The Bite Magazine - issue 16

Belvedere is not only about producing vodka to satisfy the demands of con- sumers around the world – they also care about the environment. “Social responsibility, environmental and agri- cultural impact as well as responsible drinking are built into our culture. Bel- vedere prides itself on being recognised as a globally responsible, locally sensitive company,” says the brand. In partnership with their agricultural distilleries and Biotechnological University of Lodz, Bel- vedere launched the Raw Spirit Program to promote sustainable growth of the Dankowskie Rye which is used in their vodka.This led them to get involved with programs that seek out and protect the best raw materials,while working closely with authorities to ensure that Polish vodka standards remain the world’s highest and most exacting. Since its launch in 2011, proceeds from the sale of Belvedere Red has provided funding for more than 6.5 million days of life-sav- ing HIV/AIDS medicine. “That’s enough to support more than 12,500 HIV pos - itive women with access to treatment during pregnancy and breast-feeding, thus helping to prevent transmission of the virus from mother to baby.” - vours with the original representing a true expression of luxury vodka, created from 600 years of Polish vodka-making tradition. It is exclusively made from Polish Dankowskie Rye and is quadru- ple-distilled to create the perfect balance of character and purity.The great news is that it is completely free of additives, including sugar or glycerine and uses artisan wells.Whether you’re having it on the rocks, in a martini or just breathing life into a cocktail, Belvedere is said to “represent the pinnacle of vodka making tradition.” The tasting notes consists of a faint hint of vanilla along with some gentle, soft cream characteristics for the nose, and full and round with a medium bodied weight and rich, velvety texture on the palate. It has a touch of vanilla swaying between sweet and savoury with a hint of white pepper and spice, while almond, clotted cream and some faint almond and Brazil nut. Cocktails that can be created using Belvedere Pure include the Belvedere Classic Martini with 60ml (2oz) of Belvedere Vodka and 10ml (1/4oz) Lillet Blanc. Simply stir over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a pink grapefruit twist. Or you can indulge in Belvedere Spritz with 30ml (1oz) each of BelvedereVodka and Lillet Blanc, two grapefruit slices and a sprig of thyme. Combine all of the ingre- dients in a Belvedere Spritz glass over ice and top up with equal parts of sparkling water and tonic water. - sented in a black bottle is deemed the ‘whiskey drinker’s vodka’ and distilled from Dankowskie Diamond Rye, a sin- gle-estate baker’s grade grown on one select Polish farm. This full-bodied vodka is smooth and distinctive thanks to it being distilled four times and then expression of the rye. It has intense aromas of sea air, baked bread and toasted nuts on the nose, while the palate is full but mellow with initial impressions of salted caramel, freshly baked bread and a touch of honey.The mid–palate evolves into fresh minerality while the back palate is refreshed with delicate notes of sea salt and a hint of sweet with notes of baked bread, vanilla and cream. Amazing cocktails that can - tered on the Rocks with 50ml (1.5oz) of a green olive, a sprig of rosemary or a slice of cucumber.To make this cocktail, just pour the vodka over ice into a rocks glass and garnish with any of the above mentioned choices of garnish. Or Ulti- Vermouth, which will be the envy of ordinary martini drinks. Simply shake and martini glass and garnish with a ribbon of cucumber. Other variations include Intense (also in a black bottle), and Limited Editions Belvedere Red, Night Saber and Silver Saber. With macerations ofWild Berry, Mango Passion, Pink Grapefruit, Citrus and Lemon Tea already established, Peach Nectar is a new addition to the line-up of juicy peaches and succulent apricots aromatic orchard fruit to refresh your cocktails. It has bright, aromatic and cut citrus with a hint of toasted almond for the nose while the palate is juicy and rich, with notes of vanilla, ripe peach luscious, the palate moves between suc- culent peach, sweet and aromatic apricot with a hint of marzipan and freshly baked - tained notes of ripe peaches with hints of almond and apricot. For a refreshing cocktail that will hit the spot, try the Belvedere Peach Nectar Ginger Ale with 45ml (1.5oz) Belvedere Peach Nectar and 100ml (3.5oz) GingerAle. Build over ice in a highball glass and garnish with a wedge of lime and a slice of peach.The Belvedere Peach Nectar Spritz consists of 45ml (1.5oz) Belvedere Peach Nectar and 30ml (1oz) SweetVermouth, topped with sparkling water. Combine all of the ingredients in a Belvedere Spritz glass over ice and garnish with a slice of peach and a sprig of thyme. Belvedere’s range of vodka can be pur- chased online and from supermarkets, drink retailers, and clubs. www.belvederevodka.com Images courtesy of This Is Mission bite drinks