X MUSE, pronounced ‘tenth muse’, is the first blended barley vodka inspired by the spirit making traditions of Scotland.
Considering the anticipated consumption of a massive 2.2 billion litres of vodka worldwide in 2024, vodka is undoubtedly a well-liked beverage. It is even considered to be the fourth most popular spirit in the world, following whiskey, China’s widely loved Baijiu, and an array of ever-popular liqueurs commonly found in local stores.
Within a market brimming with various drinks brands, it can be challenging to distinguish oneself. However, one company, based in Edinburgh, managing to do so is X MUSE. X MUSE is meticulous in crafting vodka and takes its blending to unprecedented peaks. Drawing inspiration from ancient traditions and elements from the art world, X MUSE produces an exquisite Scottish barley vodka, using only the finest ingredients.
Pronounced ‘tenth muse’, this is the first blended barley vodka that takes inspiration from Scotland’s spirit-making traditions. This rich history and knowledge base is utilized, in addition to employing new techniques to blend heritage barley and the purest water, to yield a vodka possessing the most profound character and qualities.
X MUSE is celebrated as the pioneer in shaping vodka blended from barley, carrying an air of symbolism and significance. The distinct taste originates from heritage varieties of barley cultivated within the UK, each distilled separately. Unlike common barley, these are venerated for their flavor as opposed to their yield. This unique blend makes the X MUSE an outstanding choice for straight-up sipping, or as a key component in cocktails and martinis.
X MUSE’s co-founder and artistic director, Vadim Grigoryan, shares his vision behind the brand. Exploring his 15-year career at Pernod Ricard, he dreamt of conceiving a brand that culturally enriches and respects its ingredients. He proposed to Robert Wilson, the brand’s co-founder and CEO, that focusing on the water – which comprises roughly 60% of most spirits – could significantly amplify the taste and overall perception of the spirit. Especially when the water originates from a pure, naturally exquisite source.
“Our team at Heriot-Watt University spent three years working closely with specialists to handpick two heritage varieties of barley, Plumage Archer and Maris Otter. These are appreciated specifically for their taste. After independent distillation, they are amalgamated in specific ratios to develop the smooth and complex flavour characteristic of X MUSE. Commitment to utilize only the finest British ingredients ensures each batch of X MUSE maintains consistent quality, though subtle flavour differences present a nod to the whimsical variation nature afford.” says Grigoryan.
The brand has extensively examined the roots and traditions of spirit-making, drawing inspiration from its alchemical roots yet remains future-oriented. Science and technology are adopted seamlessly when fulfilling their purpose. Though traditional vodka-making techniques create an inspirational backdrop for X MUSE, it doesn’t serve as an instruction manual. The company has critically evaluated these traditions and endeavored to be innovative, creative while incorporating cutting-edge distillation technologies.
Vadim notes: “We adopt a quiet innovation approach and reject the universally accepted conventions about our vodka production. We refuse to accept that vodka should be, by nature, colourless and odourless, essentially devoid of sensory experience. In our mind, it ought to be a spirit with a complex nose and taste.
“Realising this objective is not easy. Developing a vodka worthy of being sipped and savoured is the ultimate challenge for any spirit-maker. It can’t rely on botanical elements or be matured in oak barrels. The defining trait would be its standalone merits. Such is the character of X MUSE.”
Robert Wilson states: “X Muse’s inception is intrinsically linked to the very place that sparked off the inspiration – Jupiter Artland. This distinctive, special location, a haven for artistic initiative and peaceful reflection, where Art and Nature exist in symbiotic harmony, Jupiter Artland dictates the purpose and origin of the X MUSE brand.”
Situated at the crux of Jupiter Artland in Edinburgh is the ancient aquifer of Scotland’s Bonnington Estate. Enclosed by the sculptural earthworks and barrows of the land artist Charles Jencks, and dotted with numerous immaculate lakes, it is a place where the significance of water is revered and it serves as a tangible symbol of gratitude.
Visitors are invited to experience the unique magic of vodka tasting tours at the spiritual home of X MUSE, the X MUSE Temple. This immersive space, designed by Formafantasma, offers an intriguing exploration into how X MUSE Vodka is made, the roots of the brand, tastings and food pairings, inspiring cocktail recipes, and a shop for the award-winning vodka and its accessories.
Peter Smith, the brand ambassador for X MUSE Vodka, shares, “The very ethos and philosophy of X Muse are deeply rooted in the world of art. Combined with the spirit making traditions of Scotland, we blend two heritage barleys together to offer a flavor unlike any vodka you’ve ever tasted.
“At X Muse, we believe our vodka should look as good as it tastes. That’s why we focus on the smallest details, from the specific barley that we chosen after three years of research, to the feel of our bottle in your hand and the story on the back of our label. In line with our motto ‘Plura latent quam patent’, translating to ‘more is hidden than is spoken’, we strive to hide beauty and perfection in plain sight.”
All imagery credit: X MUSE
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