The implementation of the project to create its own brand belongs to the founder of the Russian distribution company Whitehall, Mark Kauffman. The line of elite drinks consists of the Selected series – spirits on a permanent basis, and Luxury – from unique spirits of the harvest of one year. There are no strict recommendations on the use and serving of vodka.
About the manufacturer. Mark Kauffman says that he always dreamed that wine would be valued more than vodka in Russia. Although he entered the alcohol business almost by accident: the head of the Balchug company offered him to become a distributor of elite wines for hunting tours, which foreign tourists came to Russia for. At that time, Kaufman was the commercial director of an aviation enterprise, where he came, having received the specialty of a radio engineer. But since 1993, his main business has been the import of wine. It was then that he founded Whitehall, which by 1996 had become the leader of the Russian cognac market and the exclusive supplier of Hennessy.
Named vodka appeared on the Russian market in 2002 and was sold at a fabulous price – up to $ 100 per bottle. The author himself explains the success of the drink with prestige and draws an analogy with Scotch whiskey, which importers and producers began to appreciate after rethinking the national significance. Mark Kauffman believes that vodka in Russia is becoming a prestigious national drink, so elite varieties have appeared on sale.
Whitehall was sold to Polish alcohol giant CEDC in 2011 for $300 million. Mark Kauffman has been a member of the Supervisory Board since 2012.
Types of vodka Kauffman
Kauffman Jewish Standard (40%). “Jewish Standard” is a kosher drink with a base on matzo, the compliance with kosher was confirmed by the signature of the chief Russian rabbi. This is a super premium vodka, with a slightly spicy aroma and a soft, balanced taste.
Kauffman Selected (40%). “Selective” vodka with a delicate aroma of pear and ginseng has a pleasant taste with honey tones. In 2004, at the International Spirits Challenge in Chicago, she received a gold award.
Kauffman private collection (40%). Collectible drink with a delicate aroma of rye toast and a harmonious taste. Produced in a limited edition of 2 bottles.
Kauffan Inuaguration Blend (40%). The drink was created on the basis of a unique blend of spirits in 2004 – for the inauguration of Vladimir Putin, commissioned by the world famous basketball coach Alexander Gomelsky. The recipe was developed by Mark Kauffman himself, and a custom-made drink was produced by the Kristall plant in Kaluga. The limited edition consisted of two thousand bottles decorated with natural gold. This is the brand’s most expensive vodka, with a delicate vodka aroma and a pleasant honey-rye taste.
