Kremlin creates own vodka

The Kremlin has created its own brand of premium vodka to be served at official events involving the Russian president.

The new beverage, titled Kremlin Award, was presented at the ProdExpo 2012 exhibit in Moscow.

Four companies, including the Moscow-based Cristall distillery and Armenian concern Multi Group, were involved in production.

According to spokesman for the presidential administration, Viktor Khrekov, only the best grains and ethanol brands are used for the vodka, which unspecified European and global companies worked on.

The vodka is already being served at Kremlin events, Khrekov said.

He did not elaborate on whether it would be available outside the presidential administration or not.

However, it was being offered on sale for 792 rubles (Rs 1,300) for a half-litre bottle.

The presidential administration previously launched a line of cognacs, a variety of brandy, which were produced in Armenia and were also titled Kremlin Award.

Neither outgoing president Dmitry Medvedev nor his likely successor Vladimir Putin have exhibited any predilection for vodka, mostly drinking champagne at official events.

Putin is also known to have a beer at informal public gatherings.