SV The Silk Vodka

SV, also known as The Silk Vodka, is a Russian vodka produced by Soyuz Victan Group of Companies. Grains grown on the Russian Steppes are the source of the product and it is produced in their distillery located in Ruza, outside of Moscow.
The company uses the highest level of alcohol quality recognized by the Russian Government. The product is then put through a series of filtrations through five different types of mountain crystals and minerals including crystal quartz, morion (smoky quartz), chalcedony, topaz and opal. The filtration is said to remove impurities or congeners from the distillate which can contribute to the sensation of harshness or bite. The product is packaged in a unique bottle somewhat reminiscent of art deco design.
In the 2006 International Review of Spirits tasting competition conducted by the Beverage Tasting Institute, SV Silk Vodka received a rating of 92, “Exceptional” and a Gold Medal. Oct. 27 tasting notes published by BTI:
"Cream, vanilla, and star anise aromas. A round supple entry lead to a dryish, silky medium body of sweet cream, mineral, vanilla, and delicate peppery spice flavors. Finishes with a long, sweet cream and mineral fade. Excellent balance, smoothness and length."
The 80 proof product was developed with a taste profile adapted to the US market and introduced in late 2006. Most vodka brands from Russia are produced with a characteristic harsh bite that is a considered a desirable characteristic to consumers in that country. The formula for the Silk Vodka results in a product that American consumers would consider more smooth.
Smooth
Like the old saw about Eskimos having 200 adjectives to describe snow, smooth is a non-specific word to most people. Vodka experts have found that smoothness is a function of three primary sensations: nose, mouthfeel and finish. Nose is the presence or absence of a sharp alcohol smell; mouthfeel refers to the degree of harshness of the liquid itself; and finish refers to the impression of bite after the drink has been swallowed.
Marketing
The Silk Vodka descriptor is used as a metaphor to communicate the product’s smoothness. The brand uses the imagery of flowing silk fabric around the bottle and as an element of the advertising.
The Brand Action team has done its best to increase awareness of this foundering brand with varying degrees of success.
About the company
According to the industry trade publication Impact Magazine, Feb. 2006 issue, Soyuz Victan was the third largest vodka producer in the world with corporate headquarters in Kiev, Ukraine, and distilleries and wineries located in Moscow, Crimea and Kiev. The US office was located in Jersey City, NJ. Late December 2009 the company went bankrupt when bankruptcy was submitted to the Court of Arbitration of the Moscow Oblast. Soyuz Victan hoped to repay its debt of $ 170-200 million by selling assets.

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