Well it has been a longer, tougher process than we had ever imagined. 18 months after first stepping foot in the empty, cavernous warehouse that would one day be a flourishing, fully-operational distillery we are proud to introduce the world to Elemental Vodka!
As you could imagine, the journey has been amazing. Elation, frustration, exhaustion, and determination would probably be the most apt terms to express our day-to-day challenges of local and federal licensing, designing and building our own facility, securing our organic certification, and most importantly learning how to make the best-tasting small-batch organic vodka on the market.
We couldn't be happier.
And we couldn't have done it alone. We thank our families for all their support and for standing by us through the long days when we were away; our equipment fabricators, packaging suppliers, and bottle printers who came to believe in what we were doing and who went beyond the call of duty on many occasions; our friends for their encouragement and advice; our fellow Oregon distillers for being so cool (and helpful when asked); and of course our amazing landlords for all their assistance, support, and the INVALUABLE use of their forklift!
So now that the work is done, the real work starts. We are currently introducing Elemental to top restaurants, bars, and liquor stores in Oregon. Our goal was to create a premium spirit that embraces and promotes organic and slow food agriculture while conducting our operations in the most environmentally-responsible manner. In doing so we have found great encouragement and reception amongst the consumers we have met so far. We now look forward to getting out from behind the equipment and connecting with more people in the coming months.
And the timing couldn't be better. Oregon continues to position itself as the micro-distilling capital of the U.S., the Oregon Distillers Guild (the first of its kind in the country) continues to evolve, organic spirits are starting to become recognized as the way to go, and quality small-batch spirits are finally coming out of the shadow of the corporate brands.
There are a lot of exciting things in the works for the coming months. We will post about them as details become more concrete. For now though, please help spread the word: ask for Elemental Vodka at your local liquor stores.
Thank you everyone!
10 comments:
Oooooooh yeah. This foodie is ready to partake of the product at our next Portland outing. Cheers!
So does Ed get a free Birthday bottle as you introduced this on his birthday? :) Looks good - let me know when it gets out East!
Chrissie
Good luck Michael! I especially like the name - elements:chemistry
Congratulations on bringing this together, look forward to mixing it up now that summer is here thank god.
Should I ask my local Arizona booze vendors for Elemental too? Looks like I might just have to come back up there for a taste! Congrats on the final product! Now I want some absinthe ;)
Hey, Michael and Michael, way cool! Congrats and it's about time.
If the local dude at my local liquor store doesn't know what the #*$&#*@! I am talking about, is there a way for them to look Elemental Vodka up and order me some?
Yes, they should be able to just look it up as Elemental Vodka. But if you want to get all technical about it tell them the Oregon Product Code is 6457B. That's what they use to order from the OLCC.
Hi Mike, I can't believe you put up with us asking so how is the vodka business coming along for the last 18 months. It sure is nice to be able to see your commitment to this endevour and talent so plainly on the bottle.
One proud mother........PatH
Mike and Mike
Congrats to you BOTH. Lots of determination and dedication got you here keep up the great work. Good luck on this new jouney you deserve only the best! Julie Raleigh NC
Sampled your vodka at Woodstock liquor store. Very smooth. Goes down easy.
Best to you in bringing spirits to pdx.
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