Ketel One makes its mark in Lebanon as Bob Nolet shares over three centuries of the brand’s family expertise with the country. In the tradition of his fathers, and indeed in the tradition of the fascinating Ketel One Vodka craftsmanship, Bob Nolet, the eleventh generation of the Nolet family, traversed the country representing the super premium vodka that exemplifies its high standing in the spirits community.

This occasion marked Nolet’s first visit to Lebanon, where he attended exclusive events like the World Class forum in Mandaloun Mar-Mikhael.

In February, Nolet hosted an exclusive press conference at Iris which was followed by a VIP dinner that same evening at Braai restaurant. Guests were treated to Nolet’s wealth of knowledge about the brand, including what distinguishes it from other vodkas, recommended food pairings, and its exceptional ability to complement any occasion.

The history of the Holland-based Nolet Distillery reads like a fable: Joannes Nolet founded the distillery in 1691, and it passed through 10 generations to Carolus Nolet, Bob's father. 

Carolus took the helm at the beginning of the '80s, and set about to honour the vodka worthy of his ancestors. Inspired by their techniques, he created Ketel One, a wheat-based super-premium spirit distilled in traditional copper pot stills, and output in small batches under careful control.

Just as Carolus Jr. took Ketel One from one U.S. bar to another in the 1980s to introduce owners and bartenders to a superior spirit, so did Bob Nolet become the vodka's brand ambassador in Europe, employing the same positive camaraderie as his father to bring knowledge of Ketel One's graces to the top bars on the Continent. 

Bob's immersion in business and marketing from his teens carried though his work with Holland-based clothing chains and American spirits wholesaling, and set the groundwork for his eleventh generation evolution of the Ketel One message. 

In 2008, Diageo, the world’s largest alcohol distributor, established a partnership with the Nolet family that would thrust Ketel One Vodka onto a global platform, opening up new markets and introducing the product to new consumers.

Nolet has made his way to Lebanon, a growing market in the region. ‘It’s been a distinct privilege to share the Ketel One story with Lebanon. I was especially delighted to discover the appreciation and taste that the Lebanese people have for quality. Their response and recognition of the brand show strong signs of promise for Ketel One Vodka in Lebanon’, he added.