(New York, NY – April 12, 2010) Considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were lush with exotic fruits, but none quite so exotic as the rare white pomegranate. Fast-forwarding through history a few thousand years, Stolichnaya, the #1 selling authentic Russian vodka in the United States and a pioneer in the flavored vodka category, is pleased to introduce Stolichnaya White Pomegranik, the first vodka made with the natural flavor of the elusive white pomegranate varietal. Available nationwide beginning in May 2010, White Pomegranik is Stolichnaya’s eleventh flavor innovation and a complement to a range of vodkas that have become bar essentials.
“The launch of Stolichnaya White Pomegranik signifies yet another first for this visionary brand and the vodka industry,” said Andrey Skurikhin, partner at SPI Group, brand owner. “Stolichnaya has pioneered the flavored vodka category, using only the highest quality ingredients that result in truly authentic flavor profiles like Stoli White Pomegranik.”
White pomegranate has an impeccable pedigree. Able to trace its roots back to antiquity, this intriguing fruit was revered as sacred and prized by notables from monks to monarchs. Rarer than the more commonly known red varietal, white pomegranate has fewer tannins and is less tart. Well-balanced and with less acidity, Stoli White Pomegranik is set apart by its natural sweetness and exceptional freshness. On the nose, Stoli White Pomegranik offers an authentic musky-sweet, earthy aroma of ripe pomegranate, buoyed by bright undertones of cherry and red berries. Innately elegant and versatile, White Pomegranik’s sophisticated, subtle flavor profile makes it a perfect pour whether sipped solo or blended in cocktails like the signature Stoli White Pom Gimlet*.
Produced from Russian grain grown and distilled in the country’s highly fertile Black Earth Region Stoli White Pomegranik is created using the highest standards of Russian spirits production. Crafted using the company’s propriety distillation method, the result is a vodka with unprecedented smoothness and character.
“Stoli White Pomegranik is a twist on an on-trend flavor that we believe will find favor among trade and consumers whose palettes have become increasingly more sophisticated,” said Lisa Pfenning, Category Director – Stolichnaya Vodka, William Grant & Sons USA. “We will promote Stoli White Pomegranik nationwide through a dedicated advertising campaign, on-premise cocktail program and sampling events throughout the spring and summer.”
Stolichnaya White Pomegranik will be available nationwide to consumers beginning in May 2010 with a suggested retail price of $23.99 (750mL) as well as in 1.75L ($41.49) and 1L ($31.99). In addition to White Pomegranik, Stolichnaya’s naturally flavored vodka portfolio currently includes Ohranj, Blueberi, Razberi, Vanil, Citros, Cranberi, Peachik, Strasberi, Blakberi and Gala Applik. For more information, visit www.stoli.com
Stoli White Pom Gimlet
1 ½ parts Stoli White Pomegranik
¾ part fresh lime juice
¾ part simple syrup
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a basil leaf and pomegranate seeds.