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Patented Filtration There's meaning behind the name Akvinta. AK offers a nod to the Latin word aqua, speaking to the purity of Croatian spring water. VIN pays homage to vinum, or wine—a symbol of sophis- tication, which certainly abounds in this vodka. And finally there's the reference to QUINTA, hinting at the vodka's quin- tuple filtration through five natural ele- ments: charcoal, marble, silver, gold and platinum, adding texture and character to the spirit. Building the "A" Team As President of Akvinta USA, Jeffrey Becker, like any great leader, has built a team of marketing, public relations and sales experts to help build the brand. In Manhattan, Becker has recruited five full-time salespeople who under- stand the city's on-premise scene and are valuable assets in getting the vodka in front of buyers. In California, he has partnered with well-connected brokerage firm Great Western Broker- age, headed by seasoned spirits guru Vince Martin. Becker also plans to align with talent- ed mixologists on both coasts, who will speak the language of their on-premise peers to help promote the brand and stimulate unique recipes that showcase Akvinta's special qualities. "While categories such as botanically enhanced gin or wood-aged whiskies can add a more complex flavor profile to mixed drinks, we feel that Akvinta vodka provides a perfect canvas for a mixolo- gist to paint a liquid picture," Becker tells THE TASTING PANEL. Bartenders coast to coast are sure to sense the vibe. Although Becker's "A" team is build- ing the brand, he defers to the vision of the man behind Akvinta, owner and founder Dmitry Zheleznyak. "Dmitry's tireless energy in working the market- place in New York has been one of the key ingredients to our success," Becker states. "I have worked with many brand owners during my career in this industry and have never encountered someone as dedicated. The fact that the brand owner gets as involved with accounts as Dmitry does—and as we merge into other markets, I know his energy will not diminish in the least— sets a high standard for our team." march 2010 / the tasting panel / San Diego's Wine Bank is a treasure-house of fine wine and spirits. "We find un- usual and great products," Paul Karcho, the store owner, imparts. "We don't sell the everyday brands here, and that's what sets us apart from other brick- and-mortar stores." When Karcho first sampled Akvinta, it was a slam dunk. "There was no question in my mind that this was a vodka that is here to stay. The brand is magnificent, the packaging classic and the people sup- porting the brand further separate it from the rest." At San Diego's Wine Bank, Jeff Becker stands in front of two full windows that showcase his vodka. PHOTO: AMY K. FELLOWS The Wine Bank's Paul Karcho with Akvinta USA President Jeffrey Becker. PHOTO: AMY K. FELLOWS The Wine Bank Investing in top-shelf brands means Akvinta is "here to stay"