I recently had the pleasure of attending a lunch at The Ivy Grill in London’s Covent Garden to mark the UK launch of Italian premium vodka Altamura.
The lunch was not only an opportunity to hear about Altamura’s journey from Puglia in southern Italy to its recognition on the world stage, but also meet with owner Frank Grillo and Head of Brand Lorenzo Di Cola and enjoy a superb bespoke menu paired with some different Altamura cocktails. The cocktails were created to highlight the unique character of this award-winning vodka that has received numerous accolades, reinforcing its reputation in the industry today.
Last year for example, it claimed three silver medals at the Bartenders’ Brand Awards 2023, ranking Altamura among the top vodka brands. It also triumphed in The Fifty Best – Imported Vodka competition, achieving a double gold medal and the title of best vodka.
Altamura Vodka is distilled from Italy’s ancient Altamura durum wheat which is known for its rich heritage in Puglia over two millennia, and gives it a smooth, distinctive flavour that is both elegant and refined.
It is distilled using a meticulous process that preserves the distinct flavours of the wheat, giving it a subtle aniseed and pepper as well as lemon zest flavour that is derived from Altamura wheat.
The Ivy prepared four cocktails for us to try, starting with a welcome Altamura Vodka, made with lemon, sugar and Champagne and some tasty salt-crusted sourdough bread to set the scene for the main event.
Our starter was The Ivy 1917 Cure smoked salmon, paired with a superb Altamura Martini, created with Altamura Vodka, Aker English Dry Aperitif and Orange Bitters.
The main course was a fabulously tender chargrilled Fillet Steak, served with dauphinoise potatoes, green beans and watercress, along with a choice of either peppercorn or Bearnaise sauce. This was paired with The Altamura Negroni, made with Altamura Vodka, Antica Formula, Campari and orange and was probably one of the best negroni’s I have tasted. I think the vodka in place of gin makes all the difference and would recommend giving it a try sometime.
We then rounded off our lunch with the naughty but very nice Ivy Chocolate bomb, which is their much celebrated melting chocolate bombe with vanilla ice cream, a honeycomb centre and hot caramel sauce poured over the top, appropriately paired with The Altamura Espresso Martini, made with Altamura Vodka, Cold Brew, Coffee Liqueur and vanilla. The perfect end to a most enjoyable and informative lunch.
A mention should be given to the distinctive bottle design and logo. The lion on the front steps of the cathedral symbolizes strength and pride deeply rooted in the heritage of Puglia. While the three stripes reflect the authentic colours of Puglia: yellow, blue-green and red, symbolizing the sun, sea and earth, which are all and integral part of life in this Italian region.
Frank Grillo, Founder of Altamura Distilleries, commented:
“Altamura Vodka is more than a spirit – it’s a state of mind, a celebration of people who embrace life to the fullest. Strong yet elegant, intense yet smooth, it offers an unparalleled tasting experience. We are confident you will love it.”
Altamura Distilleries’ premium vodka (43% abv /70cl) is now available to purchase at Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange and on Amazon from £35.25. And for more information about Altamura Distilleries and its products, please visit www.altamuradistilleries.com.
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is Editor of OMOTG Travel & Lifestyle Magazine, a former member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.
Photographs courtesy of Altamura Distilleries
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