasmine Liqueur december 2009 / the tasting panel / 89