Matt Pomeroy, Global Director of Education, Belvedere Vodka

How is each product name pronounced phonetically?
Smogóry is pronounced “SMOH-GOR-EE” and Bartężek is pronounced “BAR-TEHZECK.”

What was the inspiration behind the Single Estate Rye Series?
Belvedere Vodka is committed to re-energizing the vodka category and pushing boundaries, just as we did when we launched the original luxury vodka in 1996. We continuously strive to showcase the potential for true, authentic and flavorful vodka, debunking the misconception that vodka is tasteless and odorless. We created the Single Estate Rye Series to prove just that. Knowing that where ingredients are sourced from matters, and this new series brings to life how taste can depend on terroir. While not a new concept for wine, this is a revolutionary and ground-breaking philosophy for vodka.

How did you begin exploring the concept of terroir in vodka?
We felt the vodka category was heading in a direction that went against Belvedere Vodka’s core philosophy of all natural and additive-free. Rather than following suit with flavors that tasted like they came from a laboratory, we set out to create something that would reinforce our commitment to producing dynamic vodkas of exceptional complexity and character.

How did you create the Single Estate Rye series?
Belvedere Vodka is made from Dankowskie Gold rye sourced from only seven farms. Out of these, we selected two, developing new liquid from the lakeside Bartężek and comparing it to our existing Unfiltered liquid produced in the forested Smogóry region, both made with Diamond Dankowskie rye, a rare, baker’s grade grain. As suspected, we tasted a clear difference between the liquids.

Why did you decide to re-name the Unfiltered product to Smogóry Forest?
It is the same liquid, correct?
Yes, the Smogóry Forest bottle holds the liquid previously known as Belvedere Unfiltered, which we renamed to better highlight its provenance and tell its rye and estate story. We felt it was right, in light of our findings about the terroir, to name it for its place of origin, and the special rye that shines through in its taste.

Can you explain the difference in the two terroirs?
The vast forests’, short, mild winters and fertile soils of western Poland’s Smogóry Forest offer a completely different landscape to the northern Lake Bartężek in the Mazury Lake District that is renowned for its crystal-clear glacial lakes and long, snowy winters. Just as people often purchase chocolate, wine and tea from specific regions known for producing quality products – and we’re hoping people will start to do the same with vodka after realizing that the unique environments of each estate have a direct impact on the growing rye.

How does each terroir impact the taste each expression?
The terrain, natural action of the winds and weather affect the taste. The lush forestry of Smogóry plays a pivotal role in this region, creating a natural barrier from major cities and maintaining the purity of the environment. Whereas the phosphorus and potassium rich soil plays a very important role in Bartężek.

How did you know?
We studied the differences between the rye composition in the resulting spirit from each location. This revealed that the wort and spirit composition from the Diamond Dankowskie Rye grown on the two different sites significantly impacted the aromatic qualities of the two spirits.

What are the different tasting profiles of each of the Single Estate Rye vodkas?
Smogóry Forest is a naturally sweet and generous spirit with great range, offering notes of salted caramel, a touch of honey and white pepper that finishes salty-sweet. Lake Bartężek, in comparison, is a delicate spirit with more floral and grassy characteristics. It is full, round and elegant, with notes of spearmint, toasted nuts and cream.

How are the products made?
Belvedere Vodka begins its life as Dankowskie Gold rye cultivated at seven farms which are situated across Poland. This rye grain is milled, fermented and a raw spirit is produced which is sent to Polmos Zyrardow, blended together and further distilled, diluted with proprietary water and filtered through cellulose and charcoal. In contrast, Belvedere Smogóry Forest and Belvedere Lake Bartężek begin their lives as Dankowskie Diamond rye which is grown at the named location. At each location, the rye is milled, fermented and a single raw spirit is created. This is then sent to Polmos Zyrardow and distilled, diluted and filtered through cellulose only. This ensures the characteristics of Dankowskie Diamond rye are fully expressed.

What is the difference in taste from Belvedere Vodka?
Belvedere Vodka is an incredible example of a classic Polish rye vodka and strikes the perfect balance of purity and character with bright, expressive and complex notes of vanilla, black pepper and fresh rye bread. In contrast, Belvedere Smogóry Forest showcases deep and rich rye characteristics, with notes of sea salt, toasted nuts and a hint of honey. Belvedere Lake Bartężek displays delicate and fresh characteristics, with notes of rye grain, cut grass and spearmint.

Can you describe the bottle packaging?
The series features bold new packaging that stands out on the shelf. A unique square base evolves to a round top, which features a shorter neck that borrows cues from high-end dark spirits. Smogóry Forest is a smoky grey and Lake Bartężek is a deep blue, each featuring a slow fade from dark to nearly translucent, giving elegant depth to the design. Side by side the two are a cohesive pair and deliver a clear message of terroir.

How are these new expressions best enjoyed? Is there a cocktail you’d suggest?
Smogóry Forest and Lake Bartężek should be enjoyed neat or on the rocks to fully experience the individual characteristics of each. If enjoyed in a cocktail, I would suggest a Lake Bartężek classic Gibson, or a Smogóry Forest Old Fashioned.