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Khortytsya is the best-selling Ukrainian vodka in the world. Produced at the distillery of the same name, located in the Zaporozhye region. It is one of the strategic brands of the international holding Global Spirits, the largest producer of alcoholic beverages in Eastern Europe. Since 2014, Khortytsya has closed the TOP-3 world leaders in terms of vodka sales, second only to such giant brands as Smirnoff and Absolut. The products are exported to 87 countries, the priority markets are the countries of Western Europe, North America.
Historical reference. Compared to many other manufacturers, Khortytsya is a young brand – its “debut” on the market took place in 2003. During its existence, the brand has won hundreds of awards at prestigious international exhibitions, its popularity has reached a level that many manufacturers have been striving for for decades. In 2005, the construction of the second stage of the plant was completed, more than $ 35 million was invested in the project. Two years later, the company merged with CJSC Odessa Cognac Plant, which led to the appearance of the promoted Shustov cognac brand in the assortment portfolio.
The name of the plant was in honor of the island of Khortytsya, which is a national reserve. Water from sources located on the island is used for certain stages of vodka production, while the company is actively involved in the improvement of the reserve, sponsors the production of image clips.
The key difference between the brand’s products, which the manufacturer emphasizes: vodka is made on the basis of alcohol of the Wheat Tear category, which is characterized by special softness. For the production of premium and super premium vodkas, filtration with the mineral shungite, as well as with precious metals – silver and platinum, is used. This allows you to remove all impurities and makes the final product absolutely pure.
Awards
World Spirits Competition, San Francisco:
- 2016 – double gold (Khortytsa Platinum) medal.
- 2017 – gold (Khortytsa Platinum), silver (Khortytsa Ice) medals.
Denver International Spirits Competition:
- 2017 – gold (Khortytsa Platinum) medal.
Los Angeles International Spirits Competition:
- 2017 – 2 gold (Khortytsa Platinum, Khortytsa Ice), silver (Khortytsa Honey Pepper) medals.
New York International Spirits Competition:
- 2014 – награда Ukraine Distillery of the Year;
- 2015 – silver (Khortytsa De Luxe), bronze (Khortytsa Ice) medals;
- 2017 – gold (Khortytsa Platinum), silver (Khortytsa Ice), bronze (Khortytsa Honey Pepper) medals.
WSWA Spirits Tasting Competition, Orlando, Florida:
- 2013 – double gold (Khortytsa Ice), 3 silver (Khortytsa Ultimate, Khortytsa Platinum, Khortytsa Honey Pepper) medals;
- 2017 – gold (Khortytsa De Luxe), silver (Khortytsa Platinum) medals.
Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Нью-Йорк:
- 2017 – награда Great Value (Khortytsa Platinum, Khortytsa Ice) медали.
UNITED VODKA World Tasting Competition, Belgium:
- 2008 – 2 серебряные (Khortytsa Vip Club, Khortytsa Lemon Honey), 4 бронзовые (Khortytsa Platinum, Khortytsa Silver Cool, Khortytsa Caramel, Khortytsa Plum) медали;
- 2011 – gold (Khortytsa Silver Cool), silver (Khortytsa Premium) medals.
PRODEXPO:
- 2009 – Grand Prize (“Golden Khortytsya”), Prodexpo Star (Khortytsa Premium), 2 gold (Khortytsa VIP COLLECTION, Khortytsa Prune bitter tincture), 2 silver (Khortytsa Silver Cool, taiga honey bitter tincture) medals;
- 2010 – Prodexpo Star (Khortytsa VIP COLLECTION), 2 gold (Khortytsa Classic, Khortytsa Platinum);
- 2011 – Grand Prize (Khortytsa Silver Cool), Prodexpo Star (Khortytsa Absolute).
Best Vodka, Moscow:
- 2010 – Gold (Khortytsa Premium) medal in the premium segment;
- 2011 – Gold (Khortytsa Absolut) medal in the premium segment.
Interesting Facts
Since 2007, Khortytsya has been in the Top 3 of The Millionaires Club (Millionaires Club). In 2016, according to Drinks International, the brand’s sales exceeded 7 million 5-litre cases.
In 2016, Global Spirits acquired a Russian distillery located in Mytishchi. Prior to that, the company had an asset in the form of the Russian North enterprise in Vologda, which, under license, produced products under the Khortytsya brand for the Russian market. This step allowed the holding to become one of the largest producers of alcoholic beverages in Russia for the first time.
As part of the Khortytsa Ice vodka promotion program, a bottle of the drink attached to a helium-filled balloon rose to the upper stratosphere and successfully demonstrated its ability to change color. The course of the experimental flight was recorded by a microcomputer with a video camera, temperature sensors and GPS. On a website specially created as part of the project, visitors were asked to guess at what height above the ground a white bottle would acquire a dark blue hue.
Types of vodka Khortitsa
Khortytsa De Luxe, 40%
Super premium organic vodka, awarded with many awards at international competitions in New York, San Francisco, Orlando. It has a characteristic vodka aroma, not sharp, of medium intensity. In the foreground, grain and cereal tones are felt, complemented by tones of cherry branches and cinnamon. On the palate, there is a slight pepperiness, revealing sweetish bread and honey notes. The appearance of the product also makes a strong impression: the crystal clear bottle is adorned with the brand’s logo, as if “frozen” in the glass.
Khortytsa Platinum, 40%
The flagship product of the brand, which in 2017 won an unconditional victory in one of the most prestigious competitions in San Francisco. The main feature of this vodka is its unsurpassed softness, which is achieved due to the optimal balance of all ingredients. The drink was created for those who appreciate a light aroma, devoid of alcohol aggression, with tones of lemon peel and honeycombs. Ideal for making cocktails, especially when combined with lime juice.
Khortytsa Ice, 40%
Vodka with an exquisite recipe is distinguished by a fresh aroma, the bouquet of which is dominated by the bright smell of mint and menthol, tinted with notes of linden blossom. The aftertaste is refreshing, grassy, spicy tongue prickling. The unusual taste of the drink is matched by an innovative bottle that changes its color from matte white to blue when cooled to a temperature of +5 ° C, thanks to a special coating applied to the glass. Thus, the product is associated with the primordial purity and absolute coldness of ice. At the Spirits Tasting Competition in Florida, vodka was a real discovery and won a double gold medal.
Khortytsa Silver Cool, 40%
One of the most popular and titled products in the brand line. Produced according to a unique recipe using Wheat Tear alcohol, obtained from selected grain varieties. The technology of seven-stage purification provides crystal clearness and a special silvery glow of vodka. The aroma reveals hints of peppermint and menthol, which neutralize the characteristic burning sharpness of the drink. The palate maintains a delicate balance of grain, floral and balsamic tones.
Khortytsa Premium, 40%
A premium product, the author’s recipe includes an extract from berries with a sour taste: red currant, gooseberry, lingonberry. The aroma is harmonious, soft, not burning, without sharp alcohol tones. The aftertaste is fresh, with a subtle sourness. The quality of this drink, embodied both in taste and appearance, was noted by the professional jury of international competitions in London, Ostend, Moscow.
Khortytsa Pepper Honey Hot, 40%
Vodka that attracts with a paradoxical combination of hot red pepper, fresh mint, fragrant cinnamon and fragrant natural honey. It has a rich, full taste, with a slight sweetness and unobtrusive bitterness. At the prestigious Drinks International Vodka Challenge, it was recognized as the best in the category of flavored vodkas and was awarded a gold medal.
