A Ukrainian vodka, made by a British filmmaker who has created a documentary about his efforts to distil and sell the brand, is to join the Hi-Spirits portfolio.
Zorokovich 1917 will be launched in the UK tomorrow (Friday, 10 December) at an event, which is being filmed to make the final scene of the documentary. It will be shown as part of the More4 True Stories series in early 2011.
The filmmaker (and now vodka brand owner) Dan Edelstyn, returned to the Ukraine to find his roots and discovered a spirits distillery opened by his great-grandfather Ilya in 1904 but confiscated by the Bolsheviks back in 1917.
The vodka has been made from Ilya's original recipe and is a 40% ABV triple distilled spirit made from Ukrainian winter wheat.
It works well as an ice-cold shot, in mixed drinks and at the launch will be served as a Zorokovich beetroot cocktail.
"Dan's enthusiasm is infectious and we're out talking to the trade to build distribution," said Jeremy Hill, Hi-Spirits chairman.
"While the film will give Zorokovich 1917 a great initial boost, it's really about the quality of the product and this is a brand that will be around for a long time."