Press Release Archives
Stolichnaya® Vodkas Receive Highest Marks From The Beverage Testing Institute
Stoli Elit™ and Stoli Peachik™ awarded top honors in their categories
Purchase, NY, (December 10, 2007) – Stolichnaya® Vodka, the genuine Russian vodka, is proud to announce that the Stoli® range of super-premium vodkas has received top marks from the 2007 Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) annual vodka tasting. Among all vodkas tasted, Stoli Elit™, the genuine Russian vodka’s ultra-luxury vodka entrée, was awarded its second consecutive top rating and highest rating ever awarded a vodka – 97 points and a Platinum Medal – in the regular vodka category. In addition, Stoli Peachik™ received top honors – 94 points and a Gold Medal – in the flavored vodka category. Other Stoli products to receive Gold Medal/Exceptional ratings included Stolichnaya 80 proof (92 points), Stoli Blueberi® (92 points), Stoli Vanil® (90 points), Stoli Citros® (90 points) and Stoli Ohranj® (90 points). Stoli Razberi®, Stoli Cranberi® and Stoli Strasberi® all received Silver Medals and a “Highly Recommended” rating.
“It’s a family affair,” said Craig Johnson, Brand Director for Stolichnaya Vodka at Pernod Ricard USA. “Stoli is all about quality and authenticity from Stoli elit through our full range of flavored offerings. Accolades like these validate Stoli’s position as an authentic Russian Vodka and one of the best selling premium vodkas in the world.” Demand for the highly-rated Stoli elit is soaring, Johnson said, adding that, in response to trade and consumer requests, the luxury brand is now being offered in a 1.75L (SRP = $129.99) and a 50ml sampling size (SRP =$7.99).
The Beverage Testing Institute is a world renowned, privately owned corporation that conducts professional, blind tastings and reviews of beverage products. In its 2007 Vodka review, BTI rated Stolichnaya products as follows:
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Stoli elit: 97 points, “Superlative” – “Superb texture, smoothness, and clean pure flavors”
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Stoli Peachik: 94 points, “Exceptional” – “Outstanding purity of flavor – a remarkable fruit infused vodka”
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Stolichnaya 80 proof: 92 points, “Exceptional” – “A nice Russian vodka with a smooth classy edge”
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Stoli Blueberi: 92 points, “Exceptional” – “Finishes with a long, cream blueberry fade. Very pure and appealing flavor”
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Stoli Vanil: 90 points, “Exceptional” – “Very subtle pure vanilla flavor with a great texture”
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Stoli Citros: 90 points, “Exceptional” – “Very nice purity and depth with a deft touch of sweetness”
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Stoli Ohranj: 90 points, “Exceptional” – “Smooth and silky with nice purity and poise”
Not only do we have one of the best tasting vodkas in the world,” added Johnson, “but we also have one of the most dynamic and impactful marketing agendas in the category to help spread the word to the trade and consumers about the quality and authenticity of the Stolichnaya brand. This year we have launched a number of new initiatives including the Stoli Hotel in Los Angeles and Chicago and soon to come in Miami and New York. Stoli Hotel offers a unique venue for the trade and consumers to experience the authenticity of Stolichnaya Vodka through a variety of hotel suites set up to offer entertainment, games, spa services, social gatherings and much more. We have a number of very exciting new initiatives on the agenda for 2008 as well.” Johnson concludes, “BTI’s high grades have helped reinforce Stoli’s position as the best tasting vodka at the head of the class.”
About Stolichnaya
®
Stolichnaya® has established itself as the most trusted name in vodka, guaranteeing Russian authenticity, quality and expertise in each bottle. Decades after the brand’s birth, Stoli® remains the best selling Russian vodka in the United States, valued for its premium ingredients, unique filtration process, and consistently superb taste.
As part of its unique history of innovation, Stoli® was the first imported premium vodka in the U.S. in 1965, the first to introduce flavored vodkas in 1986, the first to establish an ultra-luxury category with Stolichnaya® elit™, as well as the first vodka launched in space.
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® Champagne and Mumm Napa™ wines, and Pernod® and Ricard® Liquors. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to accept responsibility when considering consuming alcoholic beverages. For more information, please visit: http://www.acceptresponsibility.org/.