Ivanabitch Vodka: Yes, It's Called 'Ivanabitch'

What's better than going to your local bar and ordering a shot of vodka? Going to your local bar and ordering a shot of vodka with a swear in the name. We've recently discovered Ivanabitch Vodka, and not only do they claim to make a great vodka, they also say they're swinging around the biggest attitude. We did a little digging to find out more about both the vodka and the attidude, and here's what we came up with:

The Attitude: They certainly don't shy away from their name over there, with cocktail recipes have names like "Dirty 'Bitch," "Power 'Bitch" and "Twisted 'Bitch." The site has a funny pretty funny tone, where they're daring you to like their product. There's also a bio of Dmitri Ivanabitch, the half-crazy Russian who created the spirit in 1666, if he ever existed at all.

Ivanabitch also created a little stir last year when Viacom and Clear Channel banned their billboard and radio ads due to an overly suggestive pickle. Wondering what a pickle has to do with Vodka? So did we - keep reading to find out.

Oh, and they sponsored a lingerie fashion show last year called Teddies and Tinis - they're certainly not the first liquor company to sell with sex, but we had to throw them some props for the name.

The Drink: Ivanabitch is Russian Vodka by way of Holland, and it's charcoal-filtered and distilled five times. That's only one distillation less than our favorite, Tito's Handmade Vodka, and more than your typical two to three distillations.

According to the website, the distillation process makes Ivanabitch "one of the clearest vodkas in the world while, at the same time, giving it its singularly pure taste and trademark smooth finish." We guess that remains to be seen, but we like the sound of it.

Oh, and about that pickle thing - they say you should garnish your Ivanabitch on the rocks with a dill pickle instead of your traditional twist or lime. We couldn't make that up and it sounds a bit gross, but we won't knock it until we try it.

Learn more about Ivanabitch Vodka at Ivanabitch.com.

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Posted by Liquor Snob at February 5, 2006 9:57 AM

My family actually knows the people who created Ivanabitch, and I can assure you there was never a Dimitri Ivanabitch. In fact, they originally wanted to call the vodka simply "Bitch" and had an idea of marketing it by suggesting people -- presumably after a bad day at work -- go in to bars and say something like "give me a Bitch" or "I want a Bitch." That was the last I heard of the whole thing until the revised "Ivanabitch" actually hit the market a couple years later. I must congratulate the advertising team behind these changes.

Posted by: Dave at February 8, 2006 10:34 AM

Just wanted to let everyone know that chasing vodka with a pickle it is truly a Russian thing. Unlike Americans, Russian people drink their vodka straight up, room temperature, usually accompanied by a meaningful toast and chased with a pickle. Not a lot of people are aware of this tradition, but this is the way the vodka has been consumed in Russia for at least the last 200 years. For the best experience do it with the “Clausen” pickle brand; they are the closest ones to the Russian pickles. Trust me I am Russian!!!!
P.S. Ivanabitch is one of the best vodkas I have ever tried! So next time at the bar, ask for a shot.

Posted by: Dmitri at March 16, 2006 10:35 PM