GREY GOOSE Vodka Unveils La Poire - A Taste of Pear-Flavored Perfection

02/02/07 GREY GOOSE, "The World's Best Tasting Vodka," is setting a precedent in the vodka industry by introducing, GREY GOOSE La Poire Flavored Vodka, the first super premium pear-flavored vodka in the U.S. The first new flavor to emerge from the House of GREY GOOSE since the launch of La Vanille in 2003, La Poire delivers a superior taste and style; making it a natural extension to the GREY GOOSE Vodka family. La Poire will be available nationally to consumers beginning in February 2007.

"This novel introduction is another example of the efforts being made by GREY GOOSE Vodka and flavored vodkas to remain at the forefront of cocktail culture by providing quality offerings representative of the world's best tasting vodka," said Monsell Darville, VP and Group Director of GREY GOOSE Vodkas. "In a cluttered flavored vodka market, La Poire provides bartenders, chefs and consumers (21+) with an entirely new flavor category to experiment with and create new and exciting recipes," he continued.

In the fine epicurean tradition of France, a natural essence of Buerre d'Anjou (Anjou Pears) is artistically blended with the world's finest vodka to craft this preeminent flavored vodka. GREY GOOSE Vodkas' Maitre de Chai (cellar master), Francois Thibault, draws his inspiration for the Anjou pear because of its prized sweetness and mellow flavor. Once ripened, its distinctive attributes lend itself to a delicate flavor and inviting aroma of honeysuckle and wildflower. Only natural essences of the Anjou pear are used to capture the invigorating taste of the fruit.

"I found my inspiration for GREY GOOSE La Poire Vodka when I tasted a delicious tarte poire from my local patisserie," Thibault explains. "It perfectly complemented the rounded, buttery flavors of the pastry and I was convinced GREY GOOSE Vodka would be the ideal base for the essence of delicate, ripe Anjou pears."

As with all GREY GOOSE Vodka flavors, La Poire is created in a five-step distillation process, under the control and supervision of skilled vodka craftsmen using 100% fine French wheat from the Beauce region and spring water from Gensac that is naturally filtered through champagne limestone. Each step of the distillation process leaves the vodka smoother, softer and more refined, giving it a crisp flavor and long round aftertaste that is warm and pleasing with a slight taste of almond.

The 80 proof super-premium spirit is packaged in beautiful frosted glass bottles, with a clear window in the shape of a goose silhouette that reveals ripening pears and an arrangement of pear blossoms. The design showcases the sophisticated perfection of the product and is inspired by the signature impressionist painting style found on all GREY GOOSE Vodka bottles. Each bottle is sealed with a cork stopper and an elegant foil closure. La Poire will be available in 750ML and 1-liter bottles.

Notably smooth -- this elegant flavored vodka mixes well with a variety of mixers and cuisines and is also excellent when enjoyed on its own. The GREY GOOSE La Poire Vodka cocktails bring to life the simplistic and sophisticated flavor of the vodka. The La Poire signature cocktail, The Peartini, is a unique twist on the traditional martini cocktail and showcases the smooth full-bodied essence of the fruit and exudes a subtle hint of nuttiness. Other flavorful La Poire cocktails include the Tuscan Pear, the Lotus Blossom, the Pear Poire, the Fall Classic and the Pear-n-Berry Frappe.