Yeltsin vodka: history in brief, an overview of types + how to distinguish a fake

The name of vodka Yeltsin (Jelzin) is associated for most consumers with Russia, namely with the name of one of its presidents, but, oddly enough, it is produced by a French manufacturer - Les Grands Chais de France.

The history of Yeltsin vodka in brief

The company was founded by Joseph Gelfrich in 1979 in Petersbach, France. The main activity of the company is the production and distribution of French wines.

In 1991, the company decided to expand its product range as Western European countries were establishing political relations with Russia.

The marketing department assumed that the vodka would be in great demand if its name was associated with the name of the Russian president. As a result, Boris Yeltsin signed a document authorizing the import of foreign alcohol into the Russian Federation.

Jelzin vodka is exported to more than 75 countries.

It is known that from 1991 to 2017, more than 16 million cases of Yeltsin were sold on the alcoholic beverage market.

Types of Jelzin vodka

1. Jelzin Vodka

   The vodka is clear in color with a moderate bread-like flavor and a sweetish tart aftertaste of meadow herbs with a touch of pepper.

   The flavor of the drink is vodka and not intense. Ideal with caviar and smoked salmon snacks.

2. Jelzin Lemon Vodka

   Vodka with a fresh flavor without a sharp aroma of alcohol. Mild taste with touches of lime and lemon.

   Perfect as a standalone drink, as well as in harmony with cocktails.

3. Jelzin Black currant Vodka

   Has a pronounced aroma of ripe berries and black currant leaves with a long aftertaste of chocolate notes.

4. Jelzin Strawberry Vodka

   Clear vodka with a pronounced strawberry flavor.

   It has the aroma of berry caramel and confectionery sweetness.

5. Jelzin Vanille Vodka

   A drink with a fragrant bouquet with vanilla and balsamic hints.

   Bright creamy vanilla flavor.

The Jelzin brand also offers liqueurs with different flavors and 16.6% alcohol content.

How to distinguish fake Yeltsin vodka from the original

1. The bottom of the bottle has a thickening and expansion, which gives the container stability with a dispenser tap.

2. There is an embossed inscription on the neck of the bottle: "B. Jelzin".

3. All inscriptions on the label are in French with a smooth font.

4. The vodka has a low viscosity, so when you turn the product over, droplets of the drink should flow down the wall.

How to serve vodka correctly

The procedure of serving this vodka should be treated with special trepidation and respect. The drink is cooled to a temperature of 0 to 5 ℃ and poured into small glasses.

Vodka can be consumed as a standalone product or in combination with such snacks as cheeses, cold cuts, and fruits. You can create various cocktails with Jelzin vodka.

Interesting facts

1. To produce vodka under the Jelzin trademark, the manufacturer needed Yeltsin's permission to use his name in the brand name.

2. The drink won 2 silver medals at the International Wine Competition & Spirit Competition and the winner of another silver medal at The Lyon International Competition.

3. Vodka "Jelzin" has a strength of 37.5% and this is explained by the fact that this figure corresponds to the minimum values of vodka according to the EU standards.

4. Vodka of this brand is available not only in glass containers, but also in a tetrapack with a tap, which makes it easy to transport the drink.

Update: 24.02.2020

Category: Vodka an Moonshine