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.
 

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