A panel of international experts announced that the world’s best vodka is produced in – HEREFORDSHIRE.
Chase Vodka beat off competition from around the globe – including Russia and Poland – as it triumphed at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Chase, which is made by William Chase on his Herefordshire potato farm, was preferred by a 30-strong panel of independent judges.
The spuds are all grown in William’s Rosemaund Farm, Hereford, before being added to water, fermented, and then distilled and bottled – which all takes place on site.
William Chase is also responsible for founding posh crisp company Tyrrell’s.
Despite having no distilling experience, he decided to aim for the gourmet end of the vodka market and use his potatoes instead of the common wheat or rye grains.
He now produces 1,000 bottles a week Mr Chase says demand is soaring in the US thanks to being crowned the world’s finest.
William said: ”Winning the award has been fantastic for us.
”It has really helped to build up the brand’s profile, which is vital.
”You can have the best product in the world, but it won’t sell if the brand isn’t strong.”
He says that although the news has welcomed across the pond, traditional vodka producers have not been so supportive.
William added: ”What has really helped us in the US – in addition to winning the award – is that Americans love an English brand, even if England isn’t traditionally associated with vodka.
”By contrast, we’ve had a few [negative] comments from the Poles and Russians, but you’d expect that under the circumstances.”
