Luxury Vodka from the Cognac region in France launched its special edition Alembic Distilled Vodka at the Lakme Fashion Winter Festival at the Tigre Blanc Lounge by its Brand Ambassador, Ulric Nijs.

Crafted in the French tradition of excellence, culture and "art de vivre", The Tigre Blanc Special Edition Gold Vodka is a silky smooth spirit that is at once sensual, strong, and satisfying. What makes it special is that it is distilled five times in a special column and copper Alembic stills setup used for production of finest French cognac, it has a distinctive smoothness augmented with the use of premium French wheat and fresh spring water sourced from the local Pinthiers spring which naturally filters through chalk layers dating from the Cenomanian period. This lends a singular structure, character, smoothness, and flavor to the spirit.

The brand was launched in November 2012 in Paris by its founder, Renaud Dutreil. Coming from a long line of renowned “Maitre de Chai” (French for Cellar Masters), Mr. Dutreil is renowned internationally as an ardent advocate of national artisanal and luxury French traditions.

India saw an excited launch in March, 2013 and is presently available in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chandigarh with plans to expand distribution to Bangalore, Goa and Chennai.

Interestingly the name comes from Taoist philosophy and represents ultimate fulfillment. It is a strong and sensual symbol or power and satisfaction that come from love. Since Eleanor of Aquitaine, the French people have been renowned for celebrating love. Its creator, Francois Belleville, was fascinated by this very French courtly art but it was his travels in the east and introduction to Taoist thought that forever changed his destiny. Returning home to his native Champagne, he created Tigre Blanc to represent the strength and elegance of these eastern and western libertine traditions.

First started as a family enterprise in the Cognac region in early 20th century by master winemaker and distiller Francois Belleville, the distinctive vodka was produced for local community and for sale to select liquor merchants in the region. Taking forward his family’s long standing tradition of cultivating exceptional wines and spirits, Renaud Dutreil (former chairman of LVMH North America), great grandson of Belleville, established the brand in Tigre Blanc in 2012 to expand the reach of the family distillery and distributions to the major markets globally. His name "Dutreil" is an ancient name coming from "Maitre de Chai" (Cellar Master).

The brand also works with Panthera for their Tigre Blanc Save The Tigre Campaign – a leading global organization dedicated to the continued health and well being of decimated large cat populations. A portion of every sale of Tigre Blanc – 10 percent, is donated to Panthera to help preserve the five remaining species of tigers around the world.