Vodka makes its mark

There is an abundance of innovation in the vodka category at present and Irish vodka is making a name for itself on the international market. Drinks Industry Ireland looks at the main players making waves in this ever-growing market

America’s original craft vodka

Not all vodka is created equal. In 1995, sixth-generation Texan Bert “Tito” Beveridge obtained the first legal permit to distill in Texas and created Tito’s Handmade Vodka on a plot of land in rural Austin where he built a small shack, rigged a pot still with spare parts and batch distilled his corn-based, naturally gluten-free vodka. Today, Tito’s is not only popular in the US, it’s also one of the fastest-growing vodka brands in Ireland, but it’s still produced and bottled on the very same land in Texas where the whole thing started. Tito’s isn’t only focused on creating great vodka, the company is also highly committed to community causes, charitable organisations, and disaster relief efforts across the world, through the brand’s “Love, Tito’s” program, including pet welfare efforts. In Ireland, Tito’s is represented by Comans Beverages Ltd. For a perfect, easy-to-prepare drink, enjoy a Tito’s Lemonade, just add Tito’s Handmade Vodka and lemonade to a glass with ice.

For the refined tastes of urban consumers

Stoli, a beacon of vodka craftsmanship, has been setting the standard in the global spirits market from its proud Latvian roots. This premium spirit is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using only the finest ingredients to achieve an unmatched quality and smoothness that discerning urban consumer’s demand.
A brand that marries innovation with a deep respect for heritage and tradition, Stoli caters to the sophisticated palate while remaining approachable and versatile. Whether enjoyed neat to savour its exceptional smoothness or mixed into a cocktail to elevate the experience, Stoli promises a vodka that not only understands but celebrates the motivations and lifestyles of its consumers.
For those in the hospitality and restaurant sector looking to elevate their vodka offerings, Stoli presents an opportunity to cater to the refined tastes of urban consumers. Its blend of tradition, innovation, and exceptional quality makes Stoli a preferred choice for establishments aiming to offer something truly special. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to genius@drinksgenius.ie for more information on how to incorporate Stoli into their selections and provide their customers with an unmatched vodka experience.

Introducing the world’s best vodka

After winning best Irish Vodka at The World Drinks Awards, i-Stil 38 was automatically placed to compete in the global final against 20 other country winners. On 20 February, i-Stil 38 was announced by the competition’s judges as the best vodka in the world. To take the number one prize in Ireland was already a great achievement for a brand that only started two years ago. But to beat massive spirit markets like the USA and Japan, is totally unprecedented for an independent Irish vodka.
It marks a major milestone for the Irish spirits industry as our whiskeys have been highly regarded for centuries, but now a modern Irish vodka has picked up the top global prize in one of the world’s most prestigious beverage competitions. It’s also the first time that a clear Irish spirit made predominantly with Irish grains has picked up a global award. i-Stil 38 is crafted in West Cork and distilled with a blend of 80% malted and unmalted Munster barley for its body and bold flavour and international grain spirits to provide a light smoothness. This proprietary blend is what gives i-Stil 38 such a unique and impactful taste and mouthfeel.
Such recognition from The World Drinks Awards, is testimony to the effort and dedication of i-Stil 38’s founders, led by managing director Shane Davey of Sugarloaf Beverages.

“This award is a dream come true for our team. Being crowned as the best vodka in the world can open up so many doors as it now places us amongst some of the most well-known spirit brands on the planet. I am also tremendously proud to represent Ireland at such a high level, it’s fantastic to see an Irish clear spirit getting such praise.”
Pippa O’Connor Ormond, i-Stil 38’s creative director and partner in the brand added, “It’s brilliant to see all the hard work that has gone into i-Stil 38 pay off so well. From a production perspective, I’m thrilled to see our classic vodka win the world’s best neutral vodka and on top of that, our whole portfolio won world’s best range design. This means we are picking up top accolades not just for our liquid, but for our look and style too.”

Not just a pretty face

Crystal Head Vodka Original is made from a locally sourced Canadian corn varietal called peaches & cream and is distilled four times. It is silky smooth with a hint of sweetness and vanilla.
CHV Aurora is made from English winter wheat and distilled five times.
A bold, crisp, dry vodka with nuance and complexity.
CHV ONYX is the Blue Weber Agave expression, sourced from a single farm in Uzeta and is distilled three times. There are subtle hints of agave, green grass, citrus and white pepper.
Each expression is filtered through activated charcoal and quartz crystals called Herkimer diamonds, these filtrations impart a minerality and an unmistakable smoothness which is quintessentially Crystal Head. They use pristine water from St John’s, Newfoundland to bring each of the ABVs to 40%.Each expression is certified zero additive. All of the character comes from the quality of raw material and the quality of process. They are definitely not just a pretty face.
Crystal Head Vodka is distributed in Ireland by MCM Spirits & Liqueurs Ltd www.mcmbrands.ie

A rebel spirit

Distilled by Clonakilty Distillery in a traditional copper pot still, Minke Irish Vodka boasts a signature creamy smoothness that has captured the attention of mixologists worldwide.
What sets Minke Irish Vodka apart, is its unique base spirit derived from whey, a byproduct of milk produced on the founder’s family farm. This uncommon approach yields a velvety mouthfeel that gently coats the palate, distinguishing it from traditional grain-based vodkas. It’s no wonder Minke was named the World’s Best Varietal Vodka at the World Vodka Awards last year.
Mixologists will appreciate its versatility as it harmonises beautifully with both classic and contemporary cocktail recipes. The luxuriously smooth vodka can also be simply enjoyed over ice with a splash of tonic and a wedge of lime.
Inspired by the grace and majesty of the Minke Whale, which roams freely in the Atlantic off the coast of Clonakilty, this vodka embodies elegance.
It takes something of a maverick spirit, to turn the idea of building a craft distillery, into a reality. A rebel spirit, you might say. And you’ll find that spirit in Clonakilty. An ancient, rocky coastline of jagged headlands, where 3,000 miles of ocean finally collide with land.
Out here, people do things their own way. People like the Scully family. Farming this same land for nine successive generations. Taking the considered view that Irish spirits could be improved, by harnessing natural elements in a unique and more sustainable way. So they set about doing just that.

A celebration of tradition and innovation

Belvedere Vodka, celebrated as the trailblazer of super-premium vodka, proudly upholds a storied legacy of Polish vodka-making tradition spanning 600 years. Nestled within a quaint and intimate distillery, it holds the distinction of being one of the world’s longest-operating facilities, meticulously producing top-tier vodka since its establishment in 1910.
Belvedere Pure (RRP €46) pays homage to this illustrious 600-year Polish vodka-making heritage by skillfully crafting Polish rye into an extraordinary vodka of unparallelled taste and character.
For those who prefer a flavoured vodka, Belvedere Organic Infusions (RRP €51) combines certified organic fruits and botanicals, expertly woven together to create layered but balanced flavour profiles.
Belvedere Vodka is available from indMinkeependent off-licences including O’Briens, Molloys, Next Door, Joyce’s, World Wide Wines & The Wine Centre.