May 15, 2019
Stoli Ginger Beer | A Review
Widespread popularity of its liquors means the Stoli name carries significant weight around the world. Originating as a Soviet vodka distiller, it didn’t reach American shores until the 1970s when PepsiCo signed a symbiotic deal bringing Pepsi Cola to the USSR and Stolichnaya to the USA. Since then Stoli expanded its now manifold product line to include vodka of all kinds of flavors including blueberry and vanilla and jalapeno and the whole shebang.
With the relatively recent rediscovery of the Moscow Mule and resulting resurgence of its signature mixer, a window of opportunity opened and the company leapt through it, releasing Stoli Ginger Beer in 2014. They unleashed a huge PR push across America and social media, encouraging fans to put down their current favorites and pick up a Stoli Mule. More than 300 bar events were held, handing out samples of the cocktail in branded copper mugs to nearly twenty thousand people.
Look for Stoli in a slim 12-ounce can, mostly can-colored with a wide, red slash striking across it. Copper accents a centered, white diamond where most of the type is located. Four of these come wrapped in cardboard printed with similar design language. Overall, it’s a success. Wander down the mixers aisle of the grocery store and this stands out from the competition, looking both unique and upscale.
Some pretty standard ingredients lurk within: carbonated water, cane sugar, natural flavors, a couple preservatives. Calories total 70 for a six-ounce serving, so a perfectly reasonable 140 for the whole thing.
From the can, transparent liquid pours into the glass, crowned with a layer of fizz. Presaged by the nose, cane sugar first lays down a thick foundation of sweetness. The moderate ginger follows quickly, riding on bubbles with a touch of salt, building in flavor intensity but not heat. It peaks without prickling then diminuendos, leaving sugar and citrus to handle the finish, which tastes almost like a candy. It goes down easy, very drinkable.
Aspects that some could consider flaws in their drink, like too generous carbonation or sweetness, could also be considered assets in a mixer, reaching perfect levels once mildly diluted. So while the list of complaints remains short, it doesn’t do much to set itself apart either, running dangerously close to forgettable. Nevertheless, the formula here is well-conceived. It tastes good alone but better as a mixer, definitely worthy of the Stoli name.
Final Decision: Third Tier – Enjoyable
Purchased at: HEB | Wide availability
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