From the snow-capped mountains of Georgia to the bustling streets of India, Eristoff Vodka has traveled a long way to become a brand that is loved by all. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, Eristoff has mastered the art of vodka-making by blending tradition with innovation. Let's know more about the story of how Eristoff Vodka made its way to India and captured the hearts of Indians!
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Eristoff Vodka’s journey began in 1806 when the Prince of the Duchy of Racha in Georgia first came up with vodka. The Eristoff family name itself means “the head of a military force,” and that reflected their noble Georgian lineage. The vodka was originally crafted for them as they were influential landowners, having strong military ideas and close connections with the Russian royal family.
Georgia has a rich history in spirit-making because of its unique landscape and culture, surrounded by centuries-old alcohol traditions. The vodka was made using 100% grain spirit, and it underwent a triple distillation process. After this, it went through charcoal filtration. This process ensures a refined, smooth, and pure taste.
The brand’s iconic logo features a wolf howling at a crescent moon. This is a tribute to Georgia’s ancient Persian name "Gorjestan," which means “land of the wolf.” This symbol connects the vodka to Georgian folklore. The grey wolf in folklore is known as a powerful figure.
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After the Russian Revolution, many members ran away from Georgia to Europe, spreading their heritage beyond their homeland. The recipe and tradition behind Eristoff vodka were preserved, and one day, its production began in Milan.
Martini & Rossi, in 1960, acquired the brand and later became part of bigger global beverage companies such as Bacardi. The production today takes place in only France, but the vodka carries its Georgian roots in both the spirit and name.
Eristoff vodka is known for its neutral flavor with just a hint of sweetness and subtle undertones. It is hence the most flexible base for cocktails with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 37.5%. The vodka is known to ensure a smooth and balanced drinking experience.
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Eristoff Vodka’s journey in India began with its launch as a premium imported vodka brand under Bacardi-Martini. In around 2007, the brand was introduced in India, and it was positioned as a high-quality vodka. This vodka catered to young and emerging middle-class consumers who were interested in international premium spirits.
Bacardi-Martini initially launched Eristoff in phases. It began by targeting Tier 2 and 3 cities in India. After this, they launched a pan-India rollout. The strategy was simple: to build a significant foothold in the growing Indian vodka market. Doing this at that time was relatively small, but expanding rapidly.
Eristoff’s presence was like an alternative to well-established domestic brands like Magic Moments and international brands like Smirnoff. The brand’s clean, smooth flavor profile and versatile use in cocktails helped it gain acceptance among the Indian consumers, especially the young and premium drinkers.
Overall, Eristoff Vodka’s journey in India reflects a strategised market entry by Bacardi, which was focused on heritage branding, quality, and tapping into the rising demand for premium imported vodkas among India’s consumers.
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Eristoff Original: This is the original one. It is a classic variant with a very neutral taste. This variant is ideal for cocktails.
Eristoff Green: This variant offers a tangy apple-flavored taste, which adds a nice, fruity twist to your drinks.
Eristoff Black: This variant is smooth with wild berry notes, making it a unique option that is very popular among consumers.
It is available in 750 ml, 375 ml, and 180 ml bottles.
Variants 750ml | ABV | Mumbai | Delhi | Goa | Bengaluru |
Eristoff Original | 40% | ~INR 990 | ~INR 830 | ~INR 1,072 | ~INR 1,072 |
Eristoff Green | NA | ~INR 1,000 | ~INR 830 | ~INR 1,072 | ~INR 1360 |
Eristoff Black | NA | NA | NA | ~INR 1,072 | NA |
The journey of Eristoff Vodka from Georgia to India is a remarkable one filled with cultural heritage, innovation, and smart strategy. Have you tried this vodka? If not, we guess you surely should.
