Tag: Vodka

9 Vodka Brands In India That Are Worth A Shot

India has one of the biggest consumer markets for vodka. The clear distilled alcoholic beverage finds many takers because of its neutral taste that makes for a good drink without any mixing and also melds well with chasers and other flavourings. It can just as easily be had on the rocks as it can be fashioned into a buzzy, refreshing cocktail. Vodka is traditionally made with fermented cereal grains and potatoes. But it is also being experimented with fruits and nuts these days. While the beverage’s origin can be traced back to Poland, Russia and Sweden, many other countries are grabbing the production opportunities, including India. Here, we bring you a list of some popular Vodka brands that are widely available in India. Try them out.

(Also Read: These Cocktails That Can Be Made At Home In 15 Mins)

9 Of The Best Vodka Brands In India That Are Worth Trying:

1. Short Story Vodka:

If you are looking to taste something new and fresh, then Short Story Vodka is a must-try. Launched in September 2022, this home-grown brand offers charcoal-filtered grain vodka that adds refreshing flavours to your palate. It is currently available in Mumbai, Goa, Delhi and Bangalore.

2. U’Luvka Vodka

A Polish luxury vodka from the Wielkopolska region, it is made using four cereal grains- rye, wheat, barley and oats- in balanced perfection. U’Luvka is known as the spirit of a legendary vodka created by a famous alchemist at the court of King Sigismund III – Poland, 16th Century by using a precise formula. It includes fresh and ripe grain notes and is clean and directed with a real body. It also comes with a good range of nuances of spice, sherbet and nuttiness. This vodka is delicate with a creamy, buttery character and a balance of sweet, savoury, and spicy flavours, with underlying dryness, expanding further with freshness and spice. Moreover, the vibrant grain finish retains freshness and keeps delivering flavour.

3. White Mischief

This vodka became popular because of its association with the cheerleaders of IPL. Under the aegis of United Breweries Group, White Mischief has reportedly acquired a massive market share of 46%, which makes it the largest-selling vodka in India. What really makes it click with young consumers is its various variants, including Strawberry+Ginseng, Mango+Mint and Green Apple+Cinnamon.

4. Rahasya

Ever wondered what India in a bottle would taste like? Enter Rahasya, (pronounced Ra-hus-ya), a premium craft vodka inspired by the mysticism and folklore of India. Meaning ‘mystery’ or ‘secret’ in Sanskrit, Rahasya was conceived with the intention to create a carefully researched product from India for the world. Launched by Varna Bhat of Blisswater Industries Private Limited, Rahasya is Goa-based craft vodka that captures the essence of India in the truest sense. Crisp notes with a refreshing aftertaste, this vodka is best enjoyed plain and simple on ice, making it an extremely pleasant and palatable white spirit.

_{Rahasya is a Goa-based vodka brand.}

5. Kiev Vodka

Kiev Vodka is a smooth and refreshing vodka that is easily available in several states in India, including Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. Made from high-quality grains, this vodka has a crisp and clean taste, with subtle hints of sweetness. It’s a versatile drink that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other beverages. Kiev Vodka is a great option for those who enjoy good vodka and want a quality product at an affordable price.

6. Billion Air Vodka

This light vodka is made with 98% American corn and 2% wheat and offers a mild floral aftertaste. This vodka is distilled in the US and bottled at Vrun’s Sonaar Beverages’ in Palghar, Maharashtra. Billion Air vodka is perfect for those who want a soothing drink with a pleasant flavour.

7. Smoke Lab Vodka

Another standout vodka made right here in India is Smoke Lab Vodka, and the cool part? It’s crafted using Indian Basmati rice! This vodka goes through a 5-step distillation process and is charcoal-filtered, making it super smooth. Plus, it comes in two flavours-Classic and Fennel-Flavoured Aniseed. It’s the brainchild of Varun Jain, Co-founder and CEO of Smoke Lab, who wanted to create a brand that resonates with the urban young crowd. And with its sleek, modern bottle, it’s got that vibe locked in. Smoke Lab Vodka comes in three bold flavours: Smoke Lab Saffron Vodka, made with Kashmiri saffron for a rich aroma and a hint of bitterness; Smoke Lab Aniseed Vodka, combining basmati rice for a creamy texture with aniseed for a sweet, nutty twist; and Smoke Lab Classic India Vodka, offering a smooth, floral undertone with a splash of citrus.

8. Magic Moments

This vodka from Radico Khaitan has been in the market for quite some time now and still remains a favourite of many. It is produced from high-quality grains and distilled thrice to give it a smooth finish. The beverage has 40% alcohol content but is very pleasing on the palate.

(Also Read: 5 DIY Cocktail Recipes With A South Indian Twist)

_{Magic Moments is an old Indian vodka brand.}

9. Romanov

This vodka is pegged as an affordable drink for the masses. It is manufactured by United Spirits, which is a subsidiary of United Breweries Group. The name ‘Romanov’ comes from the Russian Romanov dynasty that was in rule for centuries till the 1900s. The vodka has a sharp note with underlying hints of spiciness. So, for those who like their drink with a strong aftertaste, this vodka is a good option.

Which one of these vodka brands you have tried and liked? Share in the comments section below.

Source link

January 13, 2025
Ukraine’s Nemiroff Vodka Invests In English Soccer Amid Sixfold Growth

Nemiroff’s CEO, Yuriy Sorochynskiy (fourth left) surrounded by representatives from the four Premier … [+] League clubs the brand has partnered with.

Kevin Rozario

Russia’s invasion of, and subsequent war in, Ukraine has not stopped some businesses from expanding internationally, In fact, looking beyond the war-torn domestic economy has been a necessity for many of them. In the vodka market, there have also been some clear benefits.

Sanctions on Russia and public pressure have forced retailers—from Amazon and Coty, to McDonald’s and TJ Maxx—to pull out or suspend operations. According to Yale’s Chief Executive Leadership Institute, more than 1,000 companies have withdrawn. They are led by U.S. entities with a 32% share, and the U.K. with 10.6%.

With made-in-Russia vodkas being spurned in the West, others like Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Diageo’s volume leader Smirnoff have filled the gaps in some markets. Ukraine’s Nemiroff has also taken advantage of the situation and is leading an export drive, with the U.K. as one of its top targets.

Sales in Britain last year increased sixfold thanks to a switch in distribution partner to Scotch producer Whyte & Mackay in mid-2023. The deal also enables Nemiroff to distribute the whisky maker’s products exclusively in Ukraine starting in January 2025. Nemiroff’s CEO, Yuriy Sorochynskiy told me: “The situation in Ukraine and sanctions against Russian products have opened up opportunities and given us some momentum.

Changing mindsets in Ukraine’s favor

“For many years, the world recognized vodka as a Russian product. This is not the case, and we are now making it about prestige Ukrainian products. We are showing the world that we can produce very-high-quality vodka with all the elements coming from within Ukraine.” However, changing mindsets often takes time.

Nemiroff had been in the U.K. for several years but at low volumes. The brand has entered supermarket chains like Sainsbury and Asda and is now doubling down on its latest sales burst by highlighting the brand in the sports arena. A Premier League sponsorship will be key to giving it greater exposure and act as an enabler in bringing it to more retailers and other consumer outlets in the U.K.

“It’s not an easy process but this is a top priority country for us. It is a strategic market and, also, the United Kingdom has supported Ukraine,” explained Sorochynskiy. Other established markets include Canada, the United States, and Australia.

A shoe into the English Premier League

For the first time, Nemiroff has partnered with four English Premier League clubs—Aston Villa, West Ham United, Everton, and Fulham FC—to roll out a campaign called “That’s My Spirit” which launched at London’s Tate Modern gallery last week.

Sorochynskiy said: “Each of our club partners brings unique strengths to the table. They unite millions of fans around the world (and) are perfectly aligned with Nemiroff’s aspirations. Their exceptional venues provide the ideal backdrop for showcasing our premium products, both in the UK and worldwide, opening new avenues for meaningful engagement. This is about more than logos on jerseys—it’s about forging connections: four clubs, one spirit. Partnering with these giants of the game, Nemiroff brings its own legacy into the mix.”

Nemiroff hopes its top-end Lex product will enter the British market in 2025.

Kevin Rozario

As well as the brand exposure, the deal includes club-inspired cocktails, match-day activations and initiatives, digital engagement, merchandise collaborations, and support for grassroots football programs. The Premier League partnership will run “for at least two seasons” according to Sorochynskiy. “We will look closely at how this deal increases the consumption of our products,” he added.

Supporting Ukraine’s domestic market

Nemiroff also has an eye on lifting the Ukrainian economy. It is faring relatively well, with GDP set to end the year at $189 billion, up 3.5%. By comparison, Russia’s GDP is expected to grow at 3.9% said state-owned news agency Tass earlier today, quoting the country’s deputy prime minister Alexander Novak.

As the biggest vodka brand in Ukraine, Nemiroff is at the end of quite a long production chain that includes raw materials suppliers from grain to bottles, labels, and packaging. “Exports therefore have a direct economic impact at home,” said Sorochynskiy.

Nemiroff is unique among Ukraine’s vodka producers in being a big exporter, a process that began about 25 years ago. It was already the number three vodka brand in the world in the duty-free channel pre-Covid (based on IWSR figures).

Lex, Nemiroff’s revamped top-end luxury vodka, is not yet in the British market but there are hopes it might be introduced next year. Meanwhile, in North America, the company has signed a portfolio distribution deal with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits covering Canada—and the U.S. also remains a future expansion target.

Source link

December 11, 2024