Stolichnaya, the spirit once branded as "the only vodka imported from Russia" is turning its back on those roots in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Better known as Stoli, the company that produces the spirit relocated after the fall of the USSR, and changed its tagline from Russian Vodka to Premium Vodka in 2010.
It is now made in Latvia, although with many Russian indredients. USA Today reports that, following Russia's attack on Ukraine, Stoli has said it will engage exclusively with "Slovakian sources to further ensure 100% non-Russian alpha grade spirit."
The brand will officially drop the Stolichnaya name in favor of Stoli.
In a statement to the press, Stoli Group Global CEO Damian McKinney the company's employees, partners and distributors are asking the brand to take a stand. "This is one actionable, meaningful thing we can do to make it clear that we support Ukraine," McKinney said in a statement.
Since at least 2010 the brand has supported the queer community with ads and packaging that celebrated Pride, LGBTQ+ people, and icons like Harvey Milk. In 2019Rolling Stone reported that Stoli has donated more than $5 million to the LGBTQ community over the years.
Stoli's 2013 marketing campaign launched a competition for a gay Stoli guy
In 2013, the brand launced a marketing campaign seeking "The Most Original Stoli Guy" through competitions at gay bars. Billy Cavallo won the competition and became Stoli's national LGBT ambassador.
In 2018, the brand's marketing campaign Loud & Clear featured a lesbian couple.
That same year, it released a limited edition bottle with Harvey Milk saying "We will not be silent!"
Although we would have liked to have seen this move away from Russia come in response to that country's repression of LGBTQ+ people, we're still glad to see it now.
