Monte Carlo (vodka)
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| Type | Vodka |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cognac, France |
| Country of origin | France |
| Introduced | 2012 in USA |
| Alcohol by volume | 40.0% |
| Proof (US) | 80 |
| Related products | List of vodkas |
| Website | montecarlovodka.us |
Monte Carlo is a brand of vodka in the prestige category of bottled distilled spirits, or liquors. It is crafted in France and was first introduced to the United States in the Florida market. It is known for being produced from winter wheat and going through a stringent refining process.
History
Monte Carlo is distilled in the Cognac region of France, which is primarily known for its world-renowned brandy. The first U.S. market to carry this distilled spirit in 2012 was Florida, and later in the same year, it became available in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Executives of Monte Carlo were concerned about how the product would be received in New York City, specifically Manhattan, because this market is known to be exceptionally difficult for new brands of liquor to enter. However, Monte Carlo has done well in Manhattan where it is now offered in luxury hotels and restaurants for up to $20 per shot or cocktail.
In 2013, Monte Carlo was approved by the Société des alcools du Québec, allowing it to be imported and sold in Canada, and the company has reported “tremendous sales volume” in the country. The brand has also recently become available in Israel.
Product Description
Monte Carlo is distilled from locally sourced winter wheat, which is the primary ingredient in distilled spirits produced in Eastern European countries. Wheat is favored in many grain-based spirits because it provides a smooth and slightly fruity flavor. Mountain spring water from natural aquifers up to 200-feet deep is used to ferment the wheat. The product is crafted by a fifth generation of master distillers in a process that includes nine distillations before it is filtered seven times to improve quality and purity. Most clear spirits of this type are only distilled an average of four to five times.
The label for Monte Carlo includes the byline World’s Most Prestigious Vodka in keeping with its prestige classification of distilled spirits. The center of the label includes a coat of arms in seven colors that was inspired by the city of the same name in Monaco.
Reception
Monte Carlo has experienced high sales, and it has been favorably reviewed by several online publications. In September 2013, VodkaOnly.com stated that Monte Carlo is a spirit for purists and that it has a “clean, crisp finish with a hint of sweetness.” In October 2014, Monte Carlo was reviewed in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, which prompted UnderTheLabel.com to call it “uncommon” and “premium.”
Awards
In 2015, Monte Carlo was awarded a Gold Medal in The Fifty Best competition, which is known for its strict tasting rules and 15 pre-qualified judges. It was judged as having a nose of cream and port wine, a well-balanced and exceptional palate of pastry dough, honey and coconut and a soft, smooth and peppery finish.
References
UnderTheLabel.com. http://vodka.underthelabel.com/l/429/Monte-Carlo
VodkaOnly.com. http://vodkaonly.com/monte-carlo-vodka-review/
The Fifty Best. http://www.thefiftybest.com/spirits/best_vodka/
VodkaSales.com. http://vodkasales.com/monte-carlo-vodka-review/