History and Heritage of Beluga Vodka
Beluga Vodka emerged in 2002 as a super-premium Russian vodka, created by the Mariinsk Distillery in Siberia, a facility with roots tracing back to 1900 when it operated as the Mariinsky State Wine Cellar. Located in Kemerovo, 300 kilometers from the nearest town, this distillery leveraged Siberia’s pristine environment—pure artesian water from 300-meter-deep wells and fertile black wheat fields—to craft a vodka that aimed to revive Russia’s historical standards of excellence. Initially produced under JSC Synergy (later Novabev Group), Beluga embodied a "field-to-bottle" philosophy, emphasizing natural ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship.
The brand’s name and iconic beluga sturgeon emblem pay homage to the rare fish of the Caspian Sea, symbolizing purity and luxury, a nod reinforced by its pairing with caviar. Beluga Noble, the flagship expression, launched in 2002, followed by premium variants like Gold Line and Allure, each reflecting artisanal attention—hand-attached metal fish labels and wax-sealed bottles. In 2016, Beluga partnered with Summergate Fine Wine & Spirits for distribution in Greater China, expanding its global reach. A significant shift occurred in October 2022 when international rights were sold to Noblewood Group for over $75 million, relocating production to Montenegro in March 2023. This move retained the brand’s commitment to quality, using organic Latvian grain spirit and Montenegrin water, blending Russian heritage with Balkan innovation.
Beluga’s heritage is a fusion of Siberia’s rugged purity and a modern quest for luxury, earning it a top-three spot among premium vodkas worldwide, sold in over 100 countries. Its evolution reflects adaptability—maintaining traditional methods like malt spirit use and extended resting periods—while embracing new ecological and cultural influences in Montenegro.
Tasting Notes of Beluga Vodka Variants
Beluga’s range showcases subtle variations, all rooted in its wheat-based, triple-distilled base, filtered through quartz sand and birch charcoal, with some expressions rested for 30-60 days. Below are tasting notes for key products:
Beluga Noble (Original)
Appearance
Crystal clear, shimmering with purity.
Aroma
Mild cracked pepper, grainy oatmeal, faint citrus zest, and lavender honey.
Taste
Smooth and creamy, with light vanilla sweetness, honeyed oats, and a spicy black pepper bite; subtle charcoal and nutty undertones add depth.
Finish
Long, dry, and clean, with lingering dill, fennel, and peppery spice.
A harmonious balance of softness and character, ideal with caviar or in a martini.
Beluga Gold Line
Appearance
Crystal clear, pristine.
Aroma
Clean and fresh with creamy notes, hints of cinnamon, and vanilla.
Taste
Incredibly pure, velvety texture with vanilla, white pepper, and sage; a slight sweetness rounds it out.
Finish
Long and crisp, with vanilla fading last, leaving a refined warmth.
Enhanced by sugar syrup and malted barley, it’s a luxurious sipper with a ritualistic wax-seal opening.