Belvedere Introduces it’s New Single Estate Rye Series

CONTENT: Yiew Kai Jie

Belvedere has revealed its latest innovation in Singapore, the Belvedere Single Estate Rye Series. The launch features two distinct vodkas, Smogóry Forest and Lake Bartężek, each named in respect for the village of the estate, and crafted to capture the distinctive essence of their respective terroirs.

The Belvedere Single Estate Rye Series represents an exploration into the concept of terroir ( a combination of soil, topography, and climate) in vodka, making the claim that variations in the climate affects the taste yielded from the same superior Polish Dankowskie Diamond Rye used in each unique expression.

Director of Global Education and Advocacy for Belvedere, Matt Pomeroy, was in Singapore to launch the new series and hosted a dinner pairing curated by Chef Ryan Clift at The Tippling Club.

“Terroir is not simply a notional concept, it really does shine through in our food and drink and enables us to experience the history and traditions of a place through our palate and senses,” said Matt Pomeroy, Director of Global Education and Advocacy for Belvedere. “We hope this innovation will leave people with a better understanding of terroir and a fresh perspective on vodka and its potential to be much more than a neutral spirit. We’ve always championed that vodka has complex taste and character and this series is further evidence of the approach to vodka that defines Belvedere.”

Belvedere Vodka has championed Polish rye vodka and incorporated superior natural ingredients since its inception and with this innovation, is further demonstrating its longstanding commitment to producing vodkas of complex characters. The brand works with only seven farms and only selected two for this unique series, focusing on the lakeside Bartężek and forested Smogóry, to illustrate the variation of terroir on Dankowskie Diamond rye. When tasted side by side, the two new vodkas delivered demonstrably different taste profiles.

Distinct Taste Profiles
Smogóry Forest is made entirely from Dankowskie Diamond Rye grown at a single small estate deep in western Poland. The pastoral region is known for its vast forests, short, continental weather fronts, mild winters and fertile soils. This lush, forested terroir is reflected in the new distinctive vodka. With notes of smoked wood, salted caramel, a touch of honey and white pepper, it has an all-rounded rich flavour before it ends in a rather smooth salty-sweet finish.

Lake Bartężek is crafted from Dankowskie Diamond Rye grown at a single farm in northern Poland’s Mazury lake district, a region renowned for its pristine glacial lakes, weather shaped by Baltic winds and long, snowy winters. In fact, the rye in this region spends over 80 winter days engulfed in snow, conditions that add to its character and greatly impact the liquid’s flavor profile. The name Bartężek comes from Lake Bartężek, which runs along the estate’s eastern edge. It is this lakeside terroir that is reflected in this distinctive vodka. The liquor has a very fragrant smell that reminds one of freshly cut grass and a slight hint of almond, alongside notes of spearmint, menthol and sweet spices, it is medium bodied, delicate and mellow.

Disruptive New Packaging
The Belvedere Single Estate Rye Series features unique new packaging that is reminiscent of the distinctive vodka contained within each bottle. The new bottles have a unique square base that gradually transitions to a round top and a shorter neck borrows cues from high-end dark spirits. Smogóry Forest is a smoky grey and Lake Bartężek’s is a deep blue, each featuring a slow, elegant resolve from dark to nearly translucent. Side by side the two are a cohesive pair that projects the elevated nature of their terroir.

Belvedere Smogóry Forest and Lake Bartężek should be enjoyed neat or on the rocks to truly experience the exquisite taste of either type of vodka- regardless if it’s the distinct rich flavour of the Smogóry Forest or the light herbal flavour of the Lake Bartężek. If the vodka is incorporated in a cocktail, it is highly encouraged using them as a characterful alternative in classic rye whisky or gin cocktails.

“Our new single estate vodkas represent a very special innovation for Belvedere,” said Rodney Williams, President of Belvedere Vodka. “It is the next phase of our quest to show that there is refinement, discernment and extraordinary quality in vodka. It also reflects our commitment to exceed expectations, both in the use of bakers-grade Dankowskie Diamond Rye and our ability to draw out nuanced flavors.”

Belvedere Smogóry Forest and Lake Bartężek are available exclusively at several leading speakeasy and cocktail bars in Singapore.