Jason Momoa moves into vodka
Game of Thrones actor Jason Momoa has created a new sustainable vodka, which will make its debut at wine and spirits show Access Live in Florida, US.
The new brand will be introduced at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America’s (WSWA) alcohol industry event 2023 Access Live, with Momoa named keynote speaker. The event, formerly known as WSWA's Convention & Exposition, will be held on 2-5 April 2023 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. "It's an incredible honour to address my new friends and colleagues in the wine and spirits industry as the chosen keynote speaker," said Aquaman star Momoa. "I'm not only proud, but extremely excited to celebrate the launch of Meili Vodka – our new sustainable brand of craft spirits. “These three days will centre around the elevation of discovery, shared stories and the beauty of new frontiers.” Momoa and Junk Food Clothing founder Blaine Halvorson, who have been friends for 10 years, partnered to launch the new vodka. The duo embarked on the creation of the brand seven years ago, the Meili website said. According to Meili's website, the bottle is made from the first 100% recycled glass bottle on the market, and uses water sourced from natural springs in Montana. It is designed to be sipped neat. Halvorson, owner of clothing brand Made Worn, added: “We hope to introduce our vision — and the true ethos behind our creation — as we gather new friends to share this incredible journey with. "Just like Meili, we realise sustainability is a core principle within Access Live, and we strive to create awareness of sensible and responsible practices moving forward. “We plan to set the bar for what's possible within the wine and spirits industry — and lead the marketplace by example as the global standard, inspiring others for decades to come." Access Live is described as the largest US event uniting all tiers of the alcohol industry. Sponsors of the 2023 event include Campari, Tito's, Responsibilty.org, Casa Maestri, Irvine's Spirits, Shay Mitchell's Onda, Women of the Vine & Spirits, Pour Agency, Infinium Spirits, Disaronno International, Hood River Distillers, and Pronghorn, among others. Momoa is the latest celebrity to launch his own spirits brand, joining the likes of musician Lenny Kravitz, and actors Kate Hudson, Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul.