Peter X. Kelly owns several prestigious restaurants in the Hudson Valley, and has starred in television programs from Iron Chef to Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations. But it was a trip to Slovenia that inspired him to become a vodka entrepreneur.

When vacationing in Venice, Kelly decided to make a day trip to nearby Slovenia. He knew almost nothing about the country, but he fell in love with its unspoiled landscapes and castles at first sight. He also established bonds with Slovenian food producers, and began to feature unique products ranging from handmade Adriatic salt to wines and oils in his restaurants.

Then Kelly came up with another idea: He would make Slovenia a well-known brand in the U.S. by marketing a brand of vodka named simply “Slovenia.” He joined forces with the businessman Emil Gaspari and a Slovenian distiller to create a drink that truly reflects the country: Not only does it contain water from the mountains of Slovenia, but it also includes a touch of buckwheat – an important element of Slovenia’s traditional cuisine. Even the bottle represents the best that Slovenia has to offer; it is made at the Hrastnik Glassworks, one of the most respected manufacturers of top-quality glass in this part of Europe.

So far, Slovenia – the vodka – is available only in a few northeastern U.S. states, but Kelly’s plans for the brand are ambitious. He is determined to make Slovenia available throughout the United States, and has managed to sign up the actor Bill Murray and the Russian dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov to invest in the company. The two have appeared in online commercials praising the vodka’s smooth taste and are eager to promote it at various events. Murray, who famously played an American actor promoting an alcoholic beverage in the movie Lost in Translation, has even promised to visit to the country where the drink is made.

So far, the vodka, which costs between $30 and $40, has been met with an enthusiastic response, winning gold medals at several prestigious vodka tastings. Since last year, it has also been available to consumers in Slovenia, the country whose name is proudly displayed on every bottle.

Jaka Bartolj