Christmas and New Year for many of us means the time to have a tipple, to stock up on old favourites, but also a chance to try something new.
I was asked if I would like to try the Snow Leopard Vodka, which apart from hopefully giving me festive cheer also aims to raise a million dollars a year to conserve snow leopards.
These unique creatures are fast disappearing from our world and I applaud any brand who helps to raise awareness and vital funds for animals in need.
I was also curious to try the drink. I like vodka, I tend to drink it with ice and I often add cranberry juice. I was encouraged to try it at room temperature and neat. I was a tad reluctant as I tend to like cold and with a mix.
But as you know I am always open to new ideas and trials so I did.
Chris wanted to get in on the action, he is more a whisky man, but the description I read to him appealed.
As Snow Leopard vodka is crafted in small batches at the century old Polish distillery, ‘Polmos Lubin’, using natural spring water drawn from an ancient well in its grounds. Overseen by master distiller Joanna Dawidowicz, the unusual process involves six distillations to deliver a unique purity.
The vodka is also made from spelt grain - the rare and expensive variety of wheat affectionately known as the ‘grandfather of all grains’.
The grain taste was the pull for Chris and also he drinks spirit neat and not chilled.
So we both toasted snow leopards and had a sip.
For me the nutty taste was very evident, what I loved was the real smoothness and fiery warmth. Its definitely not how I choose to drink spirits, Chris thinks I am a heathen, but of all the neat drinks I have tried, this was enjoyable.
Chris said it tasted almost malty to him, incredibly smooth and yes he agreed a nutty flavour. He also said "Hmmm first time I have ever enjoyed vodka, I could get used to this"
Its certainly a drink I am going to savour over the Christmas period.
Snow Leopard vodka was created by a passionate conservationist determined to save these critically endangered big cats.
Stephen Sparrow, an ex-drinks industry expert, heard about the snow leopard’s plight during a trip to the Himalayas. Shocked at learning there were less than 5,000 left in the wild, he came back and founded the Snow Leopard Trust UK – and then created this super-premium vodka to help fund its projects. Stephen has set a global goal to raise a million dollars annually for snow leopard conservation by 2025. That’s the the figure the President of the Snow Leopard Trust has advised could provide the ‘step change’ to remove the animal from the endangered list. This goal has been helped by the vodka recently gaining national distribution in Waitrose.
With 15% of the vodka’s profit going direct to the Snow Leopard Trust, funds are provided to community-based conservation projects. These range from replacing farmers’ livestock that might be taken by snow leopards; through to helping educate herders’ children and training for adults in spinning wool and handicrafts for extra income. Supporting these projects helps educate the local communities and fosters a positive attitude towards the snow leopard.
More about spelt and the distillation
First farmed by the Egyptians over 5,000 years ago, spelt has a distinctive and delicious nutty, slightly sweet, taste. Unlike other grains, it has a hard husk which protects it from pollutants and insects, meaning growers can avoid using any pesticides or fertilisers. This eco-friendly grain’s scarcity – and the need to remove its husk - means spelt is typically five times more expensive than grains used in other vodkas.
The final stage of distillation involves Snow Leopard being filtered twice over charcoal. The entire artisanal approach results in a pure vodka with a smooth, creamy clean finish and a distinctive nutty flavour.
Snow Leopard is now being recognised for its quality, winning a gold medal at this year’s world renowned International Spirits Challenge. £36.00 RRP for a 70cl bottle and available at Waitrose, Harvey Nichols and Ocado.com, as well as all good independent drinks retailers. Snowleopardtrustuk. org / snowleopardvodka.co.uk
I have a real treat for Given To Distracting Others readers
Three of you will win one bottle each.
I have a real treat for Given To Distracting Others readers
Three of you will win one bottle each.
When we are going out for the evening, love to apply sparkly nail polish
ReplyDeleteIt saddens me that the snow leopard in so endangered, they are wonderful creatures.
ReplyDeletebefore going out
ReplyDeletewhen my friend calls over - they should be saved as they are such wonderful creature
ReplyDeleteI like a nice vodka and cranberry when watching Strictly Come Dancing. Adds a bit of sparkle!
ReplyDeleteI'd definitely have Vodka on a night out with friends, normally mixed with coke.
ReplyDeletesnow leopards are beauties i wonder is this vodka just as good?
ReplyDeleteVodka with coke with ice at home on a Saturday night. Snow Leopards are beautiful and like all endangered species we should do what we can to save them.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy vodka maybe once or twice a year and enjoy it over ice with lime and lemonade :)
ReplyDeleteSnow Leopards are gorgeous animals and like many other Beautiful endangered animals should be left alone
I enjoy a glass when chilling out with family and friends at special occasions like Christmas
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOn a girls night out, I usually drink vodka with tonic x
ReplyDeleteI like to drink it in a cocktail, maybe a Harvey Wallbanger
ReplyDeleteLike to drink vodka with redbull and ice on an evening out
ReplyDeleteperfect before a girlie night out whilst getting ready :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a 'special occasion' type of drink for me, like Christmas or on me hols
ReplyDeleteI have a sneaky vodka in my Ribena at home!
ReplyDeleteI like to drink vodka and diet coke while on girlie nights out, but at Christmas i will have one white Russian
ReplyDeleteI love a Vodka and tonic before I go out for the night :)
ReplyDeleteOK As far as the snow leopard is concerned it's sad but what am I supposed to do? Vodka - I like it and I'll drink it any time, and I like it neat and very very cold.
ReplyDeleteI like vodka in snowball - my husband makes the best ones with a big twist of lime!
ReplyDeleteon a vfriday night xx
ReplyDeleteWith friends and usually with tonic!
ReplyDeleteAshleigh
On a night out with friends or family..always drink it neat! So sad to hear about the snow leopard, they're wonderful creatures
ReplyDeleteI like to mix vodka with peach schnapps and lemonade. I don't drink a lot of alcohol, but special occasions or a meal out it's a nice treat.
ReplyDeleteSnow leopards are beautiful animals. I've seen the adverts and documentary's on TV about them being endangered and it's very sad. I have to admit though; I get a little cross with some of the charities; because if someone cares enough to give their hard earned money I really don't think they are doing it to get the cuddly toy. Think of all the money wasted on those that , I think, could have been better spent.
Usually have vodka with lemonade, when having a night in with friends :)
ReplyDeleteGlad some money goes towards a good cause :)
I think it's awful that snow leopards are endangered and I donate monthly to the cause.It's upsetting that so many big cats are an endangered species.
ReplyDeletenight in with my sister? yes please!
ReplyDeleteWe need to save this incredible snow leopards
ReplyDeleteI enjoy vodka for a quiet evening drink snuggled on the sofa with a good book and a delicious black russian.
ReplyDeleteThe snow leopard is a beautiful animal and we should do all we can to ensure their survival
I think it is a disgrace that the beautiful snow leopard is being killed mainly for its pelt. When we can maufacture fake fur that looks real enough, so why would anyone want to kill any animal just so they can wear a fashion item.
ReplyDeleteThey are one of my favouite animals I would really hate them to get to the stage where there is none left in the wild.
I like a glass of vodka mixed with orange juice on the rare occasion I have the house and the remote control to the TV all to myself. I think it's good that the snow leopard is being saved before it becomes extinct.
ReplyDeletefriday night to unwind, no creature should sit on the edge of extinction
ReplyDeleteany excuse for a tipple
ReplyDeleteLove a Vodka and orange at Christmas. I think that the snow leopard shouldn't be hunted as there are not many left so they should be protected to allow them to rebreed - Joanne Beale
ReplyDeleteLove Vodka with Coke or Tonic. The Snow Leopard is a beautiful creature and more should be done to protect this endangered species
ReplyDeleteWe tend to only have a drink at the weekend. Apart from xmas.
ReplyDeleteVodka & Diet Coke is my drink of choice and I drink this whenever I go out. I am a lover of the big cats full stop but the snow leopard is my favourite. They are such unbelievably beautiful creatures who live a life of solitude and quiet grace. It is horrendous that they are hunted for their pelts and are now an endangered species.
ReplyDeleteI like vodka mixed with diet coke on a night out with friends.
ReplyDeleteLove a vodka with lemonade and a dash of lime at an evening in with friends
ReplyDeleteProtect snow leopards they are so beautiful
ReplyDeleteOccasionally when I am in the mood for fun.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy vodka with lemonade for a change from wine in the evenings at home
ReplyDeleteI like vodka with tonic or cloudy lemonade
ReplyDeleteStraight from the freezer with soda and fresh lime
ReplyDeleteWith my hubby whilst watching a movie. I have it with cranberry juice. I would do anything to save the snow leopard. Beautiful, majestic creatures!
ReplyDeleteI like a vodka and tonic at the weekends occasionally, and more often if the weather is hot!
ReplyDeleteOh and it is a shame what is happening to these magnificent beasts....
ReplyDeletei like my vodka with coke when i have a friend round for the evening
ReplyDeleteI like my vodka with tonic at the weekend.
ReplyDeleteLove putting Vodka in the freezer and having a nice cool Vodka and Diet coke at the weekend and the Snow Leopard is a gorgeous animal x
ReplyDeleteI will happily drink a vodka Martini at the weekend & I really don't think any animal should be endangered in this day & age
ReplyDeleteI like a nice vodka mixed with cranberry, or in most cocktails
ReplyDeleteI enjoy a vodka and tonic every so often
ReplyDeletedo i need a reason!
ReplyDeleteI save it for a special occasion or for Christmas next year and have it with a drop of coke.
ReplyDeleteI love vodka straight from the freezer over ice and pink grapefruit juice. I love that money from this goes to help the snow leopard-they are such beautiful, noble animals. xxx
ReplyDeleteI hope the snow leopards can be helped so that their beauty will remain for all to enjoy. I don't drink vodka very often, but I do like it in cocktails.
ReplyDeletemost fridays we have vodka and cokes
ReplyDeleteI drink it when I have the rare treat of going out and have it with coke, it is good how this is helping with fundraising for the snow leopards, like a lot of endangered animals it is really worrying and awful how they are declining
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful creatures. Good luck to Stephen in his efforts to save the Snow Leopard.
ReplyDeleteI have a Polish sister in law and we drink chilled neat vodka. No mixers, no ice.
Ive got to be honest I dont knwo much about them. I like vodka with orange juice on the very rare night out
ReplyDeleteLike Vodka with tonic or Coke. Shame the snow leopard is endangered, but they are better preserved in the wild, rather than in a zoo, caged up
ReplyDeleteWould love this x
ReplyDeleteFriday night
ReplyDeleteMixed with lemonade
Drink it through a straw
Save the snow leopard in its natural habitat
ALWAYS WITH ICE TO CHILL
ReplyDeleteWHAT A BEAUTIFUL BOTTLE ! I DRINK VODKA ON RARE SOCIAL OCCASIONS .LETS STOP THE SNOW LEOPARD FROM BEING RARE
ReplyDeleteWith lots of ice and tonic on a summer's evening!
ReplyDeleteDrinking is fun!
ReplyDeleteI don't drink at all, I would love this for my Son-in-law, I am concerned about the plight of the Snow Leopard and all other species, man has a lot to answer for.
ReplyDeleteAny time is a great time for Vodka! :)
ReplyDeleteBefore going out!
ReplyDeleteI like it in a White Russian.
ReplyDeletespecial occasions - i.e. the only time I get out! :)
ReplyDeletein cocktails on a night out with friends
ReplyDeleteIt's sad how humans do encroach on the space of wild animals, and sadly snow leopards are another example of that. However, as they are able to live in such extreme conditions I hope they will be able to maintain that distance from human populations and survive long into the future.
ReplyDeleteid give it away as a gift as i dont drink alcohol
ReplyDeleteI hate when we're on the verge of losing any species. We should learn to look after the planet better and all its inhabitants - possibly except for spider (only joking). I like vodka based cocktails on a night out. They're easy to drink and defo help to create a party mood :D
ReplyDeleteNeat and ice cold from the freezer
ReplyDeleteIce cold with slimline tonic and a slice when I am out. Terrible that any creatures are threatened
ReplyDeleteMaybe a splash with some orange juice!
ReplyDeleteI drink vodka, Tia Maria and cola (Black Russian cocktail) as my regular weekend tipple in front of the TV.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy a vodka at Christmas !!
ReplyDeleteI like a glass of vodka with orange juice occasionally in the evening. The snow leopards are wonderful creatures.
ReplyDeleteI like Vodka with coke, don't drink much anymore but with new years coming up sure I will. Snow leopards look cool would hug one if it didn't rip my face off
ReplyDeleteI like to drink it in cocktails - just with coke is a bit icky for me!
ReplyDeleteI like vodka with cranberry juice or lemonade. This looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a vodka drinker myself but I always like to have some good vodka in for guests.
ReplyDeletenew years eve
ReplyDeleteVodka is a great mixer and is always in demand especially at this time of year!
ReplyDeleteI don't drink due to my cancer medication but I'm sure hubby would oblige lol .. I used to enjoy a vodka & OJ! Snow Leopards are close to my heart, my screen saver on my phone is actually a photo I took of the beauties at Marwell Park & if you look at my FB pics you can probably see a few more :) .. they should be allowed to live & remain 'free'. I get very angry when beautiful creatures are endangered due to human greed x
ReplyDeleteI like vodka when I'm watching my weight - its a really good alternative to other more calorific drinks.
ReplyDeleteGreat for diets!!
ReplyDeleteat home be4 night out!
ReplyDeleteI like vodka with orange juice in Summer.
ReplyDeleteI like it in a cocktail or over crushed pomegranite.
ReplyDeleteWhen work is stressful and I need to chill. And the plight of the Snow leopard is heartbreaking
ReplyDeleteThe snow leopard is my favourite animal - I hope we can save them
ReplyDeleteHuman greed yet again endangers another animal 😢
ReplyDeleteI like Polish vodka neat and straight from the fridge. And I'd like to see all wildlife preserved as much as possible, not just the cute and furry ones.
ReplyDeleteI never realised the link between the name & the cause; vodka with a conscience.xx
ReplyDeleteperfect for a girls night out with amazing friends
ReplyDeleteIce cold and neat. A good way to kickstart the weekend
ReplyDeleteI like vodka with ice, lemon and a dash of lemonade, as does the hubby. I'd heard of snow leopard vodka before and was very interested to find out about the snow leopard's plight via your blog... Too many animals are becoming endangered.
ReplyDeleteA classic vodka and tonic with ice and lime is the drink for me. Love snow leopards and think they are too beautiful to let them disappear forever.
ReplyDeletevodka and bitter lemon with ice and a slice
ReplyDeletei love big cats so would like to help
I enjoy a cocktail on any occasion, I am pregnant this Christmas so will not be drinking
ReplyDeleteon the plight of the snow leopard... regardless of intention, human greed will ultimately cause the extinction of the planet. by the time folk wake up to this, mere subsistence will be too big a burden for the planet to manage.
ReplyDeleteI love vodka and lime, but I don't drink it very often because one leads to another, and another.......
ReplyDeleteDon't know anyone that would turn down vodka
ReplyDeleteI like to enjoy a straight vodka or vodka and lemonade with friends during a nice evening in listening to good music =] The snow leopard I would like to no more about!
ReplyDeleteI like to drink it before going out for an evening with my girl friends. I drink it with pineapple breakfast juice. The snow leopards are such beautiful creatures and need to be helped.
ReplyDeleteI like my vodka with a dash of lemonade on a night out with the girls
ReplyDeleteWith apple juice mainly
ReplyDeleteI love vodka with diet coke over lots of ice.
ReplyDeleteClassic screwdriver! (orange juice & ice)
ReplyDeleteI drink vodka on a night out with orange juice. I love Leopards and it makes me sad that there are so few left. @bexallum on twitter
ReplyDeleteI like vodka with cranberry - and it's only once in a while!
ReplyDeletevodka and coke occasionally, would try this first over ice. The snow leopard is such a beautiful creature, hope it survives us.
ReplyDeleteOn ice, and with friends.
ReplyDeleteFriday evening vodka and lemonade with ice a gorgeous end of week tipple
ReplyDeleteoh who needs an occasion hahaha
ReplyDeleteChilled over ice.
ReplyDeleteMy indulgent treat.
I enjoy a vodka over ice when sitting in the garden when it's nice enough to eat out there. I don't know anything about the Snow Leopard but would support a product that tries to help it.
ReplyDeletewith lemonade when i get together with friends
ReplyDeleteI like a vodka and coke on the rare occassion that I'm out with the girls nowadays :)
ReplyDeleteVodka and coke, with my fiance while watching a film on a Friday night. Yes I do think about Snow Leopard
ReplyDeleteVodka and tonic is my drink of choice - about the only thing that doesn't gove me a headache now, but I have never tried it neat or at room temperature
ReplyDeleteMy Anniversary x
ReplyDeleteI love Vodka with either orange or lemonade - I like to drink it whenever it's a special occasion or cause for celebration.
ReplyDeleteI love vodka with lemonade and lime cordial, i tend to drink it before a night out
ReplyDeleteI actually can't stand vodka but am entering for my mum as she loves it! Snow leopards are sooo beautiful and it is a shame they are in such danger :(
ReplyDeleteGreat comp, love vodka.
ReplyDeleteWith lemonade and freshly squeezed lime juice
ReplyDeleteLast time i had vodka was at at friends house when the got home from russia.
ReplyDeleteWith ice nad Pepsi
ReplyDeletetastebud tingler
ReplyDeleteVodka over ice all the time
ReplyDeleteI like vodka and cranberry juice
ReplyDeleteI love vodka with cranberry and a spritz of lime
ReplyDeletevodka and orange
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the occasional vodka & Lemonade on a night out or on special occasions . Not tried snow leopard yet but heard lots of good things about it
ReplyDeleteAfter work with a little lemon
ReplyDeleteStraight out of the freezer it is lovely and no mixers needed
ReplyDeleteI enjoy a glass or two with lemonade in the evenings on a weekend with the other half
ReplyDeletewhen I am in russia
ReplyDeletefor pre drinks with my mates
ReplyDeleteI like my vodka with tonic before I go out.
ReplyDeleteI love that you are supporting Snow Leopards. It's such a beutiful creature, and hope the local communities can ome to love and ptotect it.
ReplyDeleteI love a long vodka
ReplyDeleteI love it with soda water
ReplyDeleteI drink it straight from the freezer and any time is a good time for vodka especially after a hard day at work.
ReplyDeleteWhen friends come to visit
ReplyDeleteI would drink this slowly with coke and ice on either a Friday or Saturday night depending on which shift I had been on that current week.
ReplyDeletebefore going out
ReplyDeletei like adding it to kaluha and milk :) yummy
ReplyDeleteAs an occasional change from g&t in the evening.
ReplyDeleteI like the odd vodka ice cold from the freezer, neat, but just sip it slowly over ice. Its great that more awareness is being raised about the snow leopard.
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome companies do raise awareness for these beautiful animals. I wish more companies would follow and look after our beautiful planet.
ReplyDeleteAs for the drinking of Vodka, I usually like to make fruity cocktails. This vodka isn't super strong so I would have a couple of shots to get the party started.
SALUTE 🙌 PS: I come from Polish stock, Vodka drinkers 😂
all awareness is good even half of made in chelsea dressed as snow leopards recently
ReplyDeletei would drink with some lime and soda for a cool refreshing drink to celebrate my birthday with the girls
I love vodka in a cocktail - cocktails are best drunk when wearing something sparkly & glamorous! :-)
ReplyDeleteI love having a vodka on Game of Thrones night
ReplyDeleteI would have it with friends with coke and ice. The plight of the snow leopard is heartbreaking, they are beautiful animals
ReplyDeleteI never really liked vodka and was always more of a gin fan until recently when I tried a vodka and tonic with fresh lime instead. It was really refreshing and have chosen it a few times since.
ReplyDeletemy birthday
ReplyDeletevodka should be neat - but then so should my house
ReplyDeleteVodka is pretty much all I drink. With pepsi max or flavoured water :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoy flavouring my vodka with fruit - especially cherries and raspberries.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Zoology graduate working in conservation, so this is a cause close to my heart! I had no idea the vodka had the link with the conservation charity, so will make an effort to buy it in future.
I love a tipple of vodka on a Friday night! I have never heard of this type of vodka or that snow leopards are in danger ... I would like more advertising for animals like these and what a good way of doing it!
ReplyDeleteat the weekend
ReplyDeleteI love vodka (and how amazing is this bottle by the way!) I like it with cranberry in the summer and all year round with soda and a slice of lemon or lime :)
ReplyDeleteEm
www.emsmixedbag.com
the snow leopards are so beautiful and it makes me think the vodka will be smooth and pure tasting
ReplyDeleteI like vodka on a night out with friends.
ReplyDeleteI love a vodka on a friday night with a film - usually with lemonade. My daughter was in snow leopards class at her last school and they adopted one, its such a shame they are endangered
ReplyDeleteI love a vodka in a cocktail, in a nice bar having some giggles with friends.
ReplyDeleteVodka is the only drink i have when on a night out with friends. Vodka and coke with ice xx
ReplyDeletein a cocktail or with coke
ReplyDeletei would put this away and save it till my granchild is born in may then make some fab celebration cocktails
ReplyDeleteVodka should be. Neat
ReplyDeleteVodka and cranberry when we've got some!!
ReplyDeleteI like a glass of vodka with tonic and lots of ice in the evening while watching the telly
ReplyDeleteI love a vodka and cranberry but would love to try a good quality vodka neat as that's the way it should be served!
ReplyDeleteI like a vodka and coke every now and again but not often. I think the plight of the snow leopard is very sad we have a lot to answer for as human beings
ReplyDeleteat Christmas with lemonade, am so concerned by plight of snow leopard but unfortunately not in financial position to support it
ReplyDeletewhen having a girlie night in - with cranberry juice usually
ReplyDeleteI drink vodka with friends, usually with cranberry juice
ReplyDeleteEvery Friday night as its a girls night in of drinks, nibbles, films and lots of laughs 😀😀
ReplyDeleteI like a vodka and tonic x
ReplyDeleteI like a Vodka and Coke every now and again x
ReplyDeleteI almost always drink Vodka & lemonade when out
ReplyDeleteAM CONCERNED ON PLIGHT OF SNOW LEOPARD BUT UNFORTUNATELY NOT IN BTHE POSITION TO HELP , VODKA WITH LEMONADE ANY DAY :)
ReplyDeleteBefore going out with cranberry juice
ReplyDeleteVodka and coke, with friends, and outside on a hot summer night:)x
ReplyDeleteI've always got vodka in & usually have it with lime & lemonade. But when we got to Tallinn it's always a shot after every regular drink, which tends to get messy!!!
ReplyDeleteAfter every bath ;)
ReplyDeletevodka is my fave tipple, I have it with diet coke occasionally at weekends
ReplyDeleteI drink vodka either with cranberry (my usual alcoholic drink) or neat if a 'better' vodka. The plight of the snow leopard is concerning.
ReplyDeleteThis actually looks amazing x
ReplyDeleteVodka is my spirit of choice on special occasions
ReplyDeleteI always keep my Vodka in the freezer. Niceand chilled when its poured!
ReplyDelete