Stoli Asks: Would You Have a Drink With You?

NEW YORK, June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Would You Have a Drink With You?  This is the question posed by industry innovator Stolichnaya Vodka in a new ad campaign that will feature multiple celebrities launching with Playboy magnate Hugh M. Hefner.  Stoli, the visionary brand responsible for many "firsts" that have shaped the industry -- the first imported Russian vodka to the US, first vodka brand to launch a line of flavored vodkas, the first to introduce luxury vodka -- is now connecting with other mavericks in a campaign that is sure to be both thought- and smile-provoking.  With this premise, the campaign's print ads and commercials are humorous and irreverent yet thoughtful and inspirational, challenging the consumer to ponder how they measure up – Are you daring enough?  Are you an original? Are you experiencing and living your life in an authentic, interesting way? Are you someone you'd want to share a Stoli with?  In other words (or these exact ones), Would You Have a Drink With You?  Print ads and TV spots broke nationally on May 24 and will run into 2011 featuring multiple celebrities who represent a spirit of originality, people who, like the brand itself, are ground-breakers in their field, passionate and driven to excel.

"With the launch of this new campaign, Stoli recognizes originality, creativity and passion in a call to action to the consumer," said Andrey Skurikhin, partner at SPI Group, brand owner. "Stoli has a history of venturing into unchartered territory and the new campaign will spotlight real originals, people who take chances without asking for permission.  Hugh Hefner exemplifies these shared qualities with Stoli and is the perfect individual to kickoff our new campaign."  

In a fitting move, Stoli's first ads highlight Hugh Hefner, a true original. Conceptualized by advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather, commercials were directed by Bryan Buckley and include 30-second and 15-second spots.  Set in the legendary Playboy Mansion, the commercials feature Hefner seated at a bar having a drink with himself via split screen, revealing a few things the average consumer may not necessarily be able to discover via a Wikipedia bio.  The tag line is: "The most original people deserve the most original vodka. Stoli. Lead On."  Print ads featuring Hefner and shot by Mark Seliger will begin running in July 2010 issues.  

Though Hefner's story has become somewhat of a bunny tale, Would You Have a Drink with You? is sure to serve as a reminder of the trails he has blazed.  In addition to breaking sexual taboos with the launch of Playboy, Hefner also campaigned for civil rights and free speech and put blacklisted and black American performers on his "Playboy After Dark" and "Playboy's Penthouse" TV shows at a time when such appearances were rare on national TV.  Hefner not only broke the color line in his clubs and TV shows, he also campaigned against censorship.

"I've always tried to live my life on my own terms, with sophistication and style, and this Stoli campaign reflects those same beliefs," said Playboy founder Hugh Hefner.  "I was intrigued by the concept of having a drink with myself, and I'm very pleased with the final results.  I think fans will get a kick out of the spots."      

Furthering the brand's relationship with Hugh Hefner and Playboy, Stoli will release a limited edition bottle of Stoli Ohranj featuring the iconic Playboy bunny logo.  This offering will be available beginning in October 2010.  In addition, Stoli recently sponsored the 2010 Playboy Playmate of The Year Awards that were held in Las Vegas, Nevada.  

"Stoli, with its rich heritage as a pioneering brand, looks forward to bringing the Would You Have A Drink With You? campaign to life for our consumers and trade alike via events, sponsorships, and on- and off-premise programs," said Lisa Pfenning, Category Director – Stolichnaya Vodka, William Grant & Sons USA.  "We are excited to see how Stoli fans across the country react and interact with this exciting program and the dynamic personalities we present, whose own pioneering spirits perfectly mirror that of the Stolichnaya brand,"

The "Lead On" spirit of originality, which connects all facets of the campaign, is also seen in the brand's ongoing commitment to the film industry.  As a Signature Sponsor of the recent Tribeca Film Festival, Stoli sponsored four after-parties and also bestowed the first-ever Stoli Film Pioneer Award to filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, (The Wrestler, The Fountain and Requiem for a Dream) celebrating his visionary career at an event at The Tribeca Grand on April 26th.  Exclusively for the festival, Stoli premiered a witty "Silence Your Cellphone" trailer with Hefner that played prior to screenings.  In addition, Stoli continues to launch innovative and new flavors including the recently launched Stoli White Pomegranik, the first vodka naturally flavored with the rare white varietal of the fruit.  Stoli print ads and online banners for their flavored vodka portfolio, which also launches in May, urge consumers to "Live a life of flavor. Stoli. Lead On."  

For additional information on Stolichnaya Vodka, visit www.stoli.com or at http://www.facebook.com/Stoli.

**Campaign images and TV ads are available upon request.

About Stolichnaya

Stolichnaya is a premium Russian vodka, known for its award winning flavor, impeccable clarity and sleek, sensual undertones. Long considered a trailblazer in the vodka industry, Stolichnaya is a brand constantly on the verge. Stolichnaya was the first imported Russian vodka, the first to launch flavored line extensions and one of the first to debut a super-premium offering.  The Stolichnaya portfolio includes Stolichnaya Red, Stolichnaya Blue, the super-premium Stolichnaya Gold and the ultra-premium elit by Stolichnaya. Stolichnaya's naturally flavored vodka portfolio currently includes White Pomegranik, Ohranj, Blueberi, Razberi, Vanil, Citros, Cranberi, Peachik, Strasberi, Blakberi and Gala Applik. For more information visit www.stoli.com.

About William Grant & Sons

William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distills some of the world's leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world's most awarded single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world's fourth largest blended Scotch Grant's® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick's® Gin, Sailor Jerry® Rum, and the award-winning Milagro® Tequila.

Among the most recent accolades for the well-awarded company, William Grant & Sons was honored as the "Distiller of the Year" for the fourth time in five years by the prestigious International Spirits Challenge.

Founded in 1964, William Grant & Sons USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of William Grant & Sons, Ltd. and features one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios in the USA with brands including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum, Milagro Tequila, Stolichnaya Vodka, Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur, Grant's, Clan MacGregor, Reyka Vodka, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Galliano, Lillet, Licor 43, The Knot and BOLS cordials. The company has offices in New York City (sales and marketing) and Edison, NJ (bottling and warehouse facilities). For more information on the company and its brands, please visit www.grantusa.com.

SOURCE Stolichnaya Vodka