About this vodka

Beluga Transatlantic Racing was created to celebrate competitive sailing, inspired by a Russian yacht crew's record transatlantic crossing in 2011. The navy-blue bottle, with its marine motifs and gold anchor, makes the theme obvious. Beluga itself began at the Mariinsk distillery in Siberia; since 2023 the international brand has been made in Montenegro by Noblewood Group, using the brand's malt spirit and artesian water.

What sets Beluga apart is patience: this edition is rested for 45 days before bottling and filtered through cotton. In the glass it is crisp and fresh on the nose, with a creamy, malty palate, a little spice, lemon zest and a note of fresh-baked bread, finishing smooth and clean. It is a vodka to serve ice-cold and neat, or in a very simple Martini, and the bottle makes it a striking gift for someone who enjoys the finer things or loves the sea.

Key facts

• Special edition inspired by elite yacht racing and a Russian sailing team's 2011 record transatlantic crossing
• Navy-blue bottle with marine motifs and a golden anchor
• Made from Beluga's malt spirit and artesian water, rested for 45 days and filtered through cotton
• International rights to Beluga were sold to Noblewood Group in 2022; production for export moved to Montenegro in 2023

Tasting notes

Nose:

Crisp and fresh, with light grain and citrus

Palate:

Creamy and malty, with gentle spice, lemon zest and fresh-baked bread

Finish:

Smooth and refreshing, with a hint of liquorice

Serve

Neat and ice-cold from the freezer in a small chilled glass, or in a classic Vodka Martini: 60 ml vodka and a dash of dry vermouth stirred over ice, with a lemon twist.

Food pairing

Classic with oysters, caviar or smoked salmon on blinis; closer to home, with chingri malai curry or a delicate steamed hilsa.