Ketel One® Vodka and GQ Ask Gentlemen Everywhere to Answer "A Gentleman's Call"

NEW YORK, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In an age where it seems society has misplaced the virtues of character, intelligence and genuine regard for others, it feels as if the gentlemanly values of substance and style have all but vanished. Steadfast in the belief that the modern gentleman is not an endangered species and it is his ideas that will make a difference, Ketel One is teaming up with GQ to lure today's genuine and honorable men out of the shadows to showcase their game-changing ideas with "A Gentleman's Call: In Pursuit of an Idea that Matters."

A Gentleman's Call is a nationwide search to invest behind one original idea that champions the lifestyle of the modern gentleman. Beginning May 14, 2012, hopeful participants can answer the call by visiting www.AGentlemansCall.com to present an idea, inspiration or endeavor that will raise society's behavioral bar. 

The campaign is rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit the Nolet family has maintained for 11 generations. Mirroring the ideals of family who built the Ketel One brand one bar at a time, successful projects will substantially exhibit the values of entrepreneurship, craftsmanship or philanthropy in the modern world and prove that gentlemanly manner is not a lost art. 

"Ketel One Vodka was founded through the passion and drive ignited only from entrepreneurial spirit," said Carl Nolet, Jr., Executive Vice President of Nolet Spirits USA.  "Through 'A Gentleman's Call,' it is our honor to nurture an idea that will grow from the same values we continue applauding and responsibly celebrating after 11 generations of success."

Following the close of entries on July 29, 2012, five projects best exemplifying a higher standard of thinking and living will be selected. Consumers across the country will determine which idea best personifies a class act while inspiring generations of gentlemen to put the right polished shoe forward. Once votes are tallied, a Grand Prize Winner will be announced and Ketel One will invest $100,000 to turn their idea into a reality.

To lead this nationwide call-to-action, Ketel One and GQ have enlisted the mentorship of three men that embody the essence of a modern gentleman. These cultural counselors will set the behavioral standard and guide the masses by defining the values of the ultimate gentleman's competition through their day-to-day lives. Mentors will include actor and philanthropist, Ian Somerhalder, renowned actor, Carlos Ponce, and Co-Founder and CEO of the Movember Foundation, Adam Garone.

"The best thing you can aspire to be is a gentleman. The idea of a gentleman is one of awareness, confidence and compassion," said Ian Somerhalder. "Helping to support an initiative that is based on those ideals is an honor and I look forward to seeing the evolution of this quest reach its full potential."

"My fellow mentors and I are honored to lead 'A Gentleman's Call,'" said Adam Garone. "It is a privilege and a true responsibility to guide the next generation of entrepreneurs and help foster an endeavor that will enlighten society's appreciation for the modern gentleman."

If you have an idea worthy of the call, visit www.AGentlemansCall.com for complete contest rules and to submit a project. Join the conversation, tag @KetelOne and @GQmagazine, use the hashtag #KetelOne #GentlemansCall, and visit www.facebook.com/KetelOne.

About Ketel One Vodka
With ten generations of Nolet family distilling passion and expertise, the success of the KETEL ONE® brand is built on one-to-one conversations with the bartending community. Launched in the United States in the early 1980s, Carolus Nolet Sr. was inspired by original recipes and techniques of his ancestors when he created the recipe for and distinctive personality of KETEL ONE vodka.

KETEL ONE vodka is a sophisticated and crisp, wheat-based, super-premium blend crafted from small batches, using copper pot stills together with modern distilling techniques.  The 19th century coal-fired pot still, Pot Still Number 1, otherwise known as "Distilleerketel # 1", is one of the pot stills used in the production process and is the inspiration for the name of this Dutch vodka.

Each final production of KETEL ONE vodka is approved by a member of the Nolet family prior to bottling.

After extensive research, KETEL ONE CITROEN® flavored vodka was launched in 2000, created by infusing KETEL ONE vodka with citrus essential oil essence. Two different types of lemon from Sicily give the flavored vodka a lively, rich sweetness, whilst one variety from Spain gives a full, distinctive taste.  Lemon from Guinea, West Africa results in a more intense character, whilst two varieties of lime from the Caribbean give KETEL ONE CITROEN flavored vodka an incredible note of freshness.

In 2008, the Nolet Group created a 50/50 joint venture company with Diageo, KETEL ONE Worldwide B.V., to import, sell, market and distribute KETEL ONE vodka and KETEL ONE CITROEN flavored vodka and to maximize global growth potential for the KETEL ONE brand. 

KETEL ONE, KETEL ONE CITROEN, and the associated logos are trademarks of Double Eagle Brands N.V.
© Double Eagle Brands N.V. 2011

About Diageo
Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About GQ
GQ is the leading men's general-interest magazine, with a monthly readership of 7 million readers. It is available in print, online at www.GQ.com, and as an app at iTunes.com. The magazine is published by Conde Nast, a division of Advance Publications. Conde Nast operates in twenty-five countries and is the world leader in exceptional content creation.

Please enjoy Ketel One® Vodka responsibly.
KETEL ONE Vodka.  Distilled from Wheat.  40% Alc/Vol. ©2012 Imported by Ketel One USA, Aliso Viejo, CA.
KETEL ONE CITROEN Flavored Vodka. KETEL ONE ORANJE Flavored Vodka Distilled from Wheat. 40% Alc/Vol.  © 2012 Imported by Ketel One USA, Aliso, Viejo, CA. KETEL ONE, KETEL ONE CITROEN, and the associated logos are trademarks of Double Eagle Brands N.V. © Double Eagle Brands N.V. 2011

SOURCE Ketel One Vodka