Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/844641
july 2017 / the tasting panel / 109 vodka perfectly satisfies even the most demanding consumer." Beluga's presence in fine-dining establishments exemplifies its standing as a brand that exudes exclusivity. Charity Johnston, Bar Manager and Head Mixologist for ROKU Sunset in Los Angeles, agrees. "I've worked in Japanese concepts for ten years, and everything in that cul- ture is very specific. I saw Beluga as the same—everything is specific, and my clientele loves it," she says. Johnston is particularly drawn to Beluga's nuance and structure. She adds, "It's creamy; it's like the wine of vodkas. It goes well with sashimi, and our fluke with kumquat and sea salt is great with a Beluga Martini." At ROKU, Johnston 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. At The Little Door in West Hollywood, Bar Manager and mix- ologist Michael Gannon finds Beluga Vodka the perfect pairing with the res- taurant's fresh, organic menu. "Beluga's commitment to quality in each of their vodkas makes it a great match for us. To watch people try Beluga Gold for the first time is really cool," he says. Pairing Beluga with the menu at The Little Door has proved to be an exercise in seasonal craftsmanship. "Right now, Beluga is a perfect pairing with our summer menu. We have Dungeness crab, zucchini carpaccio, even foie gras torchon," says Gannon. Equally excited about Beluga's place on his menu is Robert Rouleau, Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at The Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows. Rouleau takes Beluga's sense of luxury to the next level by pairing it with its ultimate partner: caviar. "Our Beluga Vodka and Kolikof Caviar ice bar station, offered for private events, is where we showcase true luxury, craftsmanship and sophis- tication," he says. "Beluga's quality ingredients offer a truly luxurious experience that is well aligned with The Beverly Hills Hotel." For the second year in a row, Beluga will take its dedication to brand awareness to the next level with its Beluga Signature Bartender Program, a multi-stage, immersive educational program for bartenders around the world. Proskuryakov explains, "From April until September, top bartenders from the USA, UK, France, Germany, Spain and Russia will be competing for the name of Beluga Global Brand Ambassador 2018. It's exciting for everyone involved!" Beluga's attention to detail and incredible taste and versatility have set it up to become the new powerhouse in the vodka category. "Our ultimate goal is to build a truly cosmopolitan brand that is internationally recognized by vodka lovers around the world," says Kalmykova. "True masterpieces are created with great deliberation, and the same goes for Beluga vodka." At The Little Door in West Hollywood, Bar Manager and mixologist Michael Gannon finds Beluga Vodka the perfect pairing with the restaurant's fresh, organic menu.