Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/844641
108 / the tasting panel / july 2017 CATEGORY REPORT The sense of luxury and affluence that comes with a bottle of handcrafted vodka is unparalleled in the spirits world. Few things provide a sense of romance quite like the idyllic tableau of sipping clean, clear, ice-cold vodka from a tall, crystal shot glass. Founded in 2002, Beluga Vodka encompasses that sense of luxury and indulgence. The brand swiftly built a reputation for being one of the finest ultra-premium vodkas in Russia, and in 2009 it shipped to the United States for the first time, to a warm welcome. Distilled and bottled at the century- old Mariinsk Distillery in Mariinsk, Russia, Beluga is a relatively new brand with deep roots in history and tradi- tion. "We conceived Beluga Vodka to allow the world to experience the noble craft of the masters at our distillery, established in 1900," says Yegor Proskuryakov, CEO of Beluga North America. "We also imagined that vodka connoisseurs would appreciate the eco- logically clean location of our distillery in Siberia and the pure artesian waters that we use there." The skill of vodka-making is passed down from generation to generation at the Mariinsk Distillery, and the produc- tion of Beluga Vodka gives its master distillers a chance to exhibit their craftsmanship to a large, international audience of connoisseurs. Distilled from 100 percent naturally malted wheat, Beluga is unique in that each expression of the brand goes through a resting period of 30 to 90 days. "Through long experience we know that letting Beluga rest, in the way we do, allows the structure to become thicker, smoother and oilier," Proskuryakov points out. Beluga Noble, the flagship of the brand, rests for 30 days before bottling. Beluga Transatlantic rests for 45 days, Beluga Allure for 60 days and Beluga Gold Line for an impressive 90 days until it is bottled. Proskuryakov adds, "This care and attention gives Beluga Vodka its own rounded and velvety structure, unlike any other vodka." Each expres- sion is filtered through silver-rich charcoal, and each bottle is marked with the distinctive sturgeon fish. "This sturgeon produces the most exquisite, and expensive, caviar in the world. We apply the image of the Beluga sturgeon, shaped in tin, by hand on every bottle," says Proskuryakov. The Beluga Gold Line bottle is also capped with a wax seal intended to be broken with a very special hammer included with each bottle. This ritualistic approach only enhances the sense of ceremony and exclusivity that comes with enjoying Beluga Vodka. Kristina Kalmykova, Export Marketing Manager for Beluga, believes in the vodka's appeal to the luxury drinker. "Beluga's target consumer is the true connoisseur who is looking for a unique drink- ing experience," she says. "Beluga Charity Johnston—Bar Manager and Head Mixologist for ROKU Sunset in Los Angeles—uses Beluga Vodka exclusively in her Moscow Mules as well as in her signature Matcha Mule, a unique spin on the original Mule made with matcha green tea–infused Beluga Vodka, honey, lemon and ginger root juice.