What’s in a name?
In many cases, the name of a liquor bears some sort of significance. While most are very memorable, and some are almost poetic, few are as meaningful as Snow Leopard Vodka. In actual fact, I can’t think of another brand of vodka that is named after a cause.
The actual snow leopard is a critically endangered species, with only 3,500 to 7,000 remaining in the wilds of Central Asia. It’s a beautiful and elusive animal that comes and goes like a silent spectre, which has earned it the nickname Ghost of the Mountain. Sadly, this is becoming quite literal as they die out from poaching, retribution killing from farmers who livestock were eaten by desperate leopards, and the loss of its living space to mankind.
Fortunately, a man named Stephen Sparrow came to know of the plight of the majestic Snow Leopard. Teaming up with the Snow Leopard Trust, he found an innovative way to raise awareness of the endangered big cat, and to help it survive in a more direct fashion…by raising funds. Working with a legendary Polish distillery, he came up with a new brand of vodka. He then sold it to discerning spirit-lovers, donating 15% of the proceeds from each bottle to the relief of its namesake.
Other than supporting conservation efforts, the funds raised go to livestock insurance and vaccination to reduce the revenge killings. Education camps for children and enterprise projects which train women to spin wool and make handicrafts are also funded, so that the livelihood of the snow leopard’s human neighbours improve and there will be less reason to hunt the leopards.
Over $100,000 has been raised so far, and if things continue to go well, the snow leopard might be off the endangered list in a generation, which would be a difficult feat indeed.
It’s a worthy cause. But is the vodka itself equally worthy?
Little marketing is done for it so that more of the money goes to the actual leopards. Despite that, expense has not been spared on quality, and the spirit is as fine and rare as its namesake. While for most part, vodka is made from grain such as corn or rye, Snow Leopard is made from a much less common, medieval variety of wheat named Spelt, which is five times more expensive than its common cousin. It’s then combined with a water drawn from within the century-old distillery, then distilled six times in small batches to produce the final product.
Why mention all that? Simply because all that effort that goes into the making of the vodka comes through in the final product.
Nose: Moss, flower and earth. Only the faintest hint of something nutty.
Taste: Vanilla, nut, spice and a touch of herbs. A slight mellow sweetness.
Finish: Silky-smooth and clean as ice water. Herbs and spice linger briefly.
Verdict: Overall, an enjoyable spirit. One appreciates the smoothness of the drink and its lightness on the tongue. A great sipping vodka; not too challenging, but with clear, balanced flavours that attest to its superb quality. The herbs and spice are quite a pleasurable change from citrusy spirits and make for something just a little different.
The makers recommend a few different cocktails. I’d definitely take their recommendation of using this in a Martini, with a sprig of rosemary for garnish. While I’d normally go with gin for a martini and go heavier on the vermouth, this particular combination works very well to highlight the earthiness of the vodka and really come into its own.
Snow Leopard Martini
75ml (2.5oz) Snow Leopard Vodka
5ml (1/8oz) Dry Vermouth
1 Rosemary Sprig
Combine the ingredients in a mixing glass and stir with ice till very cold. Strain and serve with the garnish of rosemary.
It’s not often that we can drink to a good cause, but why hesitate when we can do our part to save a majestic animal and enjoy a fine spirit at the same time? This is one drink that can sit proudly on your bar counter as you tell your friends about the beautiful story behind it!
