Last Updated on March 20, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Unlike other vodka brands that may incorporate additives like glycerin for a smoother mouthfeel, Beluga vodka remains proudly chemical-free. This vodka, made from 100 percent organic ingredients, uses cutting-edge equipment and a unique maturation period for a crisp and smooth spirit.
Let’s look at Beluga vodka: price, fun facts, and everything that makes it so special.
All About Beluga Vodka
Beluga vodka is a brand of Russian vodka made in the Mariinsk Distillery (formerly in Siberia). In 2016, however, the brand partnered with Summergate Fine Wine and Spirits, based in Greater China, to become its exclusive distributor and importer.
Beluga vodka remains proudly Siberian-made, using local Siberian winter wheat and water sourced from 1,000-foot-deep artesian wells. These give it a nice, grainy flavor without compromising the smooth texture.
Fun Facts
Main Ingredients
Beluga vodka is a premium vodka line that uses locally-sourced special malt wheat from Siberia. This special wheat is rarely found in today’s vodka production process, mainly because of the expensive cost and intensive labor.
This wheat is blended with crystal clear water from deep artesian wells and goes through a triple filtration process (charcoal, impregnated silver, and sand).
Production Process
Unlike other vodkas, bottled right after the distillation process, Beluga vodka takes it a step further by maturing the spirit. This extra step contributes to a smoother, more well-rounded final vodka.
Beluga Noble, its primary product, rests for 30 days before being bottled. The final maturation for Transatlantic is 45 days, Allure is 60 days, and Gold — one of the most expensive Russian vodkas out on the market — takes 90 days.
Flavor Profile
Vodka purists might find it weird that Beluga chooses to flavor their spirit with oats, honey, and milk thistle post-distillation, but do it subtly enough that it won’t be considered a flavored vodka [1]. As a result, Beluga vodka is lightly sweet, laced with hints of oatmeal and honey. This vodka is perfect when drunk straight out of the freezer.
Common Beluga Vodka Prices
| Type | Size | Alcohol Proof | Average Price |
| Allure | 750 ml | 80 | Around $51 |
| Beluga Epicure by Lalique | 750 ml | 80 | Around $6,000 |
| Celebration | 750 ml | 80 | Around $33 |
| Gold Line | 750 ml | 80 | Around $95 |
| Noble | 750 ml | 80 | Around $30 |
| Transatlantic | 750 ml | 80 | Around $34 |
Compared To Other Vodka Brands
Ketel One
Like Beluga, Ketel One vodka is made from a 100 percent wheat base that gives it a grainy sweetness and a plush, soft texture. This Dutch brand has been around since the late 1600s, with the 10th and 11th generations of Nolet distillers managing it today. “Ketel” was named after the oldest, coal-fired copper pot still being used in production.
You can get a 750 ml bottle of Ketel vodka at around the $20 price point, slightly more affordable than Beluga.
Grey Goose
Grey Goose is a luxury vodka brand produced for the American spirits market. This brand is characterized by its crisp, clean, and smooth flavor profile, without much of the burn found in cheaper varieties.
The brand uses just two ingredients in its base spirit: spring water from Gensac-La-Pallue and soft single-origin winter wheat from Picardy, France. The brand also sources French-grown ingredients for its flavored variants.
A 750 ml bottle of Grey Goose can be yours for about $32 (more or less similar to Beluga’s pricing). See Grey Goose vs Ketel One vodka here.
Trust Me
Although Trust Me vodka may be a newer vodka brand (having been released only in 2012), this brand would definitely stand out in a vodka lineup. Aside from being made with 100 percent clean ingredients, Trust Me vodka also partners with visual artists and showcases their artwork in limited edition bottles.
They have an inherent vision of producing art in both the bottle and your glass. A 750 ml bottle of Trust Me vodka costs around $30, which is at par with Beluga’s pricing.
Also Read: Atomik Vodka Guide
Popular Beluga Vodka Cocktails
Cosmopolitan
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Beluga Noble vodka
- ½ oz triple sec
- ¾ oz cranberry juice cocktail
- ¼ oz lime juice
- orange peel
Instructions:
Pour all liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake well until chilled. Strain and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with the orange peel.
Serving: 1
Bar Odessa’s Beluga Mule
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz Beluga Noble vodka
- Bundaberg ginger beer
- fresh mint
- lime wedges
- ice
Instructions:
Pour the vodka into a copper bug with ice. Squeeze in the juices from a lime wedge. Top the rest off with ginger beer and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Serving: 1
Russian Coffee
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Beluga Noble vodka
- 1 oz St. Hallvard coffee liqueur
- ⅓ oz almond liqueur
- 6½ oz coffee brew
Instructions:
Brew the coffee. While brewing, combine all ingredients into a coffee glass. Top off with the warm brewed coffee. Add sugar, milk, and cream according to your preference, and sprinkle a bit of almond liqueur on top.
Serving: 1
FAQs
Is Beluga a good vodka?
Yes, Beluga vodka is a good vodka. It is a highly versatile spirit — it tastes just as great on its own as it does in mixed drinks. If you ask us, though, we prefer this vodka chilled — its super-smooth texture from the honey oats is delicious straight out of the freezer!
Is Beluga vodka smooth?
Yes, Beluga vodka is smooth. While other brands can attest to their super-smooth texture thanks to chemicals like glycerin, Beluga vodka remains proudly chemical-free. They attribute their super-smooth texture to their choice of quality grains and the triple-filtration process.
Why is Beluga vodka so expensive?
Beluga vodka is known for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and luxurious presentation, which contribute to its higher price point compared to other vodkas. Several factors contribute to the elevated cost of Beluga vodka. Firstly, Beluga vodka is crafted using high-quality ingredients, including select grains and pure artesian water sourced from Siberian springs. The production process involves multiple distillations and filtration through quartz sand and silver, resulting in a smooth and refined spirit. Additionally, Beluga vodka undergoes a prolonged resting period to allow its flavors to harmonize and mature, further enhancing its complexity and depth. Furthermore, Beluga vodka is meticulously packaged in elegant, handcrafted bottles adorned with intricate detailing, adding to its luxurious appeal. The combination of superior ingredients, meticulous production methods, and exquisite packaging contributes to the premium status of Beluga vodka and justifies its higher price tag.
Is Beluga a good vodka?
Beluga vodka is widely regarded as a premium vodka appreciated for its exceptional quality, smoothness, and distinctive flavor profile. Crafted by the Mariinsk Distillery in Russia, Beluga vodka undergoes a meticulous production process using select grains and pure artesian water sourced from Siberian springs. The vodka is distilled multiple times and filtered through quartz sand and silver, resulting in a clean, crisp taste with subtle hints of sweetness and a smooth, velvety texture. Beluga vodka is known for its versatility and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a variety of cocktails. Its refined flavor profile and luxurious packaging have earned Beluga vodka numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier spirit among vodka enthusiasts and connoisseurs worldwide.
How much alcohol is in Beluga Vodka?
Beluga vodka typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage of 40%, which is standard for most vodkas produced and sold internationally. This means that Beluga vodka contains 40% pure alcohol and 60% water and other trace compounds. The 40% ABV provides a balanced and smooth flavor profile, making Beluga vodka suitable for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in a wide range of cocktails and mixed drinks. However, it’s essential to verify the alcohol content on the specific bottle or label, as variations may occur depending on the product and regional regulations. Overall, Beluga vodka’s 40% ABV ensures a high-quality and enjoyable drinking experience appreciated by vodka enthusiasts worldwide
Final Thoughts
You know what they say: the French are to wine as Russians are to vodka — you can just assume they do it better. Beluga vodka is no exception — the brand’s use of quality ingredients, combined with the triple-filtration and maturation period, makes for a unique vodka that tastes as great straight out of the freezer as it does in mixed drinks.
However, we have to say that vodka purists who strongly believe that vodka should simply be boozy water — no more, no less — might get slightly turned off, as Beluga vodka does have the added flavor and odor!
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