The name Putinka vodka was invented by Russian marketer Stanislav Kaufman, relying on the popularity of the Russian president. And he was not mistaken: for the first time, vodka entered the market in 2003, and already in 2004 it received the title of “Superbrand of the Year”, in 2006 – the “Product of the Year” award, in 2007 it was certified as kosher. In 2010, according to Impact magazine, the brand was in the top ten best-selling vodkas in the world – 5 cases were sold per year. And now in Russia “Putinka” is in the top three. The brand is owned by the Russian distributor company VinExim, and the drink is produced by OJSC Moscow Plant Kristall, which is part of the Kristall-Lefortovo group of companies.
About the manufacturer
The history of the current enterprise began on the territory of the Moscow State Wine Warehouse No. 1, built on the banks of the Yauza in 1901. “Wine Warehouse” is a code name, in fact it was a full-fledged alcohol plant. And at first he produced only vodka – according to the classical technology and infused with medicinal herbs. Production was stopped due to revolutionary unrest and resumed only in 1925 by decree of the Minister of Economy Rykov.
The first vodka, which was released after the resumption of work, was called “Rykovka”. So we can say: the tradition of naming drinks after the names of the rulers was founded then. Rykovka is no longer produced, but one of the brands of the Moscow State Wine Warehouse No. 1 has survived to this day and has not lost its popularity – the legendary Stolichnaya vodka. For a long time it was considered the hallmark of Russian vodka.
In the 80s, the enterprise was reconstructed and reformatted. In 1987, they created the Moscow plant “Kristall”, and in 1993 the state enterprise was disbanded. Instead, they created an open joint-stock company, retaining its former name.
Today, this company is one of the six that are part of a group of companies established in 1999 and one of the most active and reputable participants in the Russian alcohol market. The holding plants are located in Moscow, Kursk, Samara, Saransk and Altai. Kristall is one of the five largest producers of Russian alcohol, the share of products according to the Russian Statistics Department in 2016 was 6,5%.
The company’s products are sold in Russia and exported to the CIS countries.
Types of vodka “Putinka”
Putinka Classic (40%). Super-premium class drink is created from rectified alcohol “lux” and softened artesian water. Delicate vodka aroma and neutral soft taste of the drink make it an ideal ingredient for cocktails. Serve chilled to 8-10 °C with dishes of Russian and European cuisine, pancakes with caviar, grilled meat, salted red fish, fish soup or saltwort. Recommended as an aperitif – with ice cubes or soda, and a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon on the edge of the glass.
Putinka Vezdekhod (40%). A classic vodka designed specifically for hunters and fishermen: a military-inspired design, a flat bottle that’s easy to stow in a backpack or even a breast pocket. The light vodka aroma and softness of the drink will set off the taste of ordinary fishing and hunting snacks, as well as dishes cooked on a fire – fish soup, baked potatoes, fried meat.
Putinka Limited Edition (40%). Soft vodka of the “super-premium” class is released in a limited edition. The taste does not differ from the classic “Putinka”, but poured into the original square bottle, reminiscent of a decanter. Serve chilled to 10 ° C with hot dishes of Russian cuisine, with spicy and spicy snacks, with pickles and smoked meats.
