(March 10, 2014) – Belvedere Vodka invites the world’s best bartenders to compete in the Belvedere Challenge to create a legendary martini cocktail. James Bond’s signature martini cocktail, shaken not stirred, is widely recognized and this challenge gives masters of mixology an opportunity to put their twist on the iconic cocktail. Belvedere Vodka has partnered with the movie SPECTRE, the 24th Bond adventure from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, set for global release on November 6, 2015.
Made with Dankowskie rye, a superior grain grown in Poland’s Mazovian region and proprietary artisan water, Belvedere Vodka is the natural choice for any vodka martini cocktail, no matter the variation or twist. Its silky soft texture and delicate creamy rye notes provide the perfect foundation for the most iconic of all vodka cocktails.
“We encourage bartenders to embark on the Belvedere Challenge and craft a martini cocktail to be enjoyed by generations of cocktail lovers.” says Claire Smith-Warner, Belvedere Vodka Head of Spirit Creation & Mixology.
From March 10th until April 12th, bartenders can enroll online by submitting a video on BelvedereVodka.com/TheChallenge. They need to showcase their skill and ingenuity to shape a cocktail that will become truly legendary. The best 45 entries will be selected to compete in semi-final regional heats for Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. Nine of the 45 bartenders will be selected to compete in the grand finale in London, on June 17-18-19.
On Belvedere World Martini Day, June 19 2015, the winner of the competition will be announced and he/she will become a Belvedere brand ambassador, serving the winning martini cocktail at a screening of the movie SPECTRE.
With its unparalleled taste, quality and character, Belvedere Vodka, the world’s original luxury vodka, is the perfect ingredient for a legendary martini cocktail.
For more information about the competition and the enrollment process, please visit BelvedereVodka.com/TheChallenge. No purchase necessary. The contest starts on March 10th and ends on April 12th. Open only to legal residents of the following countries, 25 years of age or older as of date of entry: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada (excluding the province of Quebec, Yukon, Nunavut and Nova Scotia), Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America (excluding Utah). Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Polmos Zyrardow sp.z.o.o.
ABOUT THE MOVIE SPECTRE
A cryptic message from Bond’s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind the SPECTRE organization. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film is written by John Logan and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
ABOUT BELVEDERE VODKA
Born of Rye, Water, Character.
Created in 1993, Belvedere Vodka was the first to generate a new standard for excellence in the vodka category and established the luxury vodka category. Today, Belvedere’s distinctive character and uncompromising integrity are recognized internationally by discriminating vodka enthusiasts who appreciate its all natural, additive free character. Crafted using Polish Dankowskie Rye and blended with water from its own local pristine source, Belvedere’s taste profile is distinctively soft with a subtle sweetness and smooth, clean finish.
ABOUT ALBERT R. BROCCOLI’S EON PRODUCTIONS
EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/Wilson family. Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films as well as all worldwide merchandising. EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company which makes the James Bond films. The 007 franchise is the longest running in film history with twenty-three films produced since 1962. Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli succeeded Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and have produced some of the most successful Bond films ever including CASINO ROYALE, QUANTUM OF SOLACE and SKYFALL.
ABOUT METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and distribution of film and television content globally. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content. In addition, MGM has investments in domestic and international television channels and is the majority owner of and distributor for United Artists Media Group (UAMG). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.
ABOUT ISLAND OUTPOST
Island Outpost is an award-winning collection of hotels in Jamaica, owned by music industry legend Chris Blackwell. Blackwell’s low-key luxury hotels include Ian Fleming’s north coast retreat, GoldenEye; Strawberry Hill in the Blue Mountains; and The Caves on the cliffs of Negril. Each Island Outpost property has its own singular sense of style, with stunning natural settings and locally-inspired architecture and design. Island Outpost is committed to serving authentic food and beverage using the freshest local ingredients. Some of the hotels’ restaurants source ingredients from Chris Blackwell’s farm, Pantrepant, as does FieldSpa at GoldenEye. Through their on-site spas, each property offers a host of beauty, relaxation and wellness treatments, fitness amenities and experiential activities. With sustainable and responsible practices at their core, Island Outpost properties operate in support and harmony with the surrounding environment and the communities in which they are located. For more information about Island Outpost, visit www.islandoutpost.com.