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Jelzin – vodka, the name of which is associated with Russia and the name of its first president. In fact, the rights to the brand belong to the largest private winery concern Les Grands Chais, whose production facilities are located in France, Italy and Germany. Products are exported to more than 80 countries, including the USA, Denmark, Holland, the Czech Republic, and Latvia. The company has set itself the goal of joining the global club of millionaires and is systematically increasing production volumes: over 26 years of the presence of the trademark on the market, about 16 million cases of Jelzin vodka have been sold.
Historical reference. Les Grands Chais de France is headquartered in the logistically convenient city of Petersbach in Alsace. The main activity of the company is the production and distribution of wines produced on their own farms and in partnership with other vineyards. The decision to expand the assortment portfolio through the production of vodka was made in 1991, in the wake of political warming between Russia and Western European countries.
The company’s marketers reasonably assumed that the product would sell better if its name was associated with Russia. The fact that Boris Yeltsin signed a document authorizing the import of imported alcohol into the Russian Federation also played a role.
Jelzin differs from the standard “Russian” vodka in its reduced strength: 37,5% is the minimum established by the European Union for drinks in this category. Despite this, the brand’s products are positioned as premium. Signs of elitism can be called the content itself – the taste characteristics and quality of the drink, as well as its presentation to the consumer – packaging design, advertising promotion.
Jelzin Vodka is made according to unique recipes, using crystal clear water from sources located in the Northern Vosges National Reserve. Alcohol for her is created from selected wheat grown in the province of La Bose – the main breadbasket of France. An important factor of high quality is the five-stage purification of the product, for which limestone and natural activated birch charcoal filters are used. In production, a method borrowed from the technology of cognac preparation is used – alcohol exposure after its blending.
Jelzin’s product portfolio includes classic and flavored vodkas, as well as liqueurs with various flavors. The packaging for the brand’s products looks not quite ordinary – vodka is bottled not only in the usual bottles with a volume of 0,5 to 1 liter, but also in impressive three-liter tetrapacks.
Awards
International Wine & Spirit Competition, Лондон:
- 2015 – silver (Jelzin Vodka) medal;
- 2016 – silver (Jelzin Vodka in the category of vodkas with a strength of 37-39%) medal;
- 2017 – silver (Jelzin Ice Vodka, Jelzin Liqueur Black Fruits Rouges, Jelzin Liqueur Cherry), 2 bronze (Jelzin Liqueur Peppermint, Jelzin Liqueur Strawberry) medals.
Calvados Cocktails Competition, Мон-Реаль:
- 2016 – Grand Prix (Jelzin Ice Vodka).
The Lyon International Competition:
- 2015 – silver (Jelzin Vanilla Vodka) medal;
- 2017 – bronze (Jelzin Power Gold liqueur) medal.
Interesting Facts
When trying to register the Jelzin brand in Russia, the French manufacturer failed: first Rospatent refused him, then the Chamber for Patent Disputes issued the same verdict. The applicant asked for legal protection of the trade mark for goods of the 33rd class (alcoholic products). The patent offices argued their decision by the fact that the name is a transliteration of the name of the first Russian president, the product is subconsciously perceived as manufactured in the Russian Federation, which can mislead consumers. In addition, GCF Group was unable to provide documents certifying the consent of the heirs of Boris Yeltsin to register such a trademark.
How to distinguish a fake
Vodka “Yeltsin” often becomes the subject of falsification. To be sure that the purchased product is not a fake, you should pay attention to the elements of the original packaging:
- the bottom of the bottle is thickened and expanded, which gives it stability;
- below the neck there is a corrugated inscription “B. Jelzin”;
- the aluminum screw cap is supplied with a divider;
- tetrapak packaging is equipped with a convenient dispenser tap.
Types of vodka Yeltsin
Yeltsin Vodka, 37,5%
The brand’s flagship vodka, awarded two awards at the prestigious IWSC competition in London. It has a natural vodka aroma of medium intensity. In the foreground, grain and cereal tones are felt, complemented by sweetish shades of meadow grasses. The taste is invigorating, moderately hard, with a slight peppery and astringent aftertaste. The drink is good both for making cocktails based on it, and in the context of traditional use. It will make an ideal gastronomic pair for smoked salmon or caviar.
Jelzin Lemon Vodka, 37,5%
Vodka with a pronounced aroma of lemon and lime. It has a refreshing taste without sharp alcohol tones. To enhance the effect, you can use the drink as a base for a cocktail, which includes natural lemonade or fresh citruses. The manufacturer recommends serving the drink very chilled or with ice cubes.
Jelzin Black currant Vodka, 37,5%
Flavored vodka attracts with a whole bunch of smells – ripe berries, buds and blackcurrant leaves. The taste of the drink is characterized by velvety softness and a light chocolate-cognac tone. The aftertaste is long, smooth, with a slight berry astringency. Vodka is excellent in cocktails with apple juice and lemon slices, it can also be served simply with ice.
Yeltsin Strawberry Vodka, 37,5%
In the aroma of vodka, you can clearly hear the tones of strawberries and grass heated by the summer sun. The taste is clean, full-bodied, without pronounced bitterness, it is dominated by shades of berry caramel, slightly starchy notes, an interesting symbiosis of pepper and confectionery sweetness. The drink will serve as an ideal base for a fruit cocktail such as Blue Orchid or Patatina.
Yeltsin Vanilla Vodka, 37,5%
Feeling the aroma of this vodka, it is impossible to make a mistake: this is how vanilla from French Polynesia smells. Despite the creamy-sweet smell, only a slight echo of sweetness is felt in the taste, which is harmoniously complemented by balsamic and mineral shades. Such a bouquet makes the drink an ideal component for long drinks: the usual “screwdriver” will acquire a hint of vanilla and a pleasant spice, and a mix of vanilla vodka and ginger ale will also be a successful experiment.
Jelzin Power Gold liqueur, 16,6%
Liquor of bright golden color is distinguished by a powerful bouquet of aromas of ripe quince, peach and apple. Fruity tones that prevail at the beginning are gradually complemented by warm notes of ginger, tinged with the sweetness of honey and the spice of orange peel. The manufacturer has developed a Dark Gold cocktail recipe, which includes Jelzin Vodka, Jelzin Black and Jelzin Power Gold liqueurs, natural lemonade. This mix won the Audience Award at the Calvados Cocktails Competition in Mont Real.
