RubyBlue Potato Vodka wins business in Russia

RubyBlue Premium Potato Vodka produced by Hughes Craft in Lisburn has won its first business in Russia.
Stuart and Barbara Hughes with Credit: Harrison PhotographyStuart and Barbara Hughes with Credit: Harrison Photography
Stuart and Barbara Hughes with Credit: Harrison Photography

The drink can now be bought from the back bar of Irish Pub’s in Belgorod, Russia.

The Russian business follows an order from Fortnum and Mason in London for the vodka and the company’s RubyBlue Cranberry liqueur.

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Barbara Hughes, commercial director of Hughes Craft Distillery, which launched RubyBlue Vodka last year, says: “Selling Irish vodka to Russia is a marvellous boost for our small batch distillery and considered by some the equivalent of selling Sand to the Arabs.”

The contract follows an approach the Russian buyers at a trade show earlier this year.

Initially discounting that Ireland can produce good Vodka the team were overwhelmed by the purity and smooth finish of RubyBlue Vodka.

“We’ve also been encouraged by the decision to import our full range including RubyBlue Whiskey Cask-aged Vodka and our four premium fruit

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liqueurs which are all ideal for sipping, mixing in cocktails or even in culinary uses,” he said.

Stuart Hughes MD said, “We initially suggested working with the Russian team to create distinctive RubyBlue cocktails for the Russian bars but were quickly informed Russians don’t mess with good spirits, another compliment to the high regard in which our small batch range has been received.”

RubyBlue Potato Vodkas and Fresh Fruit Liqueurs, are now available at Dublin Airport, Belfast International Airport and Amazon, the online retailer. You can find the range in Tesco, Asda and Supervalu stores.

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