stoli vodka yacht

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1 of world’s largest private yachts ties up on Elliott Bay

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One of the biggest yachts in the world is moored in Elliott Bay.

The Serene, a $330 million, 440-foot private yacht belonging to a wealthy Russian vodka distributor, pulled into Seattle’s Pier 90 over the weekend, right by the Interbay neighborhood.

The yacht’s owner, Yuri Scheffler, controls SPI Group, which distributes Stolichnaya vodka internationally.

The 2-year-old yacht, made in Italy by Fincantieri , has a 52-person crew and has been in Vancouver, B.C., for the past few months. The Serene flies the flag of the Grand Cayman Islands and illuminates the water with bright-green lighting at night. This is its first time in Seattle, and as the ninth-largest privately owned yacht in the world, according to Boat International magazine , it is likely the biggest one ever to enter Seattle’s waters.

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How big? We’re talking massive.

The Serene has two helicopter-landing platforms and a hangar, along with a storage area for a submarine that can dive to 300 feet. It’s longer than a football field and has more than 48,000 square feet of covered space on its seven decks.

The Serene was a finalist in last year’s World Superyacht Awards, and a description on CharterWorld.com called it a “floating palace” with few equals in the world.

The yacht accommodates 24 guests in its 12 staterooms. It has large indoor and outdoor swimming pools, several hot tubs, a steam room and a JetStream exercise pool.

Elevators and a spiral staircase link the seven decks. The ship also features children’s playrooms, where they can scale a climbing wall, slide down from deck to deck, or even play video games. A “Nemo” room gives guests a peek under the sea through a thick glass panel. And to top it all off, the Serene has an outdoor cinema.

It’s unclear how long the yacht will be in Seattle, but the Northwest Marine Trade Association estimates that for every 30 days it’s here, it will spend roughly $2.7 million on repairs and other services — roughly $90,000 a day.

But that economic impact will probably be capped at $5.4 million, said Peter Schrappen, the association’s director of government affairs. After two months, the state levies a heavy tax on out-of-state yachts, which, he says, drives them away and deprives local businesses of money owners of these types of boats can spend.

He called the Serene a floating economic-stimulus package that’s being turned away because of the tax, 10 percent on the value of recreational boats — more than $30 million for the Serene — after 60 days in port, more or less forcing vessels to leave after that time is up.

A Marine Tourism Bill the association is trying to pass would extend that period to 180 days, to make Seattle’s ports more competitive with those in British Columbia, where a boat can moor year-round tax free. But that hasn’t passed, so Schrappen expects the Serene to be on its way out sometime in the next 60 days.

“Sixty days — you can take that to the bank,” he said. “Well, I guess you can’t take that to the bank. They won’t be spending their money here” for much longer.

Colin Campbell: 206-464-2033 or [email protected].

On Twitter: @cmcampbell6

Need To Know

14 Things You Should Know About Stolichnaya Vodka

words: Emily Bell

illustration: Danielle Grinberg

Stolichnaya (stow-LEECH-na-ya), better known simply as Stoli, is a familiar bottle on the liquor store shelf, and one of the top-selling spirits brands in the world.

But there’s a lot more to the clear spirit than meets the eye — such as a murder mystery, a Russian or not-so-Russian heritage, and a checkered past with the LGBTQ community.

Below, here are 14 more things you should know about Stolichnaya.

Yes, it’s Russian.

Born in russia, made in latvia., stoli is produced by an anti-establishment russian billionaire..

You know how Whole Foods is owned by Amazon, which is owned by Jeff Bezos, who is in turn owned by one of the Kings of Jupiter (or probably something like that)? That’s somewhat similar to how Stolichnaya works.

Stoli’s parent-company founder may have been framed for murder… by Putin.

The lgbtq community once boycotted stoli, but it was kind of by accident..

Not very long ago, there was a big, misplaced anti-Stolichnaya boycott on behalf of LGBTQ rights. In 2013, Vladimir Putin passed the so-called “gay propaganda” law , supposedly “aimed at protecting children from information promoting the denial of traditional family values,” a very thinly veiled tactic to enforce the heteronormative lifestyle by banning visibility (and viability) of the LGBTQ lifestyle.

Stoli made it right, anyhow.

It co-sponsors a next-level LGBTQ bartending competition. Founded in 2013 by Stoli’s LGBTQ ambassador Patrik Gallineaux, the Key West Cocktail Classic has grown into a nationwide LGBTQ bartending competition yes, but it’s also a massive declaration of presence and pride for the LGBTQ/gay-bar community at large. The competition takes place over the year, with bartenders nationwide competing for a chance to make it to the finals at Key West Pride.

Like delicious Borodinsky bread, it’s made with wheat and rye.

With all that wheat, it’s still gluten-free..

Yes, this vodka is made from wheat and yes, like Smirnoff , Stolichnaya likes to tout the fact that it’s gluten-free. How can that be? Since the distillation process involves repeatedly stripping away everything but ethanol, what remains in a bottle of wheat-based Stoli has as much to do with a grain of wheat as something Blue Razzberry-flavored has to do with a raspberry bush.

Speaking of Blue Razz…

We once traded a bunch of pepsi for a bunch of stoli..

In the 1970s, PepsiCo penned an agreement with the Soviet Union to ship its cola concentrate to be bottled there in exchange for increasing U.S. imports of Stoli vodka. The deal was signed in 1972, and bottling began in 1974. PepsiCo later doubled down on the deal when, in 1990, the trade agreement expanded and increased retail sales of Pepsi in the Soviet Union and Stoli vodka in the U.S. According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, PepsiCo called it “the biggest, longest-running agreement ever concluded by the Kremlin with a U.S. firm.”

It was the first Russian vodka export.

It’s made with artesian water. that’s not really important., its many cameos include a james bond movie, and a very uncomfortable eminem/rihanna music video..

Not every Bond favors Stolichnaya (we get it, Craig, you’re smoldering and different). But the one who did — Roger Moore — liked it a lot . In “A View to Kill ,” he drinks some Stoli in an iceberg submarine, because that’s a thing, after taking a microchip out of the body of his fellow agent in Siberia (and that’s all within the first 10 minutes). AbFab fans already know that Stolichnaya is Patsy’s favored 11 a.m. tipple .

Stoli makes regular, anachronistic appearances in ‘Mad Men.’

Roger Sterling was a fan of Stolichnaya (he even listened to the stuff ). But the action of “Mad Men” took place in the 1960s and Stolichnaya didn’t make it to America until the great Pepsi-Stoli swap of 1974 (see above). So every appearance of the bottle was a little delicious oopsies. Or else, like so many characters involved in the making of “Mad Men,” they just stopped caring .

Published: May 8, 2020

• 14 Things You Should Know About Stolichnaya Vodka | VinePair
• https://vinepair.com/articles/stolichnaya-vodka-elit-stoli-guide/
• brand_profile
• wbs_cat Spirit, wbs_type Vodka, wbs_brand Stolichnaya, Gluten Free, Latvia, Russia, Stoli, vodka
• The Whiskey Sour Goes Global: How Bartender Channing Centeno Is Upgrading a Classic | VinePair
• https://vinepair.com/articles/the-whiskey-sour-goes-global-how-bartender-channing-centeno-is-upgrading-a-classic/
• Andrea Goto
• wbs_cat Spirit, wbs_type Bourbon, wbs_brand Evan Williams, bourbon, whiskey sour

Stoli Vodka Review

This peppery, personality-driven vodka is best savored in stirred drinks.

Liquor.com / Laura Sant

This herbaceous and peppery vodka is bolder on the palate than other bottles, but it's still versatile: It works well in stirred drinks and also holds up to heavy Eastern European foods like roe and smoked fish.

Classification vodka

Company SPI Group

Distillery Latvijas Balzams Distillery (Riga, Latvia)

Released 1938

Proof 80 (40% ABV)

Great choice for a classic vodka Martini on the wet side; plays well with vermouth.

Generally a good choice for stirred drinks; the snappy, peppery, dry profile works nicely with other boozy modifiers without completely disappearing into them.

Affordable price point

Perhaps not the best choice for juicy, fruity cocktails for which you might want a more blank slate-style of the spirit

Some might find the peppery rye notes overwhelming, and mistakenly confuse the innate, dry herb-pepperiness with heat from alcohol.

Tasting Notes

Color : Clear

Nose : Subtle and balanced notes of sweetness and herbaceousness

Palate : This vodka fills the mid-palate with wheated sweetness, and then segues into a prickly, peppery finale. Its body offers a pleasing weight that fills all parts of the mouth equally and blankets the entire tongue.

Finish : Herbaceous and peppery, dry in the midpalate, with a long delicately bitter, tongue-sucking dry finish

Stoli is a vodka with backbone. Vodkas often prioritize a neutral, blank-slate palate, but this bottle's flavors hold a presence, either sipped neat or mixed into a variety of vodka cocktails.  

The vodka starts out a little cereal sweet, likely from the wheat that is part of its base, and then grows in herbaceous, peppery dominance from the rye that composes the rest of the recipe. Its flavors and pleasant weightiness cover every part of your tongue, and stand up nicely to heavy, flavorful foods. Chilled and consumed neat, it makes a good accompaniment to many Eastern European dishes, especially roe and smoked fish.

Officially named Stolichnaya until March 2022, Stoli has a complicated relationship with Russia: It originated as a state-produced Russian vodka sometime around the turn of the century and was trademarked in the former Soviet Union in 1938. But it has been made in Latvia since 2000, when its ogliarch owner Yuri Shefler was exiled from Russia for speaking publicly against Vladimir Putin. The company completely rebranded itself as Stoli in response to confusion over its Russian roots after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Interesting Fact

Stoli was the first vodka producer to create and release flavored versions globally in 1962 (which was perhaps overshadowed in the news by other events at the time, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and John Glenn orbiting the moon). The first flavors were Honey & Herb and Pepper. 

The Bottom Line

Stoli is a solid, classic vodka that works as well in stirred drinks as it does chilled and paired with smoked sturgeon. 

What’s The Difference Between Stoli And Stolichnaya?

When it comes to vodka, one popular brand that often comes to mind is Stolichnaya. However, there seems to be some confusion regarding the difference between Stoli and Stolichnaya. Let’s delve into the details and uncover the truth behind these two names associated with this renowned vodka brand.

1. Ownership and Production

The main distinction between Stoli and Stolichnaya lies in their ownership and production. In Russia, Stolichnaya Vodka is a state-owned brand, which means that the full name “Stolichnaya” is retained and produced under state control. On the other hand, for the majority of the world, including the United States, Stolichnaya Vodka is produced in Latvia by the Stoli Group, a company located in Luxembourg and controlled by the exiled Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler.

Stolichnaya Vodka has its roots in Russia, where it was created and gained popularity as a premium vodka brand. The word “Stolichnaya” itself translates to “of the capital” in Russian, indicating its connection to the capital city, Moscow. Its history and reputation are deeply intertwined with Russian culture and tradition.

3. Ingredients and Production Process

Both Stoli and Stolichnaya are made from high-quality ingredients and undergo a meticulous production process. Stolichnaya Vodka is crafted using traditional Russian methods that involve utilizing winter wheat and pure glacier water. This combination results in a smooth and refined flavor profile.

4. Bottle Design

Another aspect that distinguishes Stoli from Stolichnaya is the bottle design. Stoli Vodka is known for its iconic blue labeling and embossed glass bottle, featuring a bold and contemporary appearance. On the other hand, Stolichnaya Vodka is often recognized by its classic and elegant bottle design, with a more traditional and sophisticated aesthetic.

5. Availability and Market Reach

While Stolichnaya Vodka, produced in Russia, is primarily available within the country, Stoli Vodka, produced in Latvia, has a wider market reach. Stoli has gained a significant presence on an international scale, including the United States, where it has become a popular choice among vodka enthusiasts.

6. Reputation and Recognition

Stoli and Stolichnaya have built their own reputations and gained recognition over the years. Stoli has positioned itself as a premium vodka brand, known for its craftsmanship and commitment to quality. Stolichnaya, with its strong association with traditional Russian vodka, has become synonymous with authenticity and heritage.

7. Branding and Marketing

The branding and marketing strategies employed for Stoli and Stolichnaya differ to cater to their respective target markets. Stoli has taken a more modern and innovative approach, often implementing bold advertising campaigns and collaborations with artists and designers. Conversely, Stolichnaya maintains a more traditional and nostalgic appeal, emphasizing its heritage and connection to Russian culture.

When it comes to pricing, Stoli and Stolichnaya may vary depending on the region and specific variants. Generally, Stolichnaya, produced in Russia, may be more affordable within the local market. Stoli, produced in Latvia and positioned as a premium brand, may have a slightly higher price point in comparison.

9. Taste Profile

While both Stoli and Stolichnaya are renowned for their smoothness, their taste profiles may differ slightly. Stoli Vodka is often described as having a crisp and clean flavor, with subtle hints of citrus and grain notes. Stolichnaya, on the other hand, is known for its traditional vodka taste, characterized by its smoothness and a touch of sweetness.

10. Mixability and Cocktails

Both Stoli and Stolichnaya can be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails due to their versatility. Stoli’s clean taste makes it a popular choice for classic vodka-based drinks such as martinis and vodka tonics. Stolichnaya’s well-rounded flavor pairs well with traditional mixers and is often used in classic recipes like the Moscow Mule or the White Russian.

11. Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice between Stoli and Stolichnaya comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer the history and connection to Russian tradition that Stolichnaya offers or the modern and innovative approach that Stoli embodies, both brands provide top-quality vodkas that are sure to please even the most discerning vodka enthusiasts.

12. Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between Stoli and Stolichnaya lies in their ownership, production location, branding, and bottle design. While Stoli is produced by the Stoli Group in Latvia and has a more modern marketing approach, Stolichnaya is state-owned and retains its full name in Russia. Both brands offer exceptional vodka choices with their own unique taste profiles and market appeal. So, whether you find yourself reaching for the classic elegance of Stolichnaya or the modern charisma of Stoli, you’re sure to enjoy a delightful vodka experience.

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STOLI YACHT CHARTER

26.25m  /  86'1   azimut   2004 / 2020.

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Cabin Configuration

Special Features:

• Interior design from Galeazzi Design
• Cruising speed of 22 knots
• Sleeps 8 guests
• 4m/13'1" Tender
• Shallow draft and fast speeds for reef exploration

Superyacht Stoli is a thrilling yacht charter vessel for those looking to cruise the open seas in large numbers in the utmost comfort

The 26.25m/86'1" motor yacht 'Stoli' by the Italian shipyard Azimut offers flexible accommodation for up to 8 guests in 4 cabins and features interior styling by Italian designer Galeazzi Design.

Built in 2004, Stoli's bespoke fittings and design ensure guests can explore the ocean's wonders in style and comfort.

Guest Accommodation

Stoli offers guest accommodation for up to 8 guests in 4 suites comprising a master suite and two twin cabins. There are 6 beds in total, including 2 king and 4 singles. She is also capable of carrying up to 4 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht charter experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Stoli benefits from some excellent features to improve your charter, notably the underwater lights, adding spectacle and style after dark. With Wi-Fi connectivity you don't have to lose contact with the outside world, unless you want to or guests will experience complete comfort while chartering thanks to air conditioning.

Performance & Range

Stoli is built with a GRP hull and GRP superstructure. Powered by twin MTU engines, she comfortably cruises at 22 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 28 knots. With a shallow draft of 1.65m/5'5" Stoli can anchor closer to coves and sheltered bays overnight.

Based in the magical waters of the Mediterranean all year round Stoli is ready for your next luxury yacht charter. Let Stoli Discover the magical places, food and experiences of the the Mediterranean.

Motor yacht Stoli has an array of charter-focused amenities to ensure a memorable experience onboard whatever the destination.

TESTIMONIALS

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Stoli Photos

Amenities & Entertainment

For your relaxation and entertainment Stoli has the following facilities, for more details please speak to your yacht charter broker.

• 1 x 4m  /  13'1 Tender Yamaha 50 HP engine

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

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For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

'Stoli' Charter Rates & Destinations

Summer Season

May - September

€21,000 p/week + expenses Approx $23,500

High Season

€35,000 p/week + expenses Approx $39,000

Cruising Regions

Mediterranean Turkey

Winter Season

October - April

Charter Stoli

To charter this luxury yacht contact your charter broker , or we can help you.

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Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit)

4 Star Star Star Star Star

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) is a 40% ABV vodka from Russia. It is filtered with Charcoal. The vodka is produced by S.P.I. Group and imported by Allied Domecq Spirits. The quality is considered to be great. The average price is around $104.92 per 750mL. Rated 4 out of 5 based on 7 reviews.

The bottle states the following:

Stolichnaya Elit ЭЛИТ ВОДКА Ultra Luxury Russian Vodka.

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review

I originally wrote this review in July 2008. A lot of folks recently have mentioned that my info from 2008 Stoli bottles isn’t correct anymore. Russian market Stoli is produced in Russia, but outside markets are produced in Latvia. I use information from the bottle to populate details and don’t review very often. I have updated Stolichnaya with the information on the most current bottle, which acknowledges the Latvian production of the US market vodka. My local store doesn’t carry Stoli Elit, so I can’t verify the current labels and I have not updated Stoli Elit. I will confirm the next time I find a Stoli Elit bottle. –Robert, October 2018

I’ve stared at Stoli Elit for months. The only thing that kept me away was the $69.00 price tag here at the local ABC Store. It’s safe to say that this is the most expensive bottle of alcohol I’ve purchased. Since I was celebrating a special occasion and I had to review it eventually, I picked up the bottle.

For the record, I couldn’t post the price of this vodka in my database because it augmented the averages too much. It caused the more expensive vodkas to register as average price, which mis-represents the playing field.

Unsurprisingly, Stoli Elite tastes just like Stoli . Stoli Elite is much smoother than Stoli, but that’s about the only difference.

The Mixed Drink

Stoli Elite is a great mixing vodka. It was completely undetectable in my Simply Orange Juice and Red Bull.

Erin wanted me to note that this is the first vodka she’s been able to breathe after shooting before taking a shot without gagging. She said she couldn’t taste the vodka in her Simply Orange Juice and Red Bull.

Stolichnaya Elit is a good vodka. It takes all the good characteristics of Stoli and refines away all the bad. That said, I can find no reason Solti Elit should cost as much as it does. It would fit perfectly in the same price bracket as the ultra premium brands like 360 , Chopin , Grey Goose , X Rated , and the rest. Instead, it gets slotted into some ultra-super-mega premium league with no other competitors that I’m aware of (which is probably for the best for S.P.I., because it drinks only as well as other ultra premiums).

If you have more money than you know what to do with, Stoli Elit is a great vodka. If you’re like me, don’t bother. There are better vodkas for about half the price.

Rated 4 out of 5 .

Robert Brodrecht

Published July 7, 2008 11:24 pm

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By R.Todd

Why the hell would you pay $60 for vodka when you are going to mix with some ghetto ass shit like orange juice and some frat boy drink like red bull? What, are you 18? Real men, like myself, slightly chill vodka and then drink it straight. You WANT to taste the vodka.

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By Coco

It is great Vodka and you are right about it that drinking it straight is the proper way for such a expensive product. If you want to do some cocktail or other mixes then buy the normal Stolichnaya, it is good as well, but it is not that expensive that you should feel bad about mixing it with OJ or anything else. I would recommend to try out for 1/4 lime squeezed in to a glass and add two fingers of that vodka and top it with soda water, it is simple, fresh and fantastic drink for vodka.

This Ultra Luxury Stolichnaya is the best Vodka I have ever tasted and I have tasted many of them, but this is the smoothest hands down!!! Taste it and you know what is that price for!

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By Martin

Best vodka I’ve tasted and the 50 euros (Netherlands) and two weeks waiting for the import were all worth it to the last drop. Serving it straight from the freezer and on rocks (combined even) this was the perfect way to spend a night pondering life and writing lyrics for my band and playing some smooth bass. Even my girlfriend (who can’t even handle 20% tequilla) found this vodka easy to drink.

Too bad the bottle is empty now… Winner of best spirits in new york truly lives up to the title and the name.

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By Andrea

Hi, I’m Andrea from Italy, I’m a bartender. I think Elit is a great vodka. Well, I love Grey Gose and Beluga for their fantastic flavour, but elit has more personality. I think grey goose is the best vodka to make a great Vodka Martini or Vodka Tonic but Elit is great with caviar and pickled gherkins. In the end, in Europe, Elit costs under 40 € (Grey Goose 22 €).

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By taffyg2003

5 * * * * *

I had another Stoli Elit last night at a popular Manhattan restaurant. Not surprisingly, the bar was stocked with high priced vodkas, such as Chopin and Belvedere, but when I saw another opportunity to try Elit, I went for it. I watched the bartender mix the martini, and noticed that he simply poured Elit over ice, shook, then strained it into a martini glass garnished with olives. Perhaps due to the complete absence of dry vermouth, the cocktail was tasty but a little less smooth than I had recalled. Regardless, it was quite enjoyable, but not in the league of my favorite 6 star Crystal Head vodka martinis. However, Stoli Elit, along with Zyr, rank up at the top of my Russian style vodka list.

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By joe mazzo

now I hve come fullcircle from CYR

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By Chris X

An outstanding Vodka, one of the best. Smooth and clean with a subtle spark of flavor. Great for martinis or mixers, but often expensive. The purity and refinement helps to reduce hangovers, according to a few of my friends. Unique bottle, great Vodka. 5/5.

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By peachykeen

Possibly the best vodka I’ve had. There’s a tiny bit of room for improvement, if you consider the faintest of bitter flavours when drunk straight an issue. On a fine-grained scale, I’d probably give this a 4.8, but unless you’re being picky, it’s a 5.

The vodka is incredibly smooth, with just the slightest burn. It shares some flavour with regular Stoli, but very much toned-down. I’m not sure if they intended for it to have flavour (some other top-shelf vodkas are much more neutral), but I actually enjoy it. It gives some character to what would otherwise be alcohol-water.

One of the two vodkas I’m happy to drink straight (Crystal Head being the other). If you find a bar that serves it (in downtown Minneapolis, the two I’ve had it at so far were Prohibition and Ruth’s Chris), on the rocks with a twist of lemon or lime is plain delicious. I honestly haven’t felt the need to mix it much, although I did try a hair of Pinnacle Whipped, but a hint of any flavouring covers the vodka entirely.

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By Shanna

My favorite joke about Stolichnaya is that you can only pronounce the full name after you’ve been drunk on it once. That said, I LOVE Stoli Elit. It is the only vodka I buy. I try to keep two bottles, one for show and one to drink, if at all possible; but invariably I end up giving it away as a gift. Unusually rare in bars, I’ve only seen it four times out and about: the Aria in Las Vegas; Firekeepers Casino in Battle Creek, Michigan; and my (now) favorite bar, the Bird in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. I will only go there now, since they serve Elit. I had it at a hotel in DC when I went for the inauguration, at $17.50 a shot; it was the first time I had seen it available to pour and had to have it. At the Bird however, it’s 8.25; a dollar more expensive than Gag Goose. It’s worth it to me. If there is an aftertaste after a drink mixed with Elit, your mixologist didn’t know what he was doing.

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By Robert Brodrecht

I was my mixologist (if that is even an appropriate term for the slacker mixed drinks I make), so my lack of skill may have been the problem ;)

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By Nick

Stolichnaya Elit is extremely expensive but if u have the money its worth it. If your looking to spend a bit less imperia and zyr are also at the top of any list. All 3 go great mixed or straight.

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By ron.moscow

Top drawer vodka, worth every cent. Goes down real smooth. No need to mix it as it tastes refined straight up and cold.

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By EA

Stoli Elit is intended to be a non mixing vodka. It should be taken straight up, after the bottle and the shot glasses have been in the freezer for a long period.

If you are mixing it with OJ or red bull, I agree with you. You are better off with Grey Goose or Absolut and save yourself 50% of the price.

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By King Dad

I was given a bottle Elit as a Christmas gift by my very well-traveled son. It is extraordinary! I don’t know what he paid for it but that doesn’t matter. I now have a super-premium vodka that I am very proud of and can very easily taste the difference. Last year, my other son gave me a bottle of Patron which in it’s own right an extraordinary drink.

I will without a doubt continue to use my Absolute as my “normal everyday” vodka, but I sure will enjoy “my good stuff” after a tough day or with friends in my home. It is really, really good !

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By Robert

That’s a great gift, King Dad! After you kill off your bottle of Elit, you may also be interested in trying Russian Standard Imperia if you can find it in your area. It’s also a great Russian vodka (typical Russian bite, but less pronounced to be more friendly to American palates), but costs less than Elit. It might allow you to get that “special occasion” flavor without needing quite as special of a reason to crack it open.

I had the opportunity to try a Stoli Elite martini immediately following a terrific Zyr martini while out to dinner a couple of nights ago. In fact, I hadn’t finished the Zyr before the Stoli Elite was served at the bar. The two vodkas seemed very similar; very smooth, mildly bittersweet, and had a mild Russian-style bite upon swallowing. At first I thought that the Zyr was a little smoother. Then I thought that the Elite was even smoother as the martini warmed up a little. But then, I thought Zyr was smoother, and so on. Perhaps, the the Zyr martini was a little tastier (though still relatively mild in that regard compared to other good Russian vodkas), but they had equally mild bites on swallowing. MAYBE, Elite was the smoother of the two, but it was a very subtle distinction. In the end, like Zyr, Stoli Elite earned 5 stars. Comparing my other 5 star ranked vodkas, Elite (and Zyr) was a little less smooth than Crystal Head, but a little smoother than Americana Luxury Vodka. Elite (and Zyr) had more bite than Crystal Head, but about the same as Americana. Americana is the tastiest of the 5 star group, however. Elite joins a group of some very fine vodkas, indeed!

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By Frank

1 * * * * *

I just bought a bottle of elit… i find it tastes like crap… It tastes like the smirnoff bottles…. Then again i’m looking for the leased flavoured vodka possible. Which so far comes down to MSAV Signature vodka. Not so high priced, and you can practically drink it like water.

This is based on me trying the following vodkas: Smirnof 40% vodka, troika vodka, Skull, Grey Goose, Belvedre, Elit, Ciroc, Pravda

I’d rather be drinking: MSAV Signature or Grey Goose.

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By printmaster11

I enjoy all of my vodkas mixed and with that said Stolichnaya Elit is an excellent mixer however impera comes pretty close and is cheaper.

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By Chris

It doesn’t matter how nice the establishment that you are frequenting, if you are having ANY vodka combined with a mixer, your trusty bartender is pooring you the well. The reason is because you won’t know the difference, and if you disagree with this, then you deserve to drink skol. Hopefully, the place where you are going has a premium well with either sobieski or wodka

@Chris, the reason that I know exactly what vodka was poured in each cocktail that I described in my previous post is that I was seated at the bar while the bartender made the drinks directly in clear view in front of me. In fact, he was enjoying my mini premium vodka martini tasting.

Additionally, I have generally trusted the restaurants that I have been served vodka martinis. I actually can often taste the difference, and can unequivocally identify certain vodkas, such as Crystal Head, Ciroc, or Stolichnaya. Admittedly, some vodkas, such as Sobieski, Fris, and Svedka, taste similar enough to me that I would not likely know which of those three I were being served.

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By jusdit

3 * * * * *

it wasn’t worth the $63.00. Standard Sobieski a lot better. I hadn’t had Tito’s! cbs

Stolichnaya Elit (Stoli Elit) Vodka Review By Martinez Sisco

I normally go for Stoli Gold. It’s an excellent served on the rocks, straight out of the freezer. Its super smooth and has a really clean taste. This will be my first time trying Elit. I have heard that it is so much smoother than Stoli Gold. If it’s true, then I am in for as real treat. I have it in the freezer and I am looking forward to the weekend. Elite on ice along with a Royal Punch Cigar. After which, I’ll return and give you my thoughts. The price here was $50, Washington, DC.

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