Edrington has launched what it calls “the world’s first ethical vodka”, Snow Leopard, in Singapore last week.
With conservation at its heart, Snow Leopard Vodka is the product of the philanthropic vision of its founder, Stephen Sparrow, and his desire to save the endangered snow leopard species. Less than 3,500 of these majestic creatures are estimated to be remaining in the wild today.
During a life-changing visit to the Himalayas in 2005, Sparrow learnt first-hand about the plight of the snow leopards which led him to set up The Snow Leopard Trust UK and Snow Leopard Vodka.
 |
Snow Leopard Vodka donates 15% of its profits to snow leopard conservation projects |
Snow Leopard donates 15% of its profits to snow leopard conservation projects in Mongolia, China, India and Kyrgyzstan. These diverse projects range from supporting local herders to providing economic enterprise programmes for local women, and are said to have had a direct impact on changing perceptions, educating local communities and driving the ultimate aim of protecting the snow leopard.
Today, Snow Leopard Vodka sells 1,000 cases a year in the UK and has raised over US$100,000 for snow leopard conservation to date.
In 2013, Edrington took a majority stake in Snow Leopard Vodka – the first vodka brand in its portfolio – to facilitate its global distribution, committing to its long-term goal of raising US$1,000,000 annually for snow leopard conservation.
True to the brand’s ethical spirit, Sparrow officially launched Snow Leopard Vodka in Singapore with an environmentally-conscious delivery of the first 15 cases to premium bars around the city by a team of cyclists from the Cat Welfare Society (CWS). As part of their commitment to the humane and responsible treatment of cats, large or small, ten volunteers from the CWS helped to distribute the first cases in support of the Snow Leopard Trust.
 |
 |
Snow Leopard founder Stephen Sparrow (top) at the launch event in Singapore last week, which saw volunteers from Singapore’s Cat Welfare Society making the first delivery of the vodka to premium bars around the city on bicycle |
“Edrington has a long commitment to the social causes – contributing to the communities and the environment is a critical part of all our business decisions. When the team at Edrington found out about Stephen and his incredible commitment to the plight of the snow leopards, we were instantly captivated. This, coupled with the highest quality vodka, was the perfect match for us and we are proud to be launching Snow Leopard Vodka in Singapore today,” said Edrington South East Asia Managing Director Geoff Kirk.
Sparrow added: “Just a few years ago, my office was my kitchen table and I delivered the first cases of Snow Leopard Vodka throughout London on my bicycle. That we now have a global brand and are introducing Snow Leopard Vodka to Singapore is a testament to the quality of this vodka and the strength of our cause.”
 |
The charity bike-off in Singapore harks back to early days when Stephen Sparrow delivered the first cases of Snow Leopard Vodka throughout London on his bicycle |
Snow Leopard Vodka claims to be the first ultra-premium vodka to be made from spelt grain. Made in Poland, it uses artisan-drawn water and is six-times distilled, before being twice filtered over charcoal. The process is overseen by Snow Leopard’s Master Distiller Joanna Dawidowicz, and the result is “a super smooth clean finish” characterised by creamy vanilla, nut and peppery spice flavours and a fresh floral and anise aroma.
The brand recently won the Gold Medal at the 2014 International Spirits Challenge in London, and was awarded the Gold Medal by the Beverage Tasting Institute in 2006 and 2010, also winning the title of ‘Vodka Master’ in the latter year.
Snow Leopard Vodka (40%abv) is now available at selected bars and premium retailers in Singapore at a recommended retail price of SGD118 (US$94.40) per 70cl bottle.
| //www.youtube.com/embed/VC3yGQM1b2Y |
Click to view the story of Snow Leopard Vodka as told by founder Stephen Sparrow |
