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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

A Russian vodka billionaire, who vacated his $400 million superyacht on a moment’s notice when Saudi Crown Prince MBS bought it on the spot, once sued the shipyard that built the vessel because they constructed a similar-looking yacht for another billionaire.

Serene, the most superlative superyacht!

With seven decks and 4,500 square meters of interior space designed by Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design, the $400 million megayacht is indeed a floating palace. Fit for royalty, the luxurious vessel features a giant internal seawater pool and two helipads that can be converted into a dance floor.

Who is Yuri Shefler?

Worth $1.5 billion , 56-year-old Yuri Shefler is the man who established the SPI Group, responsible for the production and sale of 380 branded spirits in 170 countries. Three years ago, he split his business into the Stoli Group and Amber Beverage Group, but he is best known for Stolichnaya vodka. A resident of Geneva, Switzerland, Shefler was born into a Jewish family in Oryol, Russia, and graduated from the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. He started off dealing in vouchers and petty trade as a student, followed by stints at Vnukovo Airlines, Nafta-Moscow, GUM, and TSUM. Life turned around for the businessman with the founding of the SPI Group.

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Valentina II Yacht

90' 7" Sanlorenzo | SD92 | 2011 /2021

Valentina II

Valentina II is a 27.6m motor yacht delivered by Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo in 2011. Her interior design and exterior styling comes from the drawing boards of Francesco Paszkowski Design, while Sanlorenzo is responsible for her naval architecture.

Design & Construction

Designed around a semi-displacement GRP hull and superstructure she features a 7.15m beam and a 2m draft. The yacht is built over 2 decks with an internal volume of 193 GT (Gross Tonnes).

She was completed at Sanlorenzo's La Spezia yard in Italy where she was commissioned and delivered to her owners.

Accommodation

Valentina II offers accommodation for up to 8 guests in 4 suites comprising an owners cabin, 1 VIP cabin and 2 twin cabins. She is also capable of carrying up to 4 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

Performance & Capabilities

Motor yacht Valentina II is capable of reaching a top speed of 32 knots, and comfortably cruises at 27 knots. Her semi-displacement hull design means she offers a great balance of space and speed.

Valentina II Yacht is not For Sale

Valentina II is NOT currently on the sales market. View all Sanlorenzo SD92 yachts for sale from around the world.

If you're the yacht owner, broker, or captain, please use the "Update Sales Info" link to report any changes to the sales information. Update Sales Info

View SD92 model

Interior & Exterior Photos

Build & Design Team

Builder & Naval Architect

Interior & Exterior Designer

Specifications

Principal characteristics.

• Builder Sanlorenzo
• Built / Refit 2011 / 2021
• Naval Architect Sanlorenzo
• Exterior Designer Francesco Paszkowski Design
• Interior Designer Francesco Paszkowski Design
• Length 90' 7"
• Length Waterline 76' 1"
• Beam 23' 5"
• Draft 6' 7"
• Displacement 249,122 Lbs

Hull & Superstructure

• Hull Type Semi-Displacement
• Hull Material GRP
• Superstructure GRP
• Deck Material Teak
• Fuel Capacity 3,249 Gallons
• Freshwater Capacity 660 Gallons

Speed & Range

• Max Speed 32 Knots
• Cruising Speed 27 Knots

Engine & Propulsion

• Engine 2 x MTU
• Type Diesel
• Power 2x 1822hp / 2443kW
• Total Power 3644hp / 4886kW
• Propulsion Twin Screw Propellers
• Cabin Arrangement 1 Owner 1 VIP 2 Twin
• Crew Cabins 2

• 1 x 13' Williams Jet Tenders 395 Tender
• Photo Gallery
• 1 x 3.95m Williams Jet Tenders 395 Tender

Other Sanlorenzo Boats

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2015 M/Y Scorpion

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117'ft SD118

2023 M/Y Andiamo

Beach Club, Swim Platform

112'ft SD112

2018 M/Y Halcyon

111'ft SP110

2022 M/Y Anmax

102'ft SL102 Asymmetric

2021 M/Y Amouaje

2019 M/Y Genoa

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Not for sale to US residents while in US waters

Pictures shown are for illustration purposes only. Actual Yacht may vary due to client options.

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In Review Magazine

A luxury lifestyle magazine published in Miami

March 4, 2015 by In Review

a $330 million mega Superyacht and her owner Yuri Scheffler.

The Serene, a $330 million, 440-foot private yacht belonging to a wealthy Russian vodka distributor, recently visited Miami during the Christmas week. The yacht’s owner, Yuri Scheffler, controls SPI Group, which distributes Stolichnaya vodka internationally. Serene is the largest private superyachts, built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri, and delivered to the magnate on August 2011. It has drawn the attention from many people out of the waters to snap a photo. The “grandeur” of Serene, is justified by its magnate owner. His wealthy, is well known, and well deserved.

He is the founder of Stolichnaya vodka and in his youth he developed the right spirits for a freezing country. From Russia, his tentacles spread to the world. By the way, Yuri Scheffler, has confronted Wladimir Putin’s intention to privitized Stolichnaya vodka. He is a very low profile guy, like the majority of really wealthy people

Serene can be chartered

With a crew of 52 people, 48,000 square feet, and more than 60 feet wide that easily accommodates 24 guests. All pampered by its crew. Serene amenities boasts are 18 rooms, seven decks including swimming pools inside and on the deck. The underwater viewing area, a rock climbing wall, Cinemas, two helicopters landing pads, and all tools for water. Jet ski’s, and carries its own limousine. Below in the garage storage, a large submarine that can dive to 300 feet.

The yacht has hot and cold Jacuzzis, and a jet stream exercise pool. An upper-deck pool is 50 feet long. There lounges, bars, spas, elevators, a powder-generating “snow room” for kids, a cigar lounge, hair salons, many galleys and wine cellars, a theater, and a room they call “Nemo” that has a glass bottom to view the waters beneath. There’s a grand dining room, smaller dining areas, and a plethora of pizza ovens and grills. And somewhere in all that is a spiral staircase that reaches six of the seven decks.

Yuri Scheffler knows how to shine.

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What’s the story behind the iconic Stolichnaya vodka brand?

If one thinks about Russian vodka , Stolichnaya (or Stoli) is one of the key brands that pops to mind. For decades now, it’s been popular both in Russia and abroad. But what do we actually know about its long history?

The battle for rights

Stolichnaya Vodka, produced at the Moscow Distillery Cristall. 1991

With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the chaos that followed, the Stolichnaya trademark ceased to exist. In 1991, the USSR Gospatent in charge of intellectual property basically left it without any protection, transforming the brand into a simple name for a group of products that basically allowed anyone to produce it, with different levels of quality and labels.

In the mid-90s, the authorities tried to control the situation and the trademark subsequently returned to Sojuzplodoimport (a legal successor of the former state-run entity) and all would be well, had one of its key shareholders, Yuri Shefler , not had other plans.

In 1997, he created a firm with almost the same name - Sojuzplodimport - acquired Stolichnaya with some other trademarks below market price, sold them to his other entity (Spirits International, in the Netherlands) and basically turned the production of Stolichnaya into an international private business, which later received a new name - S.P.I. Group.

The Tribeca Film Festival 2012 After-Party For Trishna, Hosted By Stolichnaya Vodka. New York City, 2012

As the years went by, Shefler’s company faced legal charges in Russia, and in 2001, he had to flee the country, but kept making millions on Stoli sales and other previously Russian spirit names.

For the last 20 years, Sojuzplodoimport and the exiled billionaire have been locked in battle for the rights over Stolichnaya in foreign courts, and in 2018, the Dutch court ruled that the rights to the vodka belong to Sojuzplodoimport, and S.P.I. Group must repay all the profits made on the Benelux market since 1999.

Shefler appealed the decision, but in January this year it was denied . A positive sign for Russia, but nowhere closer to an end to the dispute, S.P.I. Group today holds the rights to several Stolichnaya trademarks in 13 EU countries, and is preparing to defend them in the near future.

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STOLI VODKA UNVEILS A BOLD NEW FACE AND A GLOBAL REBRAND

Vodka Leader Launches “Spirit of Change” Campaign in Celebration of Transformative People

STOLI, a world-renowned premium vodka brand with a rich heritage dating back to 1938, is thrilled to announce, “Spirit of Change,” a global relaunch. This repositioning of the brand is accompanied by a fresh packaging redesign and a worldwide campaign that captures the essence of STOLI, a transformative spirit that brings people together.  ​​

At the heart of this rebranding lie 3 key pillars of the brand essence: Authenticity, Progress, and Liberation. The new brand platform called “Spirit of Change” celebrates positive transformation around the world, with a 360 campaign that includes a series of brand videos, digital and social campaigns, marketing events and PR initiatives around the world. In tandem, an exciting new drinks strategy will be launched that will bring to life the brand heritage and roots as well as the future global ambition. The roll out will take place in phases over the coming months. ​​

“STOLI is the vodka of spirited people and places,” commented Chris Caldwell, Global CEO, Stoli Group. “The new campaign, the ‘Spirit of Change,’ truly captures that essence and we are thrilled to begin this new chapter on our journey to becoming the vodka choice for today’s discerning drinkers. ​​

The new bottle design proudly displays the iconic city skyline on the front label, paying homage to the cities that have inspired the brand throughout its history. What’s more, each bottle features coordinates representing 10 of the world’s most forward-thinking metropolises. Campaign visuals are vibrant and liberating, embracing the new brand spirit. ​​

As an internationally recognized brand, STOLI portfolio is available in more than 100 countries worldwide. Produced in Riga, Latvia, over the years, STOLI has received more than 100 prestigious accolades from top international competitions, establishing itself as a true icon of quality and excellence in the vodka industry. ​​

About STOLI Vodka : ​

STOLI the iconic vodka brand, has led the way in championing a better future and perfecting vodka making since 1938, now bringing the “Spirit  of Change” to over 100 countries where it is distributed. Crafted at Amber Latvijas Balzams, Latvia, STOLI vodka is produced from the finest  grain and pure artesian water, triple-filtered for excellence. As one of the pioneers of the flavored vodka since the 1960’s, it continues to create  complex flavors profiles that resonate globally. With over 100 awards, including the most prestigious ones, STOLI is a world authority in the  vodka category.

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The Russian-born billionaire who founded Stolichnaya vodka is changing the brand's name

• Stolichnaya vodka is severing its final tie to Russia and changing its name to "Stoli."
• Stoli Group said it rebranded as a "direct response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine."
• Yuri Shefler, the Russian-born billionaire founder, said he'd been exiled from Russia since 2000.

Stolichnaya vodka is rebranding to go by its nickname "Stoli."

The vodka brand, which has previously been marketed as Russian, changed its name as a "direct response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine," Stoli Group said in its press release on Friday. 

The founder of the company, the Russian-born billionaire Yuri Shefler, said the name, and its association with Russia, was no longer representative of the brand.

"While I have been exiled from Russia since 2000 due to my opposition to Putin, I have remained proud of the Stolichnaya brand," Shefler said in the press release. "Today, we have made the decision to rebrand entirely as the name no longer represents our organization. More than anything, I wish for 'Stoli' to represent peace in Europe and solidarity with Ukraine."

Shefler said he was forced to move to Luxembourg because Russian President Vladimir Putin attempted to "wrest control" of the brand. Ownership of the brand has been disputed between Shefler's Stoli Group, which is based in Latvia, and Sojuzplodoimport, a firm owned by the Russian state, since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

"I have personally experienced persecution by Putin's regime and I share the pain of Ukraine and its people," Shefler said.

The company's production facilities are in Latvia. Last week, Stoli Group said it would only use Slovakian sources to avoid any ties with Russia.

Stoli Group's announcement comes as businesses and state officials across the country call for a boycott of vodka. Though many vodka products are advertised as Russian, only about 1% of vodka in the US comes from Russia.

• Main content

Stolichnaya Vodka rebrands as 'Stoli,' trying to distance itself from Putin

As people around the world move to boycott Russian products, one of the most iconic vodka brands will change its name. The company that owns Stolichnaya vodka announced that it is officially adopting the drink's unofficial nickname and will now brand the vodka as Stoli. The Stoli Group said the rebranding effort is in "direct response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.""The three driving factors behind the decision are the founder's vehement position on the Putin regime; the Stoli employees determination to take action; and the desire to accurately represent Stoli's roots in Latvia," the company said in a statement.Stolichnaya started out as a Russian brand in the former Soviet Union, though there is even some disagreement about when exactly it started. But in recent years, the vodka has been produced in Latvia by the Luxembourg-based Stoli Group. That company was founded by the exiled Russian-born billionaire Yuri Shefler, a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin who fled Russia in 2002. Meanwhile, the Russian government has continued making a state-owned version of the brand that is sold and marketed within the country. A key difference between the two, according to the Stoli Group, is that the label on the state-sponsored alcohol clearly says it is Russian-made. In a statement , Stoli Group Global CEO Damian McKinney noted that the company also has a presence in Ukraine. "The safety and security of our Ukrainian team is our top priority," he said. "We are monitoring the situation closely and are already moving swiftly and decisively to provide support where needed, both to our people on the ground as well as partners."This is not the first time the Stoli Group or Shefler have sought to distance the brand from perceptions of continued ties to the Russian government. After Putin enacted a number of draconian laws in 2013 cracking down on the country's gay community, the vodka makers publicly condemned Putin. A growing number of Russian businesses are facing boycotts because of their country's invasion of Ukraine. Russian vodka specifically has become a target for U.S. state leaders in recent weeks. Governors in Utah and New Hampshire ordered government-run liquor stores to pull Russian-made spirits from shelves, while Ohio's governor, Mike DeWine , moved to block the purchase and sale of Russian Standard vodka. Last week, McKinney stressed that the renaming is not just about mitigating financial losses. "This is very personal to us," he said. "As a former Royal Marine Commando, I know all too well the horrors of war."We have employees, partners and distributors in the region directly impacted. They are asking that we take a bold stand. This is one actionable, meaningful thing we can do to make it clear that we support Ukraine." Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Stolichnaya Vodka Renamed

You probably refer to Stolichnaya vodka as "Stoli" anyway, but now it's official: The company that owns the iconic spirit brand says it is turning that nickname into the vodka's actual name. The move is an attempt to distance the brand from Russia, NPR reports. Calling the decision a "direct response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine," the Stoli Group says in a statement, "The three driving factors behind the decision are the founder's vehement position on the Putin regime; the Stoli employees determination to take action; and the desire to accurately represent Stoli's roots in Latvia."

As the AP explains, Russian billionaire and staunch Vladimir Putin critic Yuri Shefler founded Stoli Group in 1997; he was exiled from the country in 2002, and production moved to Latvia at that point. But Eater has a more in-depth look at the vodka itself, the roots of which extend back to the Soviet Union days. The Russian government produces its own vodka called Stolichnaya, but Stoli Group owns the trademark rights to the name (which means "from the capital city" in Russian) in 150 countries including the US. "More than anything, I wish for Stoli to represent peace in Europe and solidarity with Ukraine," Shefler says. (More Stolichnaya stories.)

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Stolichnaya Vodka rebrands as 'Stoli,' trying to distance itself from Putin

Vanessa Romo

Exiled Russian-born billionaire Yuri Shefler, who owns the company that produces the vodka, has been a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin for decades. Amy Sussman/Invision/AP hide caption

Exiled Russian-born billionaire Yuri Shefler, who owns the company that produces the vodka, has been a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin for decades.

As people around the world move to boycott Russian products, one of the most iconic vodka brands will change its name.

The company that owns Stolichnaya vodka announced that it is officially adopting the drink's unofficial nickname and will now brand the vodka as Stoli.

The Stoli Group said the rebranding effort is in "direct response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine."

"The three driving factors behind the decision are the founder's vehement position on the Putin regime; the Stoli employees determination to take action; and the desire to accurately represent Stoli's roots in Latvia," the company said in a statement.

Stolichnaya started out as a Russian brand in the former Soviet Union, though there is even some disagreement about when exactly it started. But in recent years, the vodka has been produced in Latvia by the Luxembourg-based Stoli Group. That company was founded by the exiled Russian-born billionaire Yuri Shefler, a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin who fled Russia in 2002.

Meanwhile, the Russian government has continued making a state-owned version of the brand that is sold and marketed within the country. A key difference between the two, according to the Stoli Group, is that the label on the state-sponsored alcohol clearly says it is Russian-made.

Ukraine invasion — explained

Boycotts of russian products and groups spread, but the effects may be limited.

In a statement , Stoli Group Global CEO Damian McKinney noted that the company also has a presence in Ukraine.

"The safety and security of our Ukrainian team is our top priority," he said. "We are monitoring the situation closely and are already moving swiftly and decisively to provide support where needed, both to our people on the ground as well as partners."

This is not the first time the Stoli Group or Shefler have sought to distance the brand from perceptions of continued ties to the Russian government. After Putin enacted a number of draconian laws in 2013 cracking down on the country's gay community, the vodka makers publicly condemned Putin.

A growing number of Russian businesses are facing boycotts because of their country's invasion of Ukraine. Russian vodka specifically has become a target for U.S. state leaders in recent weeks. Governors in Utah and New Hampshire ordered government-run liquor stores to pull Russian-made spirits from shelves, while Ohio's governor, Mike DeWine , moved to block the purchase and sale of Russian Standard vodka.

Last week, McKinney stressed that the renaming is not just about mitigating financial losses. "This is very personal to us," he said. "As a former Royal Marine Commando, I know all too well the horrors of war.

"We have employees, partners and distributors in the region directly impacted. They are asking that we take a bold stand. This is one actionable, meaningful thing we can do to make it clear that we support Ukraine."

Stolichnaya Vodka rebrands as 'Stoli,' trying to distance itself from Putin

As many people around the world move to boycott Russian products, one of the most iconic vodka brands will be officially changing its name.

The company that owns Stolichnaya vodka announced that it is officially adopting the drink's unofficial nickname, and will now brand the vodka as Stoli.

The Stoli Group said the rebranding effort is in "direct response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine."

"The three driving factors behind the decision are the founder's vehement position on the Putin regime; the Stoli employees determination to take action; and the desire to accurately represent Stoli's roots in Latvia," the company said in a statement.

Stolichnaya started out as a Russian brand in the former Soviet Union, though there is even some disagreement about when exactly it started. But in recent years , the vodka has been produced in Latvia by the Luxembourg-based Stoli Group. That company was founded by the exiled Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler, a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin who fled Russia in 2002.

Meanwhile, the Russian government has continued making a state-owned version of the brand sold and marketed within the country. A key difference between the two, according to the Stoli Group, is that the label on the state-sponsored alcohol clearly says it is Russian made.

Stoli Group Global CEO Damian McKinney explained the company also has a presence in Ukraine.

"The safety and security of our Ukrainian team is our top priority," he said in a statement . "We are monitoring the situation closely and are already moving swiftly and decisively to provide support where needed, both to our people on the ground as well as partners."

This is not the first time the Stoli Group or Shefler have sought to distance the brand from perceptions of continued ties to the Russian government. After Putin enacted a number of draconian laws in 2013 cracking down on the country's gay community, the vodka makers publicly condemned Putin.

A growing number of Russian businesses are facing boycotts over their country's invasion of Ukraine. Russian vodka specifically has become a target for U.S. state leaders in recent weeks. Governors in Utah and New Hampshire ordered government-run liquor stores to pull Russian-made spirits from shelves, while Ohio's governor, Mike DeWine , moved to block the purchase and sale of Russian Standard vodka.

Last week, McKinney stressed that the renaming is not just about mitigating financial losses. "This is very personal to us," he said. "As a former Royal Marine Commando, I know all too well the horrors of war."

He added: "We have employees, partners and distributors in the region directly impacted. They are asking that we take a bold stand. This is one actionable, meaningful thing we can do to make it clear that we support Ukraine."

Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

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The Absolute Best Regional Cocktails To Try In The US

Cocktails were not born on American soil, but this is where they were perfected to give momentum to the modern cocktail culture. As such, many quintessential mixed drinks were created in the U.S., including classics such as an Old-Fashioned, White Russian, and Manhattan. After the country went through Prohibition, the cocktail culture was reintroduced, and it came back with a force to bring illustrious representatives like the Whiskey Sour and Mai Tai. Mixology still flourishes in the U.S., and there seems to be no end to the immensely creative process.

Most cocktails have an international character and can be recreated regardless of location. That's why some of the most successful creations, such as the elegant Martini or Cosmopolitan, easily blend in on bar menus. However, sometimes, a cocktail gets landlocked in a particular region or a city. This happens because the drink features a regional ingredient, or the locals are simply smitten by a particular combination. We're zeroing in to bring you a list of the absolute best regional cocktails you can try in the U.S.

Ranch Water

Ranch Water is a tequila-based cocktail that is synonymous with West Texas. This straightforward concoction combines tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico sparkling water to make a light, zingy, and refreshing drink.

The origin of Ranch Water has never been thoroughly clarified, but it has been a regional favorite for decades. Originally under the radar, it only started to pop up on Texan menus in the 2000s. There are many stories explaining the name and its invention, but the most probable theory is that it first appeared among local farmers as a refreshing drink they could whip up instantly. Nowadays, Ranch Water is a menu staple and even comes in convenient canned versions.

Ranch Water is classified as a highball cocktail, and consequently, it comes served in a Collins glass filled with ice. If you want to recreate the recipe, use blanco tequila, as it has the most neutral character, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Although, the original recipe calls for Topo Chico, the legendary Mexican sparkling water with a huge fan base in Texas, you can swap in other brands if you don't have it on hand.

Café Brûlot

Café Brûlot is best described as a caffeinated fiery spectacle made with black coffee, orange liqueur, brandy, sugar, citrus zest, and spices. The cocktail was created in the 1880s at Antoine's, a historical New Orleans restaurants, but these days it graces the menu of several acclaimed Creole establishments, including Galatoire's and Arnaud's. It is said that the local pirate Jean Lafitte inspired its creation with the dramatic spectacles he used to recreate on the street, merely as a distraction to allow his gang to steal valuables from spectators.

Café Brûlot is always assembled table-side with a professional preparation that resembles a theatrical performance. The various elements that go into it all come assembled on a cart. The waiter heats a mix of orange and lemon zest, cinnamon, brandy, and orange liqueur, and spikes a long spiral of orange peel with cloves. When the boozy mix is hot enough, they take out a ladle, set the liquid on fire, and carefully pour it over the clove-studded orange zest directly into the bowl, igniting the entire drink. Finally, strongly brewed coffee is added to the mix, which helps extinguish the flame. 

Café Brûlot is served in demise glasses, and it's usually considered an after-dinner drink, though it could easily act as a boozy dessert. There are some homemade recipes for this classic, but due to the complicated preparation, perhaps it's best to reserve this one for the professionals.

Alabama Slammer

Alabama Slammer is a classic fruity cocktail that you'll easily recognize for its distinctive orange-red color. The first part of its name refers to its birthplace, while the slammer moniker probably refers to its strength, as it's not really intended for slamming. The origins of the Alabama Slammer are somewhat vague, but many associate it with the University of Alabama. It most likely was developed in the 1970s, as it was already a household name by the 1980s. Alabama Slammer is a true representation of a vintage cocktail that may have lost some of its former glory, but remains popular in its home state.

The ingredients vary depending on the recipe, but you'll usually see Southern Comfort, amaretto liqueur, and sloe gin. Southern Comfort is a spiced whiskey that delivers warm notes, amaretto introduces a sweet almond nuttiness, and sloe gin (which is actually a liqueur made with tart sloe berries) gives the cocktail a sweet fruitiness. The combination is rounded out with orange juice before being shaken and poured over plenty of ice. It's mostly served in a tall Collins glass garnished with an orange wedge or maraschino cherry, but occasionally served as a shot.

Orange Crush

Orange Crush is a juicy highball cocktail from Ocean City, Maryland. This is not a historic cocktail but a relatively young concoction that first appeared in 1995 at Harborside Bar & Grill. Here, the bartenders decided to combine orange-flavored vodka, orange juice, triple sec, and lemon-lime soda.

The cocktail is easy to assemble as all the ingredients are simply poured into a glass and packed with crushed ice. In a bar setting, expect it to come in a Collins glass, but beach bars will sometimes pack it into a plastic cup. Though you will usually encounter it in its classic form, there are several spins that use grapefruit juice, grapefruit-flavored vodka, or swap vodka with whiskey for a more complex expression. The one ingredient that should never be compromised on is freshly squeezed juice, as it acts as a zesty background and shapes the overall profile. Orange Crush is usually enjoyed as a refreshing summertime cocktail that has a nice boozy kick but still comes off as light and drinkable.

Though it became popular outside its native state, this fruity drink is still closely associated with Maryland. Interestingly, the state of Delaware added a controversial spin by claiming Orange Crush as its official state cocktail. The reasoning was that despite being invented in Maryland, Orange Crush is identified with Dewey Beach, Delaware.

Brandy Milk Punch

Milk Punch is another cocktail associated with New Orleans. Popularized at Brennan's, a local institution that popularized what is now brunch, this rich concoction typically combines cream, brandy, and simple syrup. The result is a luscious drink that tastes like an upgraded version of eggnog.

Milk Punch is one of the old-school cocktails that existed before it was reintroduced and made famous at Brennan's, but you'll currently find it all over the region. Recipes include milk or cream, vanilla, brandy, and either powdered sugar or simple syrup as the sweetener. The ingredients are shaken with ice until chilled and then strained in a glass filled with ice. Finally, the frothy top is dusted with freshly grated nutmeg.

Milk Punch was introduced and labeled as the perfect brunch cocktail, and it is best enjoyed as intended. It can also make a nice after-dinner drink or replace a traditional holiday eggnog. Brennan's recommends a Caribbean-inspired version that uses rum, bourbon, heavy cream, and vanilla-infused syrup. This rendition sometimes has a New Orleans moniker to differentiate it.

Mint Julep is probably one of the more famous items on the list. This American classic was created in the South, and despite its storied background, it still has not lost its charm and continues to gain attention and grow in popularity. Besides being a Southern staple, it is a cocktail that is almost synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, where it became the official drink in 1939. Today, around 120,000 Mint Julep cocktails are drunk each year during the race.

The history of Mint Julep is vague, but it is presumed to be modeled on medicinal European recipes that blended herbs and spices with sugar and alcohol. It is also thought to possibly be one of the first cocktails crafted in America. The version we know today uses the same formula and usually combines bourbon, sugar, mint, and crushed ice, but variations such as adding berries are common. The preparation usually starts with muddled mint topped with syrup and bourbon. The combination is mixed with crushed ice and garnished with fresh mint. Traditionally, you'll find the cocktail served in silver cups that mimic the shape of the main award received at the Kentucky Derby.

Boilo is not a classic cocktail in the sense that you would order one at a local bar. This wintertime staple is typically made at home or for gatherings when large batches are assembled and cooked. At its core, Boilo is a mix of whiskey, spices, honey, and fruit, which as the name suggests, are boiled until hot and steamy.

You'll find Boilo only in Pennsylvania, where it was possibly inspired by Lithuanian immigrants who came to work in local coal mines. With them, they brought a potent honey liqueur known as krupnikas. When Boilo was introduced, it was considered a festive tipple and a comforting drink that could help with light ailments. The recipes for boilo vary, and each family typically has a signature rendition. 

The traditional version includes steeping warming wintertime spices with lemons, oranges, and occasionally raisins. The fruit is strained, then the mix is adjusted with honey and topped with liquor — the local preference is Four Queens blended whiskey. Depending on the recipe, alcohol can be boiled with the rest of the ingredients or added last when the mix is off the heat. Remember, boilo should only be served warm.

Lynchburg Lemonade

Lynchburg Lemonade immediately suggests a home in Lynchburg, Tennessee, and if you know this is the location of the Jack Daniel's distillery, you could easily guess what goes inside this refreshing long drink. However, there's an unusual twist to the story; Lynchburg Lemonade was created in the 1980s in Huntsville, Alabama, by a bar owner Tony Mason, who was never credited for his invention. He took Jack Daniel's to court to be recognized as the inventor, but eventually lost the legal battle. In turn, the distillery adopted the drink and made it into its official cocktail.

The second part of the assumption is true, as Jack Daniel's plays a key role in this mixed drink. The original recipe includes Jack Daniel's, triple sec, sour mix, and lemon-lime soda, assembled in a highball glass filled with cubed ice. The ingredients are combined, stirred, and served garnished with a lemon wedge. If you want to recreate the combination at home, try switching up the sour mix with fresh lemon juice and syrup for a zestier version.

Mexican Martini

Best described as a tequila-based margarita served in a martini glass, a Mexican Martini is strictly associated with Austin, Texas. It combines tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and a splash of olive brine. Everything is shaken with ice, strained into a chilled martini glass with a salted rim, and garnished with olives and lemon zest. The result is a balanced cocktail that is boozy and refreshing, with the ideal amount of sweetness and savoriness.

The Mexican Martini was crafted in the early 1980s at the Cedar Door. This legendary Austin-based establishment is still running strong and serves five variants of the signature drink. Besides the classic, there's a version with a spicy kick and a smoky one that swaps the tequila with mezcal. For some reason, Mexican Martinis were never popularized outside the city limits, but for the locals, the drink truly symbolizes Austin and its fun, vibrant spirit.

Tom and Jerry

Tom and Jerry is a vintage cocktail that blends eggs, rum, and brandy. Though the list of ingredients might associate it with eggnog, this frothy cocktail is slightly different and better classified as a close cousin. The main distinction is in the preparation, which starts by separating egg whites from the yolks. The yolks are creamed with sugar, while the whites are whipped separately until they attain volume and become light and airy. They are combined and poured into a mug, mixed with rum and brandy, and topped with hot milk. Lastly, the surface is dusted with grated nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice. This is a cocktail that is served warm to accentuate its indulgent qualities.

The history of the Tom and Jerry is ancient, and similarly to other storied cocktails, its origin is a bit vague. It is assumed that it dates to the 1820s and that it was invented in England before it came to the States and was featured in the legendary "Bartender's Guide" published by Jerry Thomas in 1862. Tom and Jerry is now almost exclusively associated with the Midwest, where this milky punch gets its annual feature during Christmas as a preferred Yuletide tipple.

The Hummer consists of an indulgent mix of vanilla ice cream, rum, and Kahlúa whizzed up in a blender. Ice is usually added to the blend, resulting in a refreshing drink with an incredibly rich and luscious texture that you can easily label as a grown-up milkshake. It's usually made with white rum to build clean, precise flavors that complement its creamy sweetness. Kahlúa delivers hints of vanilla, coffee, and caramel to round out the profile. This hedonistic mix will make you want to hum, which is how it supposedly got its name.

The Hummer was invented in 1968 at Detroit's Bayview Yacht Club by Jerome Adams. His creation was an instant hit, and it's still a beloved local folklore, so much so that the  Hummer is often considered Michigan's state drink . Surprisingly, you'll rarely see it outside its native state, but within the state borders, you'll find it everywhere. It has become associated with racing, but it is also a regular at all types of bars and restaurants where it's usually ordered as an after-dinner drink.

Horsefeather

Often featured on lists of the most bizarre cocktail names , a Horsefeather is the go-to drink in Kansas City. This surprisingly simple cocktail blends whiskey, ginger beer, bitters, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Often compared to a Moscow Mule but more similar to the old-school Horse's Neck, this cocktail has a much bolder character that blends zesty, spicy, and zingy elements into a delicious sipper. The final profile depends on the type of whiskey used, but bourbon and rye are common choices. It comes served in a Collins glass, garnished with a lime wedge.

Horsefeathers are served everywhere in Kansas City, but it's never been thoroughly clarified when it originated and who first decided to whip up this exact combination. One of the familiar local stories is that the cocktail originated in the neighboring town of Lawrence, while the first written mention is found in "The Bartender's Bible," one of the essential cocktail handbooks written by Gary "Gaz" Regan in 1991. Though not identical, the cocktail is quite similar and referenced as Horse Feathers. You may come across a Horsefeather outside Missouri, but it's still considered a truly Kansas tradition.

Spanish Coffee

Despite its name, a Spanish Coffee is closely associated with Portland, Oregon. This is a contemporary drink whose history is well documented and leads straight to Huber's, Portland's oldest restaurant that has been in business for almost 150 years. However, the inspiration for the drink wasn't local. In 1975, Jim Louie, who was running the restaurant at the time, took the recipe from Fernwood Inn in Milwaukie, which also copied a Mexican recipe. At Huber's, Spanish Coffee acquired its theatrical preparation, which is still practiced by the staff and loved by the customers.

This hot cocktail combines triple sec, overproof rum, Kahlúa, coffee, and heavy cream. It's always prepared in front of the diners as the whole process is a well-orchestrated operation in which the bartender first lights rum and triple sec, allows the fire to caramelize the sugar rim, and then pours Kahlúa to douse the flame. Freshly brewed coffee comes on top, and the drink is finished with a generous dose of heavy cream and grated nutmeg. Rich, indulgent, and boozy, this cocktail is for those who prefer robust flavors and a bold character.

Jack Rose is a simple cocktail often labeled as New Jersey's signature drink, consisting of a combination of apple brandy (or applejack), grenadine, and lemon or lime juice. The ingredients are shaken with ice and strained into a coupe glass garnished with a citrus wedge. The final result is a refreshing cocktail with a gently tart bite and a fruity backbone. The old-school applejack is the principle element in the combination, and it's also what makes this cocktail a quintessential New Jersey affair.

Originating sometime at the beginning of the 20th century, the use of Laird's applejack places this drink in New Jersey, where Laird's is located. With over 300 years in business, it is one of the oldest distilleries in the U.S. Consequently, you will usually see Laird's apple brandy or applejack recommended for the best version of a Jack Rose. Though you might come across this cocktail outside state borders, Jack Rose is still mainly associated with the Garden State.

Who Owns Stoli Vodka? Businesses Boycott Russian Vodka Brands

Although Stoli Vodka bears a Russian name, it's actually produced and bottled in Latvia and owned by Yuri Shefler who was exiled from Russia.

Feb. 28 2022, Published 12:24 p.m. ET

Russia’s recent attempt to assume control over Ukraine has left businesses in the U.S. looking for ways to retaliate. Although store owners don’t stand as much of a defense for Ukraine, they’ve found other ways to support Ukraine — by boycotting Russian-branded vodka. Is Stoli Vodka, or Stolichnaya Vodka a Russian brand?

While the initiative serves as a symbolic gesture as the consumption of vodka is still very much a part of Russian traditions and brings in revenue to the country, certain vodka brands are no longer produced in Russia . Who owns Stoli Vodka and is it still produced in Russia?

After U.S. store owners poured out their Stoli Vodka, they learned it isn't actually produced in Russia.

Individuals and businesses in the U.S. are preparing to fight back against Russia (passively, of course) and they’ve started with boycotting Russian-branded or Russian-produced vodka.

As reported by CNN , officials in various states including Ohio, Utah, and New Hampshire are asking business owners to remove Russian-made or branded liquor from their shelves, a move that largely signals to Russian officials that the U.S. doesn't support its decision to invade Ukraine. Trouble is, certain brands that were once connected to Russia in some way are no longer produced in the country. This includes Stoli Vodka.

Stoli Vodka is manufactured and bottled in Latvia, a country that gained its independence after 1917.

When business owners across the U.S. were asked to remove Russian-branded liquor from their shelves, many began disposing of the Stoli Vodka they had on hand. Although Stoli Vodka bears a Russian name, it's actually produced and bottled in Latvia. Latvia, once a part of the Soviet republic, joined NATO in 2004.

Not only is Stoli Vodka manufactured and bottled outside of Russian territory, its owner, Yuri Shefler, has publicly condemned Russia’s recent move to overtake Ukraine. Shefler says he “personally experienced persecution by the Russian authorities and [shares] the pain of Ukraine and its people.”

The Stoli Vodka owner was exiled from Russia nearly two decades ago and his company has no operations running in the country at this time. Stoli Group recently announced via its website that it “has had a long history of fighting oppression from the Russian regime.” The company also shared that it “unequivocally condemns the military action in Ukraine and stands in support of the Ukrainian people.”

Stoli Group says it also supports those in Russia who are calling for the attack to end.

Smirnoff is another vodka brand being confused for a Russian-produced liquor.

Although Smirnoff traces back to Moscow, the capital of Russia, the brand is now owned by British company Diageo . Diageo is headquartered in the United Kingdom, and it manufactures Smirnoff in Illinois. Although the brand is doing extremely well today, it encountered many hurdles in the past.

In 1914, Smirnoff creator Vladimir Smirnov was forced to close his factory doors after Russia imposed a dry law. The company then came face-to-face with bankruptcy but managed to overcome it. In 1925, Vladimir changed his brand’s name from Smirnov to Smirnoff. Vladimir watched his company grow and expand, with production stretching to France and North America.

What vodka brands are Russian-owned or produced?

Although Smirnoff and Stoli Vodka are no longer affiliated with Russia, there are a few brands that are imported directly from a Russian-owned distillery and sold in the U.S. Russian Standard and Green Mark are two of them. Russian Standard, whose parent company is Roust International, is owned by Roustam Tariko, reports CNN.

Tariko is also the founder of the Russian Standard Bank in Russia.

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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. 

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A Statement from Stoli: Please Don’t Dump Our Vodka. It’s Made in Latvia, Not Russia

• Posted on February 28, 2022
• By Distillery Trail

There have been a lot of news reports and social media photos and videos posted of people pouring out Russian vodka into the streets in support of the people of Ukraine. We fully support the effort but read your label closely before you dump out your favorite imported vodka.

According to the  Distilled Spirits Council of the United States – DISCUS Vodka is the number one selling spirit in the U.S. in 2021. It accounted for $7.3 Billion in total spirits revenue. The vast majority 98.3% of imported Vodka came from a country other than Russia. In fact, Russia only accounts for 1.7% of Vodka imported into the United States.

With those facts in mind, Stoli has released a statement asking people not to dump Stoli Vodka down the drain because it is not made in Russia, it’s actually made in Latvia. Here is the statement from Stoli.

Stoli® Group Denounces Russian Aggression

Stoli® Group has had a long history of fighting oppression from the Russian regime. We unequivocally condemn the military action in Ukraine and stand in support of the Ukrainian people.

“The safety and security of our Ukrainian team is our top priority. We are monitoring the situation closely and are already moving swiftly and decisively to provide support where needed, both to our people on the ground as well as partners,” noted Damian McKinney, Global CEO, Stoli® Group. “While we do not have any operations in Russia, we do in Ukraine and across many of the bordering countries.”

The Stoli® vodka brands and its owner Yuri Shefler were exiled from Russia nearly two decades ago. “As the Founder of SPI Group of companies, I have personally experienced persecution by the Russian authorities and I share the pain of Ukraine and its people,” noted Mr. Shefler.

Stoli® Premium and Elit™ vodka are manufactured and bottled in Riga, Latvia. The brand is registered with the US TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) as a Latvian product.

“We are inspired by the Russian people who have taken to the streets calling for an end to this attack on a sovereign nation. For decades, Stoli® Group has supported the marginalized and those at risk of unwarranted aggression. We stand now with all Ukrainians and Russians calling for peace,” said McKinney.

#LiberateUkraine #StandWithUkraine

If after reading the label you are still not sure where your Vodka is imported from dump it out and drink Bourbon. You see in order to legally qualify as bourbon, it must be made in the United States. Just kidding, drink what you darn well please except for that 1.7% of vodka which we have confirmed comes from Russia. Cheers !

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Source : Distilled Spirits – Imports by Volume June 2021

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