Press Release Archives
Stoli® elit Receives Highest Vodka Rating From The Beverage Testing Institute
Stoli elit, Stolichnaya’s Ultra-Luxury Vodka,
is Awarded BTI’s Platinum Medal with a Record 97 Point Rating
Purchase, N.Y., February 28, 2007 – Pernod Ricard USA, a leading producer, importer and marketer of prized spirits and wine brands in the United States is proud to announce that Stoli elit, the genuine Russian vodka’s ultra-luxury vodka entrée, has been awarded a 97 point rating and Platinum Medal by The Beverage Testing Institute (BTI), a world renowned, privately owned corporation that conducts professional, blind tastings and reviews of beverage products. In its review, BTI noted elit is “extraordinarily smooth, effortlessly drinkable, and totally elegant: a true world class vodka”.
“We are pleased the Beverage Testing Institute has confirmed what Stoli elit consumers already know: that elit’s unique patented production process creates its exceptional taste and quality; truly befitting of the highest honors,” said Adam Rosen, Stolichnaya Vodka Senior Brand Manager, Pernod Ricard USA. “Accolades such as these validate Stoli elit’s position as the ultimate luxury vodka and Stolichnaya’s position as the true pioneer within the vodka category.”
Stolichnaya elit is distilled four times, mixed with pure spring water and then filtered using a ‘patented freeze filtration process’ which echoes the age-old Russian tradition of pouring vodka into wooden barrels kept outdoors in the icy Russian cold. This significantly improves its quality by causing some contents to freeze inside of the barrel, leaving only the best and most delectable vodka unfrozen in the center. The result is an exquisite product that sets a new standard for consumers and creates the entirely new “ultra-luxury” category among imported vodkas. “Stoli elit offers something above and beyond what is currently available on the shelves,” added Rosen. “As soon as consumers taste elit, they will discover a new product that is not just another vodka in a fancy bottle but rather, a rare spirit set apart by its supreme quality and velvety smooth taste.”
The Beverage Testing Institute judges numerous spirits categories throughout the year. Products are reviewed in a blind taste test and are judged on a 100-point scale.
About Pernod Ricard USA
Pernod Ricard USA, based in Purchase, N.Y., is a leading producer, importer and marketer of prized spirits and wine brands in the United States and is one of the fastest growing subsidiaries of the world’s #2 spirits company and #4 wine company, Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard, S.A. The completion of Pernod Ricard’s acquisition of Allied Domecq in 2005 vaulted Pernod Ricard USA to the forefront of the U.S. spirits market, doubling the company’s sales value and market share. The company is now the third largest in the U.S. spirits industry by sales value and the fifth largest by sales volume in the U.S.
Pernod Ricard USA’s leading brands include Kahlúa® Liqueur, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin®, Malibu® flavored Rum, Stolichnaya® Vodkas, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Wild Turkey® Bourbon, Beefeater® Gin, Hiram Walker™ Liqueurs and Martell™ Cognac, as well as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate® wines, Perrier Jouët®Champagne, Mumm® Champagneand Mumm Napa™ wines, and Pernod® and Ricard® Liquors. Enjoy Pernod Ricard’s brands responsibly and in moderation.