Humboldt Distillery Celebrates 10 Years of Business
Humboldt Distillery is celebrating 10 years of business, and a win at the Good Food Awards. Located on California’s North Coast and best known for producing the #1 best-selling organic vodka in California, Humboldt Distillery has been growing every year since the first bottle was sold ten years ago. Additionally, last weekend, Humboldt Organic Vodka was a winner at the 2023 Good Food Awards.
“We started with a shoestring budget and an embarrassingly naive understanding of the beverage
alcohol industry,” says Abe Stevens, Humboldt Distillery Founder and Head Distiller. “Fast forward to
today, and I’m proud to say that we’re now one of the top ranked vodkas in the state, and giving the big
brands a run for their money.”
“We’ve definitely learned a lot along the way,” Co-founder, Courtney Stevens, admits. “I remember
debating the merits of putting a crab on the vodka label, but we’re from the North Coast and we wanted
an icon that’s representative of our region. Once I heard that people were asking for ‘crab water’ instead
of a vodka soda, I knew that something was working. Now we’re celebrating 10 years of business, and
the timing of this win at the Good Food Awards feels serendipitous.”
Last weekend, Humboldt Organic Vodka was a winner at the 2023 Good Food Awards. Chosen through a
rigorous blind tasting process from nearly 2,000 entries, Humboldt Organic Vodka rose to the top on the
basis of quality, while also demonstrating an outstanding commitment to sustainable environmental and
social practices.
Recognizing the environmental benefits of organic production, Humboldt Distillery has been a certified
organic facility from the start. In addition to Humboldt Organic Vodka, they produce award-winning
organic rums, whiskey, apple brandy, and their most unique spirit, Humboldt’s Finest. Humboldt’s Finest
is a vodka infused with hemp; it’s a compelling botanical alternative to gin, and the winner of a Double
Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. “In addition to the coast and the tallest
redwood trees in the world, Humboldt is known for being a big cannabis growing region,” Courtney
explains. “Humboldt’s Finest is our way of capturing a little of that local flavor, but it’s made with hemp,
so it’s perfectly legal in all 50 states and its fresh botanical character is a great way to elevate your
cocktail.”
While Humboldt Distillery enjoys modest distribution nationally and internationally, California is their
largest market. The Northern California area closest to home has historically been their most supportive
region, but demand in Southern California has been accelerating. In the last year, and for the first time,
Humboldt Distillery’s sales to bars and restaurants in Southern California have exceeded those in
Northern California.
Abe reflects, “It’s been rewarding to see so many people enjoy our spirits across the state and beyond.
We often hear how our spirits have played a role in their celebrations and special occasions, and it’s
humbling to consider all the millions of cocktails people have enjoyed over the years using our products.”
ABOUT:
Located in Humboldt County, California, Humboldt Distillery focuses on organic ingredients and
production methods. In addition to producing quality spirits, they work to support efforts that preserve
the coast and waterways throughout California. Their spirits are distributed by Southern Glazer’s Wine &
Spirits, and can be found at large and small retailers across California.
A fifth generation resident of the North Coast, Abe left Humboldt County to pursue a career in science.
He worked in the biotech industry after receiving degrees in chemistry and biochemistry from the
University of Chicago, and also became an accomplished poker player and an occasional real estate
investor. Courtney graduated from the University of Chicago as well, and she worked in education,
publishing, sales, and real estate development. Approximately 10 years ago they decided to switch gears
and move back to rural Humboldt, to open a distillery.
Best-selling claims are based on Nielsen (3/25/23) sales ratings of 750ml unflavored vodka in California.
For more information on Humboldt Distillery, visit HumboldtDistillery.com
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ALL MEDIA INQUIRIES AND REQUESTS
Courtney Stevens
courtney@humboldtdistillery.com
Date and Time
Thursday May 11, 2023
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM PDT
May 11th from 4-6 pm
Location
Humboldt Distillery
735 10th Street
Fortuna, California
Fees/Admission
Free
Website
Contact Information
Kristin Chambers
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