J.J. Whitley Artisanal Gold Vodka, 70cl

Product Information

Founded in 1978, family-owned Halewood owns and manages 11 main distilleries and one craft brewery and distributes to 75 countries, including the UK, South Africa, Canada, Australia, China and Germany. Belvedere cleaned up in the Vodka – Rye flight, securing a total of seven medals altogether. One Master award was granted to its Heritage 176, a vodka spirit drink with “bold, strong rye notes”, and “chocolatey, chewy” flavours. The brand’s mission is to showcase local produce, combined with creating of high-quality products from North Queensland. Over recent days, 10 US states have banished Russian vodka from shelves in a show of solidarity with Ukraine. Out of respect for the situation, we have removed all references to the ‘Remarkably Russian’ campaign across all our JJ Whitley communications”, she added.

Craft breweries, cider makers, wineries, and drinkers across Europe are coming together for a series of events throughout March to raise funds and show solidarity for friends and peers in Ukraine. The Drinkers For Ukraine initiative is a fundraising drive to support the International Red Cross humanitarian relief effort in Ukraine. Starting today, the campaign is asking people around the world, and across the drinks industry to get involved, in whatever way they can. Inspired by 8 generations of distilling excellence from the Whitley family, J.J. Whitley’s popular range of vodkas are distilled in St. Petersburg, the capital of vodka production, with its gin range produced using botanicals sourced from the UK countryside. Last year, the brand released a raspberry-flavoured variant and a vodka filtered through a gold silk thread. The firm said it had removed all references to its ‘Remarkably Russian’ campaign across all communications for JJ Whitley.JJ Artisanal Vodka is the result of the determination to create a high quality vodka with a difference. Thanks to our unique production process, the liquid has acquired a distinctive smoothness. The judges were excited by its complex profile, and found the palate to be “creamy, smooth with a slight chilli heat” finishing with some “citrusy notes”. Kamo Original received the fourth and final Master medal of the Super Premium flight, praised for its slight “floral” quality, with a “touch of vanilla and pepper heat towards the finish” of the vodka.

The UK-based company has unveiled JJ Whitley Gold Vodka, which was distilled in St Petersburg, Russia. As well as inviting businesses and individuals to join a charity online auction of rare and sought-after items, Drinkers for Ukraine has also called upon breweries to brew RESIST, a ‘Ukrainian Anti-Imperial Stout’ developed by displaced Ukrainian brewers, with profits donated to the Red Cross. . The second set of tasters comprised chair Bryan Rodriguez, wine and spirits buyer for Harvey Nichols. He was joined by Evan Prousaefs, bar manager at The Leaf and Cane in London; and Julia Nourney, independent spirits consultant. Next on our list of award-winning vodkas is Penderyn Distillery’s Five Vodka was the first to be awarded a Master in the Super Premium heat.A premium Russian vodka presented in an eye-catching golden bottle which will look great at your next party. The brand is co-owned by BBC 1Xtra presenter Lady Leshurr, and also won awards for its blueberry and raspberry-flavoured expressions.

Pur Vodka was noticed for its smooth qualities, bagging a Gold medal in the Microdistillery flight, while Pur Sang Select, Pur Sang Standard and Pur Vodka all won Silver awards. According to The Brand Champions 2021 report, the vodka’s million‐case‐selling brands were among the most resilient of all spirits sectors. Multiple brands, particularly those from Eastern European countries, were able to sustain or substantially grow volumes last year in the face of never‐before‐seen adversity brought about by the pandemic. The company currently employs about 950 people and produces a number of different branded spirits, including Crabbies Alchoholic Ginger Beer, Dead Man’s Fingers Rum, Aber Falls and Liverpool Gin.Craft distillery FNQ Spirits’ Croc Vodka delighted judges with its “interesting, Aussie gin‐like nose” and “clean and crisp” flavour. The Welsh bottling is five-times distilled and charcoal-filtered, made with pure glacier water and a hint of barley spirit. Union Press Ltd | Wigglesworth House, Fourth Floor, 69 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HH, UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7803 2420

The Pur Vodka brand significantly stood out to the judges, as it was awarded six medals across the blind tasting for various bottlings. The Co-op and Morrisons have removed Russian vodka from shelves. Marks & Spencer has suspended shipments to its Turkish franchisee's Russian business and offered millions of pounds in aid to Ukrainian refugees and families affected by the war. The spirit is distilled with wheat and water, and then passed through a filter of gold silk thread. Presented in a ‘dazzling gold’ bottle, it is complete with distinctive embossing.

Ukrainian brand Nemiroff received two Masters in the Flavoured/Infused Vodka flight, the first for Nemiroff The Inked Collection Wild Cranberry. Presented in the Rest of the World flight, Croc Vodka was one of the two brands to bag a Master medal.