la classe
This is a review of Belvedere vodka from Poland. I sampled it in Germany in 2010. It’s clear, 40% alcohol, and I loved the hell out of it.
[40%, sampled in Germany]
So I just signed an agreement to write two books about The Longest Way: one travelogue, one photo book. In order to celebrate this deal, I bought some premium vodka from Poland: Belvedere vodka.
I had been eyeing this bottle for a while now. They had it in a small store around the corner, but at 32€ for 700ml, it had always seemed a bit too expensive. Especially since there were so many cheaper brands out there that I hadn’t tried yet.
But now, being in a Kool & The Gang type of mood, I decided to dish out that money, bag the bottle, and invite some friends over.
distilled by fire
First things first: Belvedere vodka is owned by Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. It has been part of their luxury empire since 2005. I guess this sets the mood.
When I went to belvederevodka.com I found it a neat, clean-looking site that showed off some awards and offered a bunch of cocktail recipes:
So Belvedere vodka is made of rye. Fine. But also, they seem to want to make a point of it being DISTILLED BY FIRE.
“But wait, Chris!” I’m hearing you say: “Isn’t all vodka distilled by fire?”
Yes. Of course it is. It’s like in that episode of Mad Men when they come up with the slogan IT’S TOASTED for a cigarette brand. It’s pure marketing.
What does this man for the vodka, though?
Belvedere vodka is the shit
Well, as it turns out, Belvedere vodka is absolutely awesome! It tastes smoooooooth, and there is a certain lingering aftertaste to it that makes it perfect. They use the words ALMOND, CLOTTED CREAM, and BRAZIL NUT to described it on their website. I’m not sure about all of that. But it’s good.
Oh, and I loved the bottle design as well.
get some snacks
I think this is an awesome vodka that should not be ruined by putting it in the freezer or by mixing it with other things. It’s good enough to be consumed neat and at room temperature. Make sure to get something to snack on, like a pickle or some dark bread.
Celebrate good times, come on!