How About the Jewel of Russia Vodka?

Just like most Americans, I was always under the impression that vodka was just simply "a neutral spirit, without distinct character, aroma, taste or color"(1). Even though I do enjoy an occasional vodka martini, I have always been content with my usual Ketel One or Chopin as my vodka of choice. I did not pay much attention to the nuances of nor did I realize that there is such thing as an "Artisanal vodka". That is, until I discovered the Jewel of Russia.
I was first turned on to the Jewel of Russia label while sitting at the bar at Alize at the top of the Palms Resort and Casino, waiting for my table. I was immediately struck by the uniquely shaped and beautifully decorated bottle. I asked Lisa, the Bartender, about this spirit and she introduced me to the Jewel of Russia "Ultra" Vodka. She informed me of how great she thought this vodka is and presented the bottle to me. To my surprise, it appeared to be hand-painted directly on to the glass bottle itself! I was curious as to what the inside content would be like so I ordered a shot.

I was amazed at the texture and beautifully fragrant this vodka was; not to mention that there was no burning sensation at all; just a very pleasant warming feeling in your chest. A definite luxury, this shot cost me $25, but it was absolutely worth it!

I decided to do some further research about this vodka and learned that it is, first of all, made in Russia and that they use only the best ingredients such as Russian hard winter wheat and rye that is picked just an hour before being brought to the distillery, combined with pristine water from a nearby Artesian well. The recipe used is an ancient authentic Russian recipe and the equipment used to create this vodka is unlike any other. The method for producing this vodka is a five step slow flow filtration process that is trademarked by the Jewel of Russia. They use quartz sand for filtering out impurities without removing any flavor as well as the finest types of coals made from Birchwood and one other type that is a trademarked secret.

The Jewel of Russia Vodka makes four different recipes - "Classic", "Wild Bilberry Infusion", "Wild Berry Infusion", and finally the "Ultra". The difference between the "Classic" and "Ultra" is that the "Ultra" goes through one more distillation and filtration before being bottled, but don't bother asking how many times these vodkas are distilled. These vodkas undergo through a continuous triple distillation process so no one really knows the exact number. To say that the vodka is distilled 15 times or more is just simply silly.

The "Classic" expresses more of a bold flavor, while the "Ultra" has more emphasis on smoothness. The bottling is different as well - the "Classic" has the same antique glass bottle, but with just a simple authentic Russian stamp on wax and a silk cord, while the "Ultra" has the hand-painted antique glass bottles that are all signed by 70 different Artists, and no two paintings are the same!

The infused versions of the Jewel are simply delicious. They are surprisingly complexed and flavorful. Besides the obvious berry flavor, you will also experience a little bit of chocolate and spicey aromas and flavors that lean toward the exotic. Both the "Wild Berry" and "Wild Bilberry" are made with all-natural and organic wild fruit (wild bilberries or lingonberries for the " Wild Bilberry Infusion" and wild cranberries for the "Wild Berry Infusion") that are uncultivated, picked by hand, then crushed the same day they are harvested. Just add either infusion with lime, shake with ice, and strain it on to your favorite martini glass. It is basically a pre-made cocktail that is all natural and a way better alternative to a cosmo. Not to fear, these infusions are only 20-22% in alcohol content.

As for running to the store to grab a bottle of "Ultra", good luck with that! Living in Vegas, this rare spirit (only 20,000 bottles made annually) can only be found at one retailer - Khuory's Fine Wines and Spirits (on Durango @ the 215 in the west side and on Eastern in Henderson). The Jewel of Russia "Classic", "Wild Bilberry Infusion", and "Wild Berry Infusion" Vodkas are available at Lee's Liquor stores in addition to Khuory's.

After experiencing the Jewel of Russia vodkas, it is almost impossible to drink any other vodka. The quality paired with the laborious Artisanal technique used to create this vodka will turn anyone into a believer of vodka. This brand is truly "the drink of the Czars".

"Anyone can make vodka, but we make it faithfully authentic!"
-- www.jewelofrussia.com

Importer: BMC Imports, Exclusive National Importer, 45 Church St., Stamford, CT 06906

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