SPUDKA VODKA
Founded in 1934, Hood River Distillers is the Northwest's oldest and largest importer and producer of distilled spirits. Pendleton Blended Canadian Whisky, Pendleton 20-Year-Old Director's Reserve Whisky, Broker's London Dry Gin, Cockspur Rums, Yazi Ginger Vodka, Knickers Irish Cream Whiskey, ULLR Nordic Libation and Spudka Vodka are just a few of the nearly 50 different labels and brands distributed by the company.
For more information on product availability, call our sales office: 503-574-3693. Where legal, HRD products can also be purchased online at www.samswine.com.
Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Patriotic-themed Spudka Vodka Rolls Out the Red, White and Blue in Idaho
HOOD RIVER, Ore. — Idaho is known for its potatoes—baked, mashed, boiled or fried—but now vodka lovers in the state will be able to enjoy their most famous vegetable as a spirited liquid—Spudka Vodka.
“For the first time in nearly 45 years, Spudka has been listed in Idaho and is now available at many retailers in the state,” said Hood River Distillers President Ron Dodge.
Introduced by HRD during the 1960s following the launch of the Russian Sputnik satellite, Spudka became the first premium American spirit distilled solely from potatoes. Spudka’s bottles, with their flag-waving colors and “Made in the USA” claim, confirm it as the All-American vodka of choice.
Spudka’s sales have increased steadily through the years—especially in the Pacific Northwest. From 2006 to 2007, sales grew 31 percent overall, thanks to the product’s fresh, smooth and slightly sweet taste. Washington state consumers are Spudka’s biggest fans, followed by Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota and New Mexico.
Idaho now has the opportunity to catch up and surpass its neighbors by featuring Spudka in such drinks as a classic Bloody Mary or a Red, White and Blue Martini (recipes follow this news release).
Made with Idaho potatoes and pure, glacier-fed Mt. Hood spring water, Spudka is 80-proof vodka that undergoes a complex 139-plate distillation process, is double charcoal filtered and contains no additives. It sells for $12.95 per 750ml bottle.
BarMedia magazine said, “Spudka Vodka carries a mighty small price tag for such a premium spirit. It has a lightweight, satiny body and a full bouquet of sun-ripened citrus. On the palate, the vodka is deliciously neutral with only hints of underlying flavor. The finish is long, warm and slightly sweet.”
The product has won numerous awards, including a gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 4 Stars/Highly Recommended by Spirit Journal and Very Good/Recommended by Wine Enthusiast magazine.
Founded in 1934, Hood River Distillers is the Northwest’s oldest and largest importer, producer and bottler of distilled spirits. Pendleton Whisky, Broker’s London Dry Gin, Cockspur Rums, Yazi Ginger Vodka, Knickers Irish Cream Whiskey, ULLR Nordic Libation and Spudka Vodka are just a few of the nearly 50 different labels and brands distributed by the company. For more information, visit www.hrdspirits.com or contact the company’s sales office at 503-574-3693.
Red, White & Blue Martini
*2 parts Spudka Vodka
1 part white cranberry juice
½ part Blue Curacao
Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a fresh strawberry.
Classic Bloody Mary
2 parts Spudka Vodka
4 parts tomato juice
Dash of celery salt
Serve on the rocks. Garnish with a celery stick.
*One part is generally 1 ounce.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Hood River Distillers Launches America’s “Spudliest” Vodka
HOOD RIVER, Ore. – Fried, mashed, baked…and now bottled. The potato takes on a whole new "spirit" with the launch of Spudka, Hood River Distillers’ unique new premium vodka made exclusively from Northwest potatoes.
Although many unsuspecting vodka fans believe all vodka is made from potatoes, only one percent of vodka produced in the world share their roots with this popular vegetable and less than a handful are made in the United States. Triple distilled and twice filtered, Spudka delivers a fresh taste and smooth texture perfect for martinis or straight up.
"Once you experience a well-crafted potato-based vodka, you realize what great vodka really tastes like," said Ken Kossler, vice president of sales for Hood River Distillers. "As an 82 proof, U.S. made, high quality potato vodka, Spudka is completely unique. That, combined with a strikingly bold Americana bottle design, will make this product stand out on any shelf."
The vast majority of vodka, especially in the United States, is produced from low- cost cereal grains such as corn. On average, it costs five to six times more to produce potato vodka than grain vodka, but according to Kossler, the result is well worth it. Hood River Distillers conducted focus groups and research to help determine the optimum taste for Spudka. Thanks to a 139-plate distillation process, Spudka’s flavor is enhanced using a complex method to ensure the purity of this 82 proof potato vodka. Hood River Distillers carefully blends and bottles Spudka, using only glacier-fed spring water from Mt. Hood.
Spudka is now available in 750 ml bottle and retails for $15.95 - $17.95.