Not being a liquor drinker, I can’t tell you personally whether or not Perfect 1864 vodka is indeed the world’s smoothest vodka. I can tell you that the Grandes Distilleries Peureux is actively marketing this new liquor in Rhode Island, first with an unveiling party at the West Deck in Newport and then sponsoring the 20th Annual Bastille Day Race at Pot au Feu on July 14.

The Bastille Day activities included a race that pits waiters and waitresses from some of the state’s best restaurants against each other in a competition of skill and speed. Following the race, Pot au Feu hosted a Bastille Day soiree, with entertainment, prizes, and serving Perfect cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

At the Newport unveiling event in June, Ocean State spirits and culinary aficionados enjoyed sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and Perfect vodka-based libations including “The Perfect Storm” -- a special mix of 1½ parts of Perfect 1864, 4 parts of club soda, a splash of orange juice and garnish with lemon and lime. Carrying the “Perfect” theme along through the rest of the mixed drink names, they also served “The Perfect Beginning”, “The Perfect Posture”, “The Perfect Recovery”, “The Perfect Wave” and many more.

Bernard Baud, CEO of Grandes Distilleries Peureux and Paul Connors, Managing Director of Legacy Imports were on hand to differentiate their brand. They pointed out that, historically, the super premium category of vodka was distinguished by price alone. Perfect 1864 is the first ultra-premium vodka to be defined in terms of quality standards; the hand-selected tender wheat of Champagne France, pristine water from the Vosges region, and distillation process are all certified for origin and quality. Though I don’t drink, I do appreciate quality, so what Baud and Connors had to say makes sense to me.

Thinking about it a little, I realize that Newport might be the perfect venue for introducing luxury products of all kinds – it’s the traditional playground of the well-heeled. While you might find a higher concentration of millionaires on some private island somewhere, but product introductions also require public visibility. And, since many of the various regattas and sailing events based in Newport Harbor are sponsored by liquor companies, it looks like many companies have decided that Newport is a great place to kick off a new beverage line.

Then, because of Providence’s ties to the culinary world, a second event in Providence makes perfect sense.

Woops, I just noticed that the “Perfect” pun has rubbed off on my writing. I wasn’t drinking. Honest. But plenty of people at the events were, and they seemed to think that the taste of the Perfect 1864 vodka was… well… perfect.

Now, about those creative cocktails -- here’s a few of their recipes…

The Perfect Wave

• 1-1/2 parts Perfect Vodka
• 1/2 part Blue Curacao
• 2 parts Pineapple Juice
• 4 parts Sour Mix

A Perfect 10

• 1-1/2 parts Perfect Vodka
• 1/2 part Raspberry Liqueur
• 4 parts Pineapple Juice

The Perfect French Kiss

• 2 parts Perfect Vodka
• 1/2 part Raspberry Liqueur
• 1/2 part Cognac or brandy

As well as a couple of Perfect vodka-based pasta sauce recipes

Angel Hair Perfect

• 1 Tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 Tablespoons diced Canadian bacon
• 2 Tablespoons Green peas
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
• 1 cup Perfect Vodka

Perfect Pasta

• 1 cup Tomato Puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
• 1/2 cup Perfect Vodka

About the author, Paul Pence: Not a life-long Rhode Islander, Paul got to Rhode Island as fast as he could. He has 25 years of writing experience and numerous publication credits including the Providence Journal, the East Greenwich Magazine, Weissmann Travel Reports, Travel Lady Magazine, Jackhammer, Your Skin and Sun, TravelNotes, TexWoman, and many others.

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