SNOW QUEEN VODKA ARRIVES ACROSS THE ATLANTIC
By Michael Hepworth
A highly touted Vodka from
Kazakhstan
which is distilled five times has arrived to the States.
Snow Queen Vodka was recently awarded the Top Vodka medal at
the recent 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Kazakhstan
is the ninth largest country by land area in the world, and the sixth
largest producer of grain.
Snow Queen uses organic
wheat and artisan spring water, and employs a five time distillation
process using Kazakh birch charcoal. No flavoring is used in this Vodka,
because Vodka is drunk neat all over
Kazakhstan
. In fact, this Vodka is so classy that it has its own ice bucket to keep
it ice cold. In the refining process, all water impurities like calcium
and magnesium salts are removed, followed by a reverse sand filtering
process ending up with a smooth clear water base.
Snow Queen is relatively new
in the crowded market having launched in
Chicago
in 2006, and a recent major push in
California
,
Colorado
and elsewhere can only improve the profile of what seems a legitimate
challenger to the likes of Grey Goose, Belvedere, Ketel One, Level and
many others.
The celebrity quota is
heavy, and following the launch in
London
. such well known imbibers as Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Victoria
Beckham and Princes William and Harry all started drinking the stuff.
Packaging is superb, and industry insiders have told me that the company
is strongly capitalized and can take on the likes of Grey Goose with the
kind of financial muscle you need to get your product on the shelves.
Overall opinion is that of a very smooth vodka, thanks to the elaborate
distillation process, worthy of the plaudits and awards it has garnished
since entering the marketplace
MARTINIS WE LIKE
Ginger Leaf
1.7
oz Snow Queen
8
leaves fresh basil
1
lime wedge
2
bar spoons-white sugar
Dash
ginger cordial
Dash-soda
water
Put
sprig of thyme and rosemary in bottle of Snow Queen. Leave at room
temperature for 5 days. Strain into empty bottle and keep in fridge.
Put basil, lime, sugar in tall glass and muddle all ingredients.
Add crushed ice, pour in Snow Queen. Add ginger, top up with soda water.
Stir vigorously and garnish w/rosemary.
Website:
www.snowqueenvodka.com
Cost:
$27.99 (Retail for 750 ml
bottle)
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