August 24, 2016 – Toronto, ON – In early July, Reyka® Vodka made a quiet entrance onto LCBO shelves in Ontario. But, the more we learn about Icelanders, the more it seems quiet doesn’t really fit their style. So, it’s no surprise that one of the world’s cleanest and smoothest vodkas, is making noise this summer by transforming Toronto’s coolest venue – CHILL Ice House – into the ultimate Nordic experience.
“CHILL Ice House is the largest permanent Ice lounge in the world, and the ice inside was crafted by hand, so we found it only fitting to launch our hand-crafted, small batch Icelandic Reyka® Vodka, there.” said Beth-Anne Thomas, Senior Brand Manager for William Grant & Sons Cocktail Brands in Canada. “We couldn’t be more excited about our partnership and to bring the essence of Iceland to Toronto, and show everyone what Reyka® Vodka is all about.”
Hailing from the land of fire and ice, Reyka® Vodka is hand crafted in preciously small batches in Iceland’s first vodka distillery. With sustainability top of mind, the ability to make the most of their native resources is just one of the distinctions that sets Reyka® Vodka apart from the rest. The distillery is powered by geo-thermal energy from nearby hot springs, and uses local glacier spring water run through one of the only Carter-Head Stills in the world – the only one that is used to make vodka – and uses lava rocks as a natural filtration system to give every drop its smooth taste and silky finish. This also means that the distillery’s carbon footprint is only barely there.
“While our family’s Ice Sculpting skills have been honed through decades of experience, like our friends at Reyka® Vodka, CHILL Ice House is still kind of a new kid on the block,” explains Owner and Operator of CHILL Ice House, Gresham Bayley. “We’re excited to see the space transform, and give our guests a completely refreshed experience.”
The newly designed space will feature a 10,000lb hand-carved Reyka glacier, a private vodka booth, and signature cocktail’s designed by the venue’s in-house mixologists. And, to complete the experience, once guests have cooled off in the land of ice, they can warm up in Gatsby’s Tale, a swanky speakeasy nestled comfortably behind the lounge.
To learn more about Iceland’s latest success story, Reyka® Vodka, visit www.Reyka.com, and for more information about CHILL Ice House, visit www.chillicehouse.com.
About Reyka® Vodka
Reyka®’s distinctive flavor is attributed to five key elements; (i) the clean taste of Icelandic spring water, refined even further; (ii) the small batch Carter-Head Still; (iii) lava rock filtration, considered to be one of the most natural and effective filtration processes in the world; (iv) the geo-thermal energy (powered by steam from nearby hot springs) used during the production process to supply power without adding impurities and (v) the clean Icelandic air. It has developed an exceptional taste reputation internationally; in 2011 Reyka® was awarded the Vodka Trophy at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IW.SC) and in 2013, the Gold Medal in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and ‘Very good—Strong recommendation’ at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
Reyka® Nose and Tasting Notes
Nose: Fresh, rounded aniseed with creamy vanilla, light spicyness, and underlying savoury grain.
Taste: Soft, delicate texture that becomes fuller-bodied and lightly creamy, with elegant, rounded aniseed and vanilla, a sweet-dry balance, luscious light spicyness, and underlying savoury grain.
About William Grant & Sons
The makers of Reyka® Vodka, William Grant & Sons, Ltd. are an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distills some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s most awarded single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts, Hendrick’s® Gin, Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch and Milagro® Tequila. Represented in Canada by PMA Canada Agency.