Rwanda’s creative energy isn’t just alive in music and art. This week, it poured into a bottle as Kari Vodka, a premium spirit born from the volcanic highlands, made its debut on US market.

The official launch in Washington DC on Friday celebrated Rwandan craftsmanship, women-led innovation, and sustainable agriculture.

For many who associate vodka with Europe, Kari Vodka is a reminder that homegrown products can shine on a global stage. First introduced in Kigali this past May, the vodka is a varietal spirit, made from potatoes.

That means it carries the subtle flavour of its base ingredient, offering a richer, creamier, and slightly sweeter taste than standard vodkas.

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The secret lies in the region itself. Virunga Mountain Spirits, the distillery behind Kari, says the volcanic spring water and mineral-rich soil give the Kinigi potatoes a smoothness and flavour that are impossible to replicate elsewhere.

The vodka, at 40 percent ABV, is crafted from potatoes often overlooked by supermarkets. Sourced through local cooperatives and Hollanda Fairfoods/Winnaz, these "unloved” potatoes are transformed into a clean, rich vodka that works as beautifully in a cocktail as it does neat.

Kari Vodka is creatively named after Rwanda’s highest peak, Mount Karisimbi, and draws its complexity from the volcanic soil and spring water of the Volcanoes region in the northwest.

The spirit also reflects a commitment to sustainability and community, honouring the legacy of women in alcohol production both in Rwanda and around the world.

The distillery itself is an experience. Located at the base of the Volcanoes, it welcomes visitors to its agro-tourism site, which includes the Kinigi Grill and a demonstration farm. Guests can sample the vodka, enjoy local cuisine made from farm-grown ingredients, and shop for art and keepsakes created by regional artisans.

On a clear day, Karisimbi rises majestically in view, a reminder of the land that nurtures the spirit inside each bottle.

The name Kari carries history beyond the peak. In 1967, Dian Fossey established the Karisoke Research Center between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. It was here that she conducted most of her groundbreaking work with mountain gorillas. The vodka’s name honours her legacy, linking Rwanda’s natural heritage, history, and craft in a single experience.