Ice age ingredient the secret to new Kiwi vodka

Media Release 31 January 2007

Ice age ingredient the secret to new Kiwi vodka success

A premium New Zealand vodka with an ancient difference will hit selected bars, restaurants and liquor outlets today.

26000 Vodka is made with water from an ice age glacier reservoir which was discovered in the Tasman region of the South Island.

The pristine paleowater is 260 centuries old and according to its maker Vodka expert Warryn Bermingham, produces one of the world’s smoothest tasting vodkas.

Bermingham who has spent time studying vodka production in its ancestral home, Poland, says 26000 Vodka is based on the theory that the quality of the water dictates the quality of the Vodka.

It was a chance meeting on the side of the road with a Nelson truck driver that saw Bermingham uncover this “magical” ingredient for his export quality vodka.

“I couldn’t believe my luck. Here in our very own Tasman was a 26,000 year old water source. This isolated ocean of paleowater had been hidden away and protected from humans for 260 centuries.

“The water was created after the last ice age ended and huge glaciers retreated towards the South Pole. It became entrapped and for the next 26,000 years went through a natural purification process. “

Subsequent tests by the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Science confirmed the authenticity of the water and Warryn and his partner Ken Telfar set about creating 26000 Vodka.

”We’ve been given a precious gift and we’re determined to respect that. We only harvest the water in batch amounts to protect this incredible resource.”

Bermingham who was formerly General Manager of the infamous London Revolution Vodka Bars says vodka in general is experiencing a renaissance.

“When I went to the UK vodka was the stuff you left at the parties you went to! That’s completely changed now. According to Statistics New Zealand vodka sales were up 9% in popularity in 2005 and worldwide now make up 25% of all spirit sales. I think the New Zealand spirit industry is where the New Zealand wine industry was 30 years ago.”

Bermingham hopes to capture both the local and international markets with 26000 Vodka which is created patiently and “lovingly” by hand even down to placing the liquid in the unique French designed bottles.

“We use what we call hand technology! You’ll often see us in the distillery filling the bottles before sealing them by hand. Of course one of the benefits of doing that is we’re right there to make sure each batch tastes just as it should!

Bermingham has also seen the marketing opportunities in highlighting the unique story behind the brand. Each bottle of 26000 Vodka features a timeline explaining to customers the product’s historic journey from raw resource to premium product..

26000 Vodka is made with a triple distilled grain mixed with ancient Tasman paleowater and comes in pure Crystalline and infusions of organic Raspberry & Lemon Drop and Lychee. RRP $58. www.26000vodka.com

ENDS

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