Elite Traveler Summer 2021

etr li at ve eler SUMMER 2021 119

BELVEDERE VODKA As the world’s first premium luxury vodka, Belvedere is synonymous with blazing trails. The vodka gets its distinct flavor from a special type of rye that is specific to Poland, so sustainability had to be built into the product from the very start. Despite exporting bottles all over the world, Belvedere still sources all its grain from just eight local agricultural partners, which gives it complete traceability while supporting the local economy. The company not only champions sustainable agricultural practices, but actively helps its partners to become more eco-friendly. The company already has certification for organic production and is now supporting its agricultural partners in their transition away from the use of pesticides. Belvedere also boasts one of the cleanest production processes in the sector and is on track to reduce its CO2 emissions by 80% by 2022 and to be fully self-sufficient by 2025. The innovative zero-waste program will capture all water from the distillery and reuse the biomass to fuel the production process. Celebrating the produce of its local area, Belvedere recently debuted its first organic line, Belvedere Organic Infusions, which is blended with a unique mix of botanicals

CLASE AZUL If Patrón made people realize tequila could be a luxury product, then Clase Azul confirmed it. Its mission is not only to show the world how complex tequila can be, but to save Mexico’s fading artisan culture. Clase Azul has helped revitalize highly skilled local artists by commissioning stunning decanters to hold its prized spirit. Every bottle of Clase Azul tequila is handcrafted and painted by local artisans, with each one taking up to 11 days to make. Its work now goes beyond providing employment: The company also runs the nonprofit Fundación con Causa Azul, which teaches those same artisans how to make a business out of their intricate pottery skills. The work has helped to transform the fortunes of Santa Maria Canchesda, a small Mexican town where many of the artisans reside. Experience Mexican spirit in its purest form with the Clase Azul Durango. This mezcal offers an intense hit of honey, nuts and smoke, and is presented in a striking bottle inspired by traditional black clay pottery. Once the mezcal is finished, the Clase Azul website offers a variety of ideas for upcycling the beautiful bottle. $370, claseazul.com

grown and farmed with no artificial pesticides, additives or chemicals. $35, belvederevodka.com

PATRÓN

TEQUILA As well as being one of the driving forces behind tequila’s rise to the top shelf, Patrón has also been a leading figure in the industry’s quest to become more sustainable. Tequila is made from the Weber Blue Agave plant, which is grown in harsh and arid landscapes where the effects of climate change have been more pronounced. Patrón noticed these changes earlier than most and was one of the first distilleries in Mexico to improve its water management and reduce waste. Today, it boasts a state-of-the-art water treatment system that reclaims clean water from tequila production and makes its own fertilizer by composting leftover agave fibers. Since 2015, Patrón has also planted 16,000 trees in the local area, helping to rewild an area and improve water retention in the soil. Patrón also provides support to its suppliers and employees. It guarantees profitability for its agave growers even in times of excess supply and offers its employees flexible work hours, free transport to the distillery and education programs. Enjoy the fruits of Patrón’s labor in its purest form through the Gran Patrón Platinum, an exclusive silver tequila made with the finest Weber Blue Agave. Each crystal bottle is hand- numbered, reflecting the company’s commitment to small-batch production. $240, patrontequila.com

Photos Dino Gomez, Manny Rodriguez