The world might not need another vodka, gin or tequila brand, Phil Hockey admits, but there’s definitely some space in the market for a quality local brand.
“I love food, wine and beverages and I always wanted to take it to the next level – from making cocktails to actually making the spirits,” he says. “That’s the reason I was able to do this,” adds Hockey. “I didn’t have to buy and build the whole distillery. The distillery was there, the pots were there, so I didn’t have all those start-up costs.”
The vodka and gin are made from 100-percent organic Ohio corn and the tequila is distilled from blue agave shipped up from Mexico. Hockey says the vodka has a touch of sweetness from the corn. The gin is going for an Old World-meets-New World flavor profile with juniper, bergamot, lime, anise and chicory. The tequila is full bodied and floral.