Introducing VOD-K, Caramel & Truffle Flavored Premium Vodka From Paris.

VOD-K, the subtle combination of pure grain vodka, caramel and black truffles is a new premium vodka from Paris-based Fryd Food & Drink produced and bottled in Cognac in the Charente, the birthplace of expertise and tradition in quality spirits and liqueurs.



An exceptional vodka, VOD-K differs from its sister premium pure grain through the subtle aroma of truffles and caramel it releases every sip. This exclusive alliance gives contrasting notes, leaving the palate an impression of strength and softness.



Fryd Food & Drink tapped agency QSLD Paris to brand the new premium vodka. The agency worked on the name research, the graphic identity and the package design.

Frydlender Lawrence is a lover of terroir and flavors forgotten. A true epicurean, he has always advocated a return to the earth and the real. After more than 20 years in the world of cosmetics and traveling the world, he created Fryd Food & Drink. As a nod to the founder, VOD-K is nestled in a crystal bottle much like a vial of perfume. Composed mainly of crystal glass, it features a thick base which supports pattern etched glass that results in a brushed metal nose with a plastic insert designed much like perfume.




"I wanted to reconsider, premiumize and modernize the distillery sample bottle. The bottle of Vod-k is cylinder-shaped heavy and weighted to underline its premium character. This character is highlightened by the mat finishing of its Brown anodized metal cap. The bottom of the bottle is truffle shaped. The concept of Vod-k has been thought from the beginning to the end to create a consistent universe. Vod-k is a modern interpretation of the « demijohn ». Unique by its shape and its graphic design, Vod-k is also a decorative object. Thought to be exhibited, no detail has been left to chance." Denis Boudard of QSLD says.



The name « vod-k » is phonetical and looks like an sms word. A universal name, easy to remember, to understand and pronounce all over the world.



Specializing in truffle based fine foods, Fryd Food & Drink has previously trusted QSLD Paris with the design and graphic identity of their own logotype and QSLD worked on the graphic and volume design of many of their products (e.g.Olive oil, truffle flavoured salt and pasta).

EFFEN VODKA Presents The Art of Design. March 16th In Santa Monica.

If It's Hip It's Here, along with other Los Angeles area bloggers and companies, has the honor of being one of the co-hosts of The Art of Design event with EFFEN Vodka that takes place tomorrow night. The event, open to anyone over 21 years of age, will feature local mixologists competing to design the most Provocatively Premium™ EFFEN® Vodka martini.




Sample cocktails, vote on your favorites and watch a local artist and fashion designer reveal pieces inspired by EFFEN Vodka. Complimentary Happy Hour, too.

I hope to see you there!

When:
March 16, 2011 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Where:
William Turner Gallery at Bergamot Station Arts Center
2525 Michigan Ave
Santa Monica CA 90404

How:
Only those 21 years of age and older can attend.
Please click here to get on the guest list


RSVP

Another Vodka Tries Attracting Women. Introducing Van Gogh Blue.

In today's New York Times, Stuart Elliott, in his campaign spotlight column, wrote about Van Gogh Blue, a triple distilled wheat Vodka that specifically targets women.

Having previously written several posts on this blog about premium vodkas, including other female-targeted brands like Diva and Igor Velodin's Damaskaya, both of which seem to have gone by the wayside* after a very short period of time, I was intrigued to say the least.

*Both the Diva and the Damaskaya websites have disappeared and neither can be found on the web or in liquor stores anymore.

above: Diva Vodka was packaged with real Swarovski Crystals emulating a stripper pole in the middle.


above: Russian brand Damaskaya caused nothing but headaches for the brand.

Will yet another "Ladies Only" Vodka make it? Van Gogh Blue does have the social media support behind it (a facebook page and twitter account) that the other two lacked and an advertising campaign with an edgy sense of humor. Diva and Damaskaya went the ultra feminine route with butterflies, diamonds and a nod to Marilyn Monroe.



The ads for Van Gogh Blue:




On their website, they the lure ladies to the liquor with the following text:

"Come unbottled with the only premium triple wheat vodka that’s guaranteed to be smoother than most of the men you meet out at the bars. Okay, all.

Sometimes a girl just wants to shake things up a bit. And we think there’s no better way to do that than with a great cocktail and some great friends. That’s why Van Gogh Vodka has been serving up five-star rated flavors that are smoother than silk sheets for…well, the exact number doesn’t matter. But let’s just say it’s been a while. And now we’re introducing women everywhere to Van Gogh BLUE, the first premium, triple wheat vodka made from three international sources (France, Germany and Holland). It’s 80-proof. And already proving to create some of the best ladies night memories. Ever.

So, leave the kids with the babysitter, and join the party on Facebook and Twitter. See you there."

So, what makes this one women-targeted vodka different from the other two?
Well, first of all, Van Gogh Vodka is already a well established brand. This particular release is the eleventh vodka from the distillery. Secondly they have a very large US distribution, not to mention ad advertising budget of one million dollars, which both Diva and Damaskaya lacked. These facts coupled with the social media efforts may just make this female-specific vodka work.

So, put away those wine spritzers, girls and raise a glass of Van Gogh Blue.

info and images courtesy of the NY Times and Van Gogh Vodka

Pavé - The Luxury Liqueur Distilled Through Real Diamonds In Amsterdam.

An interesting unique luxury liqueur that is distilled through genuine diamonds, Pavé Amsterdam - The Luxury Liqueur™, had me intrigued from the start. I did as much research as possible and even contacted the owner multiple times for details, but I didn't learn much more than I had by poking around the internet. So, I will share with you what I can.



Nowadays the word "luxury" is tossed about quite carelessly. I've been guilty of doing so in this very blog. But when it comes to a luxury liqueur, Pavé claims to be the paragon. After all, it's said to be distilled and filtered through 500 carats of the finest grade earth-mined diamonds.



Pavé, the Luxury Liqueur, is described as an ultra premium, 60 proof clear fruit liqueur infused with a distinct blend of ripened citrus, tropical and passion fruits, hints of caffeine and delicate herbal notes. Distilled from organic fruits through genuine diamonds. It is said that Pavé is designed to be a standalone drink, though it can also be enjoyed with a splash of your favorite mixer.



The company says that Pavé’s finesse is in its elaborate creation process and secret family techniques that have been passed down for generations.



The bottle design:

From their website:

The ultra-lux liqueur is encased in its proprietary rectangular bottle. Standing strikingly tall and crystal-like, the bottle is fused with metal and Swarovski Crystals. The bottle was designed by founder Moghaddam* and inspired by the diamond distillation method used to produce the delicate liqueur. A 750ml bottle of Pavé weighs nearly 5 pounds.

The distillation process:


From their website:

Pavé is the first and only liqueur distilled with diamonds. For this “diamond-distillation” process, over 500 carats of the world’s finest genuine diamonds (category: IF/VVS1 – D/E) were examined and hand-picked by experts. After an elaborate distillation, Pavé is filtered through these flawless diamonds just before bottling, using a brand new batch of gems for every distillation. This enables filtration to 1.0 microns – conventional filters, on the other hand, only filter within a range between 30.0 and 15.0 microns. This fine, high-grade diamond dust makes this possible, removing even the most minute particles and impurities from the distillate. The sophisticated process gives Pavé its exquisite softness, exceptional clarity and clean, fresh finish - a liqueur of perfect purity and smoothness.

So, who is behind Pavé the Luxury Liqueur?



Well, this is not an easy one to answer. You may have noticed that the liqueur label and logo read Pavé Amsterdam, and when I asked owner Moghaddam*, I couldn't get a specific address nor pictures of the offices or distillation location. And from my own amateur research, I couldn't find any indication that it's created, owned, distilled or distributed in or from Amsterdam, so I am taking his word for it.

*Mehran Moghaddam, is named as the founder and President of the company, the designer of the bottle and as per his Linked In profile, a young entrepreneur who received a degree in Biochemistry at UC Davis in 1996 and a masters at UC Davis in Business Management in 2005.



The links to the "media" for Pavé on their site don't work, so I couldn't see any other articles about the trademarked "luxury liqueur". And when it comes to their social media presence, they are definitely a mess. On Facebook, one of their group pages calls it Pavé Vodka, but it is not a vodka and the marketing address for that is the Idol Music Group which is in New York. The business group page on Facebook lists Amsterdam as their location, but again, no working address or link. The myspace page for Pave is sparse and neglected and hasn't been updated in over a year.

This kind of makes me doubt the diamond distillation process. After all, 500 carats of Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds with D or E color would cost millions (unless they are chips, which is possible) and a new batch is used every time? Are there armed guards standing by during the process? And who are these 'experts' who hand picked the diamonds? Unfortunately, I could not find the answers to these questions.



Regardless of the veracity of its claims, the concept has an appeal and the bottle design is aesthetically pleasing. I can't comment on the taste because it's virtually impossible to locate in a retail location or online, with one exception -- it is available through Hi Time Wine. How did I even hear about it? Pavé seems to be most commonly present at music-related launches at the hippest events and parties.

all images courtesy of Pavé Spirits and Mehran Moghaddam

Premium Vodka Distillers Drunk With Design

I can't help but notice how many new "Luxury" Vodkas are entering the market these days. Premium distilled award-winning Vodkas with stunning bottle designs to match.

Whether they contain actual gold flakes, like Shaw-Ross Importers "Gold Flake Vodka" or Swarovski Crystals like "Diva Vodka", clearly alcohol and luxury are becoming popular bedfellows.

In addition to being touted as having multiple distillation processes or having the least impurities, these companies have hired well-known designers to create gorgeous bottles and packaging..and in the case of U'luvka, glasses and ice buckets as well.

Below are a few of the newest Luxury Vodkas with stunning bottle designs for your perusal.. and possibly imbibing.

1) French Vodka Gold Flakes Supreme, a new ultra-premium vodka with a touch of gold launched across the US this month.


Above: Gold Flakes Supreme Vodka by Shaw-Ross Importers.

Shaw-Ross is to release the Ultra-premium French Vodka Gold Flakes Supreme – made with 24-carat consumable gold flakes – to certain vodka markets in the country.

The gold vodka is bottled in France and quadruple-distilled. "The shimmering flakes of edible gold that glitter magically in Gold Flakes Supreme's crafted quality bottle bring to life all of gold's most desirable associations and expectations," the company notes. The retail price of the flaked vodka is estimated at €60 (£40) per bottle.

Shaw Ross is currently updating their web site to better serve you. If you have any questions, please email TatianaColumbus@Shaw-Ross.com.

2).What vodka is worthy of the Trump name?



After an exhaustive worldwide search, Drinks Americas is proud to announce the launch of the world's finest vodka: Trump Super Premium Vodka.



Quintuple-distilled in Holland by renowned Dutch master distiller Jacques de Lat, Trump Super Premium Vodka is the culmination of our search for the distiller and the vodka that will demand the same respect and inspire the same awe as the international legacy and brand of Donald Trump himself.



Trump Super Premium Vodka is bottled in a unique, sexy, and luxurious Bruni Glass design, with labels and outer decorations by world famous New York designer and artist Milton Glaser.

The Premium Vodka category is where the very best of fashionable spirits brands compete. By the summer of '06, I fully expect the most called for cocktail in America to be the "T&T" or the "Trump and Tonic." We are very excited that Drinks Americas will be leading this initiative and look for great success."

The beverage, Trump 24K Super Premium Vodka, is marketed though a partnership between Drinks Americas and business icon Donald Trump and is currently sold in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

As part of the Russian launch of the product, an expected 45,000 consumers in Moscow will be able to view the 24-carat Trump gold bottle and sample the award-winning spirit on November 22nd. Trump 24K Super Premium Vodka has been available on the market since earlier this year, when 1,000 cases of the drink were pre-sold to distributors for holders of luxury accounts and premium clubs.

A separate version of the beverage, without the luxury gold label, has been sold in the US since last autumn and up to five new flavors of the product are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Marketed under the catchphrase "Success Distilled", the vodka is made in Holland.
Buy it here.

3)Diva Premium Vodka


Diva Vodka seems to be the brainchild of ten people (the Diva Divas) and in addition to creating this 'gem' of a bottle, they make many custom (bespoke) versions as well. Their site is filled with quotes and information. The Diva Divas certainly seem like a fun group of people!

The Baltic Vodka is triple distilled and filtered through a fine sand of crushed gems and diamonds.

In every bottle you’ll find semi-precious or precious stones, including diamonds, which means the prices range from $ 70.00 up to $ 1,060,000.00 a bottle.

Some even come with matching jewelry (see rings below next to bottles):



You can get the Vodka with swarovski crystals in any color variation or, even better, with REAL GEMS. Below is an example of DIVA Black Gold which has two nuggets of solid gold in it.



The above, Diva Black Gold, is available for purchase from Selfridges.

for other falvors and/or custom orders, see their site for all the options, ordering and details.

4). Oval Vodka



Oval calls their product "structured" vodka. Their purification process and bottle design are related to the chemistry used in their patented filtering process.



The Tetrahedral -Shaped Bottle was designed by Lucy D. Design Studios and is based on the form of the vodka and its molecules.


Above: the vodka molecule and a bottle to match

The Bottle was a Cannes Design award winner this year, 2007.



Buy it here.

5) U'luvka Vodka



In addition to being yet another premium vodka with a beautifully designed bottle, Uluvka has a beautifully designed website filled with entertaining copy and information.

Another award winning multiple-distilled Vodka, U'luvka also sells stunning vodka gift accessories, glasses and buckets.




Their site is one any designer should see, even if you're a teetotaler.


Above: just some of U'Luvka's stunning package design by Aloof Design


Visit their site.
Or just buy the vodka here.

6) ABNormal Vodka by Arteska.




Many of you design-watchers will recognize this bottle as receiving praise for being the first neckless Vodka bottle. Initially named Vertikal Vodka, I believe they have now renamed it ABNormal. Which is probably why you couldn't find it on the shelves.

ARTESKA International Company is introducing revolutionary innovations into the technology of vodka production, especially in the process of distillation. Its vodka is produced from the best quality wheat grown in the famous wheat fields of Vojvodina.

The quality of every bottle of ABnormal vodka is guaranteed due to the control of the complete production process; every drop of vodka is filtered for more than eighty hours through ten tons of special active coal. As the result of this process, crystal clear vodka with neutral smell and taste is produced, quality highly appreciated and highlighted by the devotees of this beverage.


ABnormal vodka is the first in the world bottle without the neck.
Design of the bottle for ABNORMAL Vodka received get the "GRAND PRIZE - best packaging design" in Cannes 2005.

ABnormal vodka is now launched, finding the way to consumers hearts; recognized as excellent cocktail base, providing the inspiration for creative barmen.

Vertikal Vodka (now renamed as ABNormal Vodka) from Serbia received a lot of attention as well as design awards, with their 'Neckless" bottle design by Nonobject.



7) Bong Spirits "Bong Vodka"

Bong Spirits has a Holland Vodka Called Bong Vodka. The Bottle design, below,obviously emulating a bong.



Bong Spirit Vodka has been created by a group of partners in the nightclub, art and entertainment industry. They combined their ideas and resources to craft one of the most notable and interesting spirit brands on the market!



Above: the six bottle designs sold at beverage warehouse in Los Angeles



A limited number are available in 5 artist designs - 1 plain hand painted bottle and 4 designed by renowned artists -each individually numbered bottle represents a little slice of history.

Artist Jimi Beach developed the concept of the Bong Spirit brand. It is certainly a well-designed marketing strategy that not only redefines the spirit world, but also the art community. Bottles of Bong Vodka have a distinct shape, are made with fine glass, and topped with a chrome overcap. While the original design is a marvel of its own, a collector series of bottles featuring the art of several up and coming artists is also available and are randomly packed with the unadorned bottles in each case that is distributed.

Their website is presently under design but you can contact them for info here.
Or buy Bong Vodka here.

8) Kauffman Vodkas

Kauffman Vodkas has non-vintage, vintage and special vintage Vodkas.

Their Non-vintage premium vodkas come in Hard Vodka, Soft Vodka, Lemon and Grapefruit, Pepper and Carraway flavors as well as a beautiful bottle.



Above: Soft Vodka
The taste is soft, inherent to a honey-based vodka, with barely perceptible hint of Cornelian cherry. The aroma is delicate, with ginseng and pea tones: the recipe includes ginseng tincture. Natural honey guarantees the long-term storage of the vodka and makes it taste soft and deep.

They also created Vintage Vodkas.
The innovative approach to producing the only vintage vodka in the world involves using natural ingredients from a particular year, producing spirit and vodka itself at the same distillery at the same time and in limited quantity and monitoring every stage of the process.

In 2003 Kauffman Luxury Vintage 2003 was issued. It is a very gentle vodka which matches the same quality as Luxury Vintage 2002 and has a harmonious taste and light aroma of fresh bread and spices.

Kauffman's Luxury Vintage is made from the highest quality wheat of one single harvest only in the years when the finest wheat grains are identified. To guarantee high quality and retain continuity of style Kauffman Luxury is bottled only once per vintage (25.000 bottles) with each bottle carrying a limited edition number. The blend of Kauffman Luxury contains the infusion of dried wheaten crusts that is thoroughly filtered before being added to the other components of Vodka Kauffman Luxury such as rectified ethylic spirit ‘Luxe’, softened water and sugar.

Tasting notes: It is an incredibly elegant, soft, subtle and delicate drink with feint perceptible scent of roasted rye bread crust and a light pleasant taste of mint.



In 2003 Dr. Mark Kauffman launched his second range of vodka - Kauffman Special Selected Vintage 2003 (0.7 L). It matches the same high technological requirements as Luxury vodka. The difference is that 5000 cases of Kauffman Special Selected are produced annually.

Just as Kauffman Luxury Special Selected Vintage is also made from the highest quality wheat of one single harvest only in the years when the finest wheat grains are identified and bottled only once per vintage (5000 cases). Special Selected Vintage contains feint infusion honey, natural extracts of schizandra, and finest high strength spirit and purest water.

Tasting notes: The taste is soft, inherent to a honey-based vodka, with barely perceptible hints of anise and licorice.

In addition to those, they had two special blends; the Christmas blend and The Inaugural Blend (shown below):


the above Bottle was issued in limited edition on the occasion of the Russian President's Inauguration in May 2004. The bottle is truly inspirational and decorated by the 24-carat gold sputtering.

The taste is soft and elegant, inherent to a honey-based vodka, marked by a barely perceptible scent of roasted rye bread crust.

Click here to find Kauffman Vodka.

9) Heavy Water Vodka

Made in Sweden at the Bloomberg estate near Källby, on the shore of Northern Europe’s largest lake, Heavy Water Vodka has the unique taste of Sweden in every sip.



After searching for years to discover the perfect vodka formula, which required them to travel the world, spend countless hours of intense research developing formulas and subsequent arduous hours of sampling, they finally found the vodka they were searching for in

Hey, we know, it’s a rough job, but someone had to do it! Heavy Water Vodka derives its’ name from the rare isotope, D20, which scientists call “heavy water.” For every 6,000 parts of water, there is only one part that is heavy water. According to Jared Brown, “Heavy Water Vodka was designed by discerning drinkers for discerning drinkers.”

Heavy Water Vodka is made from Scandinavian-grown winter wheat that is fermented and blended with deep artisan well water. It is distilled through a continuous still and filtered, with the actual number of times that it is distilled, as well as the formula, a closely guarded secret, however the result is a product that is rich, balanced and smooth with definite herbal and spicy notes of fennel, toasted almonds and orange.

Heavy Water Vodka made its debut in October 2005, and has already received five international medals.



Even the bottle of Heavy Water Vodka is unique, with its squat shape made by a prestigious French glassmaker with a metal rod inside which bears the name Heavy Water Vodka. The Italian-made, flavor-neutral rod is a playful addition to Heavy Water Vodka with a nod to the fuel rods that are immersed in heavy water to generate energy from plutonium.

Described by Tastings as "Clear. Neutral sweet cream, anise cookie, nougat, and powdered sugar aromas. A velvety entry leads to a supple, oily medium-to-full-bodied palate with balanced, powdered sugar, fresh sweet cream, and spicy anise flavors. Finishes with a long clean cream and spice fade. Lush and delicious."

Recipient of the International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
Buy it here.

Other vodkas (some premium, some not) with interesting bottles worth noting are:
Liquid ice Organic Grain Vodka in a bottle that looks like it's trapped in an ice cube (US only),
Vodka 666(in the devil-shaped bottle),
Scotland's Brilliant Vodka bottle in the five-sided faceted black or clear bottle,
Roberto Cavalli's Vodka with the snake-wrapped frosted bottle,
Red Army Vodka in the bomb shaped bottle,
Gotham Vodka in the porcelain deco skyscraper decanter
Jean Marc XO Vodka in handblown glass bottle
Ultimat in colored glass decanters


Vodka fan? check these out:

•25 Unusual Premium Vodkas From Ed Hardy Vodka To Bacon-Flavored Vodka.

•Can Imbibing Save The Planet? 10 New Green Vodkas

•Funnyman Dan Aykroyd's Crystal Head Vodka is No Joke.

•Belvedere Vodka Goes "Street" With The Launch of IX

•Fridays' Fun Finds On Saturday: Vodka, Fire, Champagne & Lips