How Beluga Makes World-Class Vodka

Beluga Vodka is a premium vodka brand currently owned by Noblewood Group; a privately held company based in Montenegro. The brand is known for its luxurious and carefully crafted products. It was founded in 2002 and quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality vodka using traditional Russian methods combined with modern technology.

The vodka was originally made at the Mariinsk Distillery, located in the heart of Siberia, Russia. In October 2022, Noblewood acquired all rights to the brand for $75 million, excluding Russia. Since then, the raw spirit for the vodka has been sourced from Noblewood’s distillery in Latvia, and the vodka is rectified and bottled in Montenegro.

Beluga Vodka is made from a mash bill of 100% Scandinavian organic wheat. The wash undergoes a precise fermentation and distillation process using a column still with six rectification columns. The distillation process is followed by an extensive filtration system, which includes quartz sand and birch charcoal filters. Finally, the vodka is allowed to rest for 30 to 90 days, depending on the expression, to enhance the flavour and smoothness.

While all Beluga bottled vodkas share the same mash bill and distillation protocol, historically very subtle differences were created by adding small amounts of flavorings and utilizing different filtration media. The result is that each vodka in the Beluga range offers a unique aroma and flavor profile, while maintaining the spirit’s neutral character.

The TTB regulations allow the addition of small amounts of flavourings, provided they do not significantly alter the neutral character of the vodka.

Beluga Noble Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml

After the water and malt spirit are combined, they are filtered through quartz sand, followed by filtration through a 10.5-metre column of silver-impregnated birch charcoal.

In addition, the vodka is enriched with small amounts of sugar, honey, oatmeal infusion, milk thistle extract and vanillin. The drink is then allowed to rest for 30 days before being bottled.

The vodka is crystal clear. On the nose it has subtle aromas of citrus peel, white pepper and hints of honey and vanilla. It is smooth and creamy, with a slight sweetness on the palate, typical of wheat-based vodkas. There are additional notes of oatmeal, honey and a hint of vanilla. The malted barley gives it a rich, full texture.

The finish is clean and fresh, with a lingering hint of white pepper and a touch of sweetness.

Beluga Transatlantic Racing, 40% ABV, 750 ml

The vodka undergoes the same filtration protocol as Beluga Noble Vodka.

In addition, small amounts of sugar syrup, malted barley extract and wild strawberry extract are added to the vodka. The vodka is then rested for 45 days before bottling.

The vodka is crystal clear. The nose is fresh and slightly floral, with hints of citrus peel and a touch of mint. The palate is soft, almost oily, with a silky and syrupy texture. It has a delicate sweetness and contains subtle flavors of lime, white flowers and subtle minerality.

The finish is long, clean and floral, with a hint of citrus and a light, fresh aftertaste.

Beluga Allure Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml

The vodka destined to be bottled as Beluga Allure undergoes one filtration through quartz sand and two separate filtrations through the silver-impregnated column of birch charcoal.

After filtration, the vodka is infused with small amounts of fig extract and maple syrup, then left to rest for 60 days.

The appearance is crystal clear. The nose is delicate and refined, with subtle aromas of vanilla and fresh cream, along with hints of sweet honey and cooked cereals. A touch of almond and dried fruit adds extra complexity.

On the palate it is soft, sweet and velvety, with a luxurious mouthfeel and a pronounced mouth weight. It has delicate flavours of creamy vanilla and honey with an almost crème brûlée character. Subtle notes of almond and a hint of caramel add complexity.

The finish is long, creamy and soft, with lingering notes of vanilla, almond and honey.

Beluga Gold Line, 40% ABV, 750 ml

The Beluga Gold Line vodka undergoes four filtrations: two through quartz sand and two through the silver-impregnated birch charcoal column.

The vodka is then flavoured with small amounts of sugar syrup, lactose, rice infusion and Rhodiola rosea/golden root extract. It is rested for 90 days before bottling.

The appearance is crystal clear. It is rich and complex on the nose, with light aromas of vanilla, white chocolate and a hint of almond.

On the palate it is luxuriously soft and creamy, with hints of vanilla, honey and a touch of almond. The vodka has a rich, syrupy, full texture, with a noticeable mouth weight and a slight sweetness.

The finish is long, soft and slightly sweet, with lingering flavours of vanilla and a hint of spice.

Beluga Vodka is a premium brand that embodies the craftsmanship and tradition of making quality vodka. Each expression offers a unique taste experience characterized by its smoothness, rich texture and delicate flavors. Try it in cocktails or neat. It also makes an excellent aperitif on the rocks.

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