2018-06-07
Belvedere

Pioneering New Single Estate Rye Series from Belvedere to be Launched in Hong Kong

New Terroir-Driven Products Establish That Origin Matters and Terroir Can Be Tasted

Belvedere, the world’s original luxury vodka, reveals its latest innovation, the Belvedere Single Estate Rye Series, debuting at Duddell’s, Hong Kong on July 4th, 2018. The launch features two distinct vodkas, Smogóry Forest and Lake Bartężek, each named for the village of the estate, and crafted to capture the distinctive essence of their respective terroirs.
 

The Belvedere Single Estate Rye Series represents an extraordinary exploration into the idea of terroir (soil, topography, and climate) in vodka, making the claim that climate variation affects the taste yielded from the same superior Polish Dankowskie Diamond Rye used in each unique expression.
 

The launch in Hong Kong will feature two days of exclusive invitation-only experiences at Duddell’s, transformed by The Woods to resemble forest and lake landscapes, complete with flowing water as table centerpieces and indoor greenery. The evenings will include guided tastings with Matt Pomeroy, Global Education and Advocacy Director of Belvedere Vodka, as well as personal stories and seminars from Victoria Chow, Founder and Managing Director of The Woods, and Masumi Tomioka, head bartender of Duddell’s, discussing how terroir has shaped their approach to bartending, alongside revealing their unique terroir-inspired cocktails.

 

Terroir Distilled

Belvedere Vodka has championed Polish rye vodka and superior natural ingredients since its inception and, with this innovation, is further demonstrating itslongstanding commitment to producing vodkas of complex character. The brand works with only seven farms and for this series selected two, focusing on the lakeside Bartężek and forested Smogóry, to illustrate the variation of terroir on Dankowskie Diamond rye. When tasted side by side, the two new vodkas deliver demonstrably different taste profiles.
 

“Terroir is not simply a notional concept, it really does shine through in our food and drink and enables us to experience the history and traditions of a place through our palate and senses,” said the Global Director of Education, Belvedere Vodka. “We hope this innovation will leave people with a better understanding of terroir and a fresh perspective on vodka and its potential to be much more than a neutral spirit. We’ve always championed that vodka has complex taste and character and this series is further evidence of the approach to vodka that defines Belvedere.”
 

“Our new single estate vodkas represent a very special innovation for Belvedere,” said Rodney Williams, President of Belvedere Vodka. “It is the next phase of our quest to show that there is refinement, discernment and extraordinary quality in vodka. It also reflects our commitment to exceed expectations, both in the use of bakers-grade Dankowskie Diamond Rye and our ability to draw out nuanced flavors.”

Distinct Taste Profiles
 

Smogóry Forest is made entirely from Dankowskie Diamond Rye grown at a single small estate deep in western Poland. The pastoral region is known for its vast forests, short, continental weather fronts, mild winters and fertile soils. This lush, forested terroir is reflected in the new distinctive vodka. With notes of salted caramel, a touch of honey and white pepper, it finishes salty-sweet.

Lake Bartężek is crafted from Dankowskie Diamond Rye grown at a single farm in northern Poland’s Mazury lake district, a region renowned for its crystal-clear glacial lakes, weather shaped by Baltic winds and long, snowy winters. In fact, the rye in this region spends over 80 winter days buried in snow, conditions that add to its character and greatly impact the liquid’s flavor profile. The name Bartężek comes from Lake Bartężek, which runs along the estate’s eastern edge. It is this lakeside terroir that is reflected in this distinctive vodka. With notes of black pepper, toasted nuts and cream, it is full, round and mellow.
 

Disruptive New Packaging

The Belvedere Single Estate Rye Series features unique new packaging that is evocative of the distinctive vodka contained within each bottle. The new bottles have a unique square base that gradually transitions to a round top and a shorter neck borrows cues from high-end dark spirits. Smogóry Forest is a smoky grey and Lake Bartężek’s is a deep blue, each featuring a slow, elegant resolve from dark to nearly translucent. Side by side the two are a cohesive pair and project the elevated nature of their terroir.
 

Drinks Strategy

Belvedere Smogóry Forest and Lake Bartężek should be enjoyed neat or on the rocks to truly experience the exquisite taste of each. If enjoyed in a cocktail, the brand encourages using them as a characterful alternative in classic rye whisky cocktails.
 

Follow Belvedere on Instagram @belvederevodka or visit https://www.belvederevodka.com

2025-02-10
Hennessy

HENNESSY UNLEASH CHINESE NEW YEAR 2025 LIMITED EDITION WITH FASHION DESIGNER SHUTING QIU

THIS CAPTIVATING COLLECTION EMBODIES THE RICH HERITAGE AND TIMELESS ELEGANCE
OF CHINESE BROCADE, BLENDING TRADITION WITH INNOVATION, AND CELEBRATING
ARTISTRY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

(Hong Kong, 3 December, 2024) - Maison Hennessy unleashes a new collaboration for
2025 Chinese New Year, the Year of the Snake, with a vibrant limited-edition
collection by Chinese fashion designer Shuting Qiu.

 

In a fusion of fashion and luxury, the collection, called ‘Reimagination’, is in honor of
the snake, which is about renewal and positive transformation, leaving behind the
past and embracing new beginnings.

 

Vibrant, abstract interpretations of a snake writhe across the carafe designs, using
splashes of colour and prints, such as ancient Chinese brocade patterns, to reflect the
texture and scales of the snake body.

 

Shuting Qiu, who is originally from Hangzhou and now based in Shanghai has drawn
inspiration from her cultural heritage. Looking to the jacquard fabric, Chinese
brocade and embroidery prints traditionally used in clothing and textiles in her
hometown, Qiu has reimagined the symbolic floral motifs and abstract snake scale
patterns to adorn Hennessy's iconic V.S.O.P, X.O and Paradis cognac carafes. With
base colours of red, each bottle tells a unique story, and as a nod to Hennessy’s
heritage, the snake’s movements through the patterns evokes the Charente River in
Cognac.

 

Taking inspiration from the different blends, Qiu has created three distinct works of art
to dress each of the Hennessy bottles:

CNY25 VSOP 1

 

 

 

The V.S.O.P edition is, as described by Qiu, ‘youthful
and energetic’, covered in red vibrant floral motifs,
alongside a combination of plaid and abstract snake
scale silhouettes, symbolising renewal and legacy. A
blend of four distinct Shuting Qiu-designed patterns
featuring traditional motifs and an abstract representation
of the snake weaves through it. Qiu has
used embossing techniques on the gift box to create
texture, mirroring how she creates texture with sequins
and glitter in her fabric designs.

The X.O edition is bold and dynamic with rich
shades of red, gold and blue, featuring
lozenge shapes inspired by traditional
Chinese motifs and a gold cork. Shuting Qiu’s
interpretation of transformation and renewal
is reflected in the embossed snake design,
which glides across the print. Its recyclable
giftbox features an embossed blend of
patterns with an almost fabric like texture.

 

 

CNY25 XO 1

CNY25 Paradis 2

 

 

 

The exclusive limited-edition Paradis is transformed
into a vibrant red masterpiece in honor of the Year
of the Snake. The sculptural snake design is more
abstract and poetic, and embodies elegance and
luxury, by representing a prosperous pursuit towards
newness and paying tribute to the timeless
elegance of Hennessy Paradis. The bottle has a
leather collar, with a soft-to-the-touch-graphic motif
hinting at the awakening of spring, inspired by the
rebirth of a graceful snake shedding its skin.

All are perfect as either a gift during the festive season, or to enjoy whilst seeing in the
new year with friends and family – perhaps served over ice and paired with food, or
as part of celebratory New Year cocktails such as “The Snake’ (recipe in notes to
editors). The carafes even work as a centrepiece in the home.

 

Says Shuting Qiu about the collaboration: “Hennessy has given me an opportunity to
share my ideas and vision with the world, which is an incredible platform for me, as a
young Chinese designer. The Hennessy carafes are classics, and this is similar to fashion
in that every brand has its classic silhouettes, unique designs and colors. My family and
I often drink Hennessy during Chinese New Year, and my friends drink it when we hang
out - it’s a great versatile drink, but my favourite way to drink it is simply over ice”.

 

Growing up in Hangzhou, Shuting Qiu attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in
Antwerp, living in Belgium for five years before returning to China. She credits her time
there as having a big influence on work, fusing Chinese and Western elements.

 

CEO of Hennessy Laurent Boillot added; “Hennessy has a long-lasting connection with
Chinese culture, grounded in 164 years of shared history, also made of rich artistical
collaboration. And it is a great pleasure to welcome Shuting Qiu to embody the spirit
with which we usher Chinese New Year festivities. Her designs epitomize a harmonious
fusion of tradition and contemporary flair, offering with elegance a fitting homage to
our common cultural heritage.”

 

Hennessy Chinese New Year limited-edition bottles will be available at selected retail
stores in Hong Kong and Macau from December. Embrace the festive spirit and raise
a glass to a year filled with abundance and prosperity.

 

Follow the Hennessy website and social media for the latest updates.
Website: http://hk.hennessy.com/ http://hennessy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HennessyHK


 

For media enquiries, please contact the press office team:

PURPLE
  Martha ChowTel:   +852 9763 7987      Email: martha.chow@purplepr.com
  Casey HoTel:           +852 6857 2237      Email: casey.ho@purplepr.com
  Bernice ChanTel:   +852 9825 3660      Email: bernice.chan@purplepr.com
  Sonia YuTel:            +852 6778 5530      Email: sonia.yu@purplepr.com

MOËT HENNESSY DIAGEO HONG KONG & MACAU LTD
  Tracy Chan              Email: tracy.chan@mhdhk.com
  Dekki Lai                  Email: dlai@mhdhk.com


 

“The Snake” Cocktail Recipe
45 ml Hennessy V.S.O.P
20 ml Honey Syrup
30 ml Ginger juice
15ml Fresh lemon juice
2 dash ginger bitters
Garnish: Lemon twist
Method: add all ingredients to shaker tin with ice, shake to chill, strain into a rocks
glass, garnish with a lemon twist

 

ABOUT HENNESSY
Founded on Richard Hennessy's pioneering spirit and with a legacy of over 250 years,
the brand spans over 160 countries, but remains rooted in the Charente region in
France. Beyond its iconic cognacs, Hennessy embraces cultural collaborations,
evidenced through its many partnerships with visionary artists from around the world.
Over the years, Hennessy has worked with cultural icons in design, art, fashion and
music to celebrate a diverse range of creativity to reflect the multi-faceted nature of
the brand and to bring to life the Hennessy cognac’s versatility.

 

ABOUT SHUTING QIU
Shuting Qiu graduated with an MA and BA in Fashion from the Royal Academy in
Antwerp. The brand conveys a signature sense of femininity that features a “modern
romantic” woman, powerful and independent while maintaining her soft identity. The
SHUTING QIU woman dares to express herself with asymmetry and experimentation in
silhouettes, often resulting in rich contrasting colors of silk jacquards, intricate
embroideries, and juxtapositions of linear and floral prints.
Currently based in Shanghai, the Chinese-born designer constantly finds inspiration in
art, literature, cinema and travel. Shuting’s creations pay homage to the free,
romantic and neurotic spirit of heroines such as Virginia Woolf and Pina Bausch.

 

Website: https://shuting-qiu.com/
IG: @shutingqiu