At the Beverage Testing Institute’s (BTI) annual ‘Best of the Year’ award, several Stoli vodkas took home major medals.
Stoli’s flagship premium vodka, Elit, was named Best Unflavoured Vodka of the Year in 2022 by the BTI, scoring 97 out of 100 points, and being awarded a platinum ‘Superlative’ medal. It is the 11th time that Stoli Elit has been deemed a platinum winner, a feat that Stoli says is unmatched by any other vodka.
Stoli’s Gold Vodka also took home a platinum medal, with 96 points, while Stoli’s standard edition, Stoli Cucumber, Stoli Bluberry and Stoli Orange all won gold medals. Stoli Raspberry picked up a silver.
Damian McKinney, Global CEO of Stoli Group, reflected on his brand’s strong showing.
“It is an honor to be recognized for our outstanding vodka portfolio. It is a reflection on the quality of our product, our partners around the globe that help us deliver on our commitment to excellence and our people that continue to go above and beyond,” McKinney commented.
“Despite the chaos that 2022 brought in terms of war, supply disruption, recovery from COVID and demand for rapid innovation to combat crisis climate, the Stoli family showed up and stood up for the values for which we are known, trust and commitment to integrity.”
Back in May of this year, Stoli announced a major rebrand, as a ‘direct response’ to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The BTI (which is based in Chicago) testing process involves a ‘revered panel of industry experts’ who assess spirits for ‘aroma, flavour and structure’. Tastings are conducted under blind tasting strictures developed with Cornell University, and using custom-built software.
McKinney believes that the results illustrate quality of the Stoli Group’s products.
“This is an esteemed win for Stoli Group, setting a new benchmark for ultra-premium spirits globally,” continued McKinney.
“With hand-made precision, and cutting-edge technology, we are evolving the vodka category.”