Stolichnaya vodka was originally made in a distillery in a small village in Irkutsk from the waters of Lake Baikal. The purity of the waters in this lake are a scientific wonder and make exceptional vodka. In the modern era, Stoli is made here and in other locations throughout Russia creating variation in the brand's consistency (different water, different production, etc.). The good Stoli is legendary.Stolichnaya Gold is meant to replace the Stolichnaya Cristall and designed for ultimate smoothness. In their 2010 review, the Beverage Testing Institute enthusiastically said, "Fantastically smooth and seamless."