Grey Goose (vodka)
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| Type | Vodka |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bacardi |
| Country of origin | France |
| Introduced | 1997 in USA |
| Alcohol by volume | 40.0% |
| Proof | 80 |
| Variants | L'Orange, La Vanille, Le Citron, La Poire |
| Related products | List of vodkas |
Grey Goose is a Bermudian owned brand of vodka produced in France. It is distilled in Cognac, France from French wheat, imported to the United States by the Sidney Frank Importing Company in New Rochelle, New York. In 2004, Sidney Frank sold the manufacturing rights to Bacardi for $2.2 billion. Among French vodkas Grey Goose has some competitors as the French vodkas Nuage, Idol, are all now on the market. These vodkas are sold mostly in North America, and are marketed as premium brands.
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[edit] Production and history
Grey Goose was tailor-made for the American market in 1997 as the brainchild of Sidney Frank, a self-made billionaire. His concept was to create a super-premium vodka for Americans. He took the idea from the notion of French manufacturing having an inherent link with high perceived quality, quickly dispatching a team to Europe. As a result, Grey Goose was created.
Grey Goose uses French winter wheat from the south of Paris, distilled in a column still and alpine spring water that has been filtered through the limestone plateau of the Massif Central. The distillation takes place in the commune of Cognac in France.
Grey Goose was recently sold in the largest ever single brand sale for $2 billion, in cash, to Bacardi.[1] This sale made Frank an estimated profit of $1.6 billion. Incidentally, Frank was also behind the success of Jägermeister before launching Grey Goose. Before his death on January 10, 2006 at the age of 86, his final projects included "Crunk!!!" energy drink, a joint venture with hip hop entrepreneur Lil' Jon, and a premium tequila named Corazon.
Grey Goose vodka is bottled with a replaceable cork rather than a screw-top cap.
[edit] Grey Goose and the low-priced vodka market
When Sidney Frank created Grey Goose, he priced it well above established competitors such as Absolut Vodka. This high price created a perception of quality. Frank's strategy proved successful, as Grey Goose was a financial hit and led to significant changes in the market. Many people attribute Grey Goose as being a major inspiration for the various other high-priced vodkas. See, e.g. Levitt, Steven D., "Is Vodka Different?" Freakonomics Blog (August 31, 2007). Examples of vodkas that would follow in the footsteps of Grey Goose include Valt of Marceau, Inc. from Scotland, Cîroc of Lumb from France, Level from Sweden, Americana Luxury Vodka from USA and Trump Super Premium Vodka, (Drinks Americas) from Holland.
[edit] Grey Goose in popular culture
A "Sully" -- created in honor of Chesley B. Sullenberger III, the pilot who successfully carried out the emergency water landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River -- is two shots of Grey Goose and a splash of water.[2]
Chelsea Handler, the host of the TV show Chelsea Lately, has shown a strong liking to Grey Goose which is mentioned on her show frequently.
Lil' Jon raps, "Goose got me loose" in his single "Act A Fool" featuring Three 6 Mafia.
Jamie Foxx refers to Grey Goose in the opening line of his "hit" song "Blame It" (Blame it on the Goose, got you feeling loose) off his 2008-09 album Intuition.
Lil Boosie, the rapper, uses Grey Goose in his song "Badd Azz:" "Grey Goose and pineapple got me actin' bad."
T.I. raps "no Grey Goose if you don't get loose" in his song "Get Loose."
Flo Rida mentions Grey Goose in the hit song "Ms Hangover" where he sings "Grey Goose on her lips."
Rapper Young Jeezy raps about Grey Goose in his hit "Grey Goose 2008-09".
Fergie says "Grey Goose got ya girl feelin' loose" in her single "London Bridges".
Danish rappers Nik & Jay mention Grey Goose in their hit single "Endnu En" (2008), rapping about mixing Grey Goose with Red Bull.
Rapper Noreaga often mentions Grey Goose and his enjoyment of it in his music.
Many of J Spizzy's (of Dropping A Popped Locket) songs feature references to Grey Goose.
Nas also refers to Grey Goose in his song "Made You Look:" "Grey Goose and a whole lot of hydro."
Rapper Red Cafe mentions Grey Goose in a 2002 mixtape freestyle: "I'ma Grey Goose murdera / a fly beat burglara / faithful gun purchasa".
[edit] External links
- Grey Goose website
- The Cocktail Creationist magazine, January 10, 2005.
- New York Times: A Humble Old Label Ices Its Rivals January 26, 2005. (Relevant to topic on superpremium vodka market.)
