Tag: Charities & Non Profits

(This article first appeared in the August 23, 2017 issue of The Independent Newspaper)

You’re at the bar debating what to drink. Absolut, Kettle, Grey Goose, Tito’s. Now there’s an even easier vodka choice. Simple. A vodka name you can feel proud to order. The company aims beyond satisfying its customers with a mission to end hunger in America.

As one in six Americans are food insecure, every bottle purchased gives 20 meals to those in need. Drink with pride — suddenly being hungover has a positive effect!

Here are the facts you need to know: Simple Vodka is handcrafted and sustainably distilled once in a four-column fractional distillation process. The water is drawn from Idaho’s Snake River Aquifer from a well that is 180 feet deep. The Russet potatoes used to create the vodka are sourced 40 miles from the distillery. Less than one percent of vodka sold in the United States is made from potatoes, but Simple uses nine pounds per bottle.

In keeping eco-friendly, 25 percent of the energy consumed during the distillation process is wind generated, the byproducts are then converted into animal feed, and the wastewater is recycled right on the premises. To ensure the product is fresh, the whole process goes from ground to bottle in six days or less.

Danny Lafuente, CEO, and Dan Maslow, president – known as “the Dans” — met in 2006 while pledging Beta Theti Pi fraternity at UPenn. Upon graduating they mutually desired to create a product that would generate positive social impact and, after a few Moscow Mules while out together in Miami, they stumbled into their future — vodka.

After countless hours of research on hunger relief programs across the country they realized that they could make the greatest impact by donating to programs to help cut down storage and food delivery costs. Bottoms up!

Master distiller Gray Ottley, of Distilled Resources Inc., teamed up with the pledge brothers and Dave Bourne at Ignite Spirit Branding designed the bottle. Simple Spirits Company was founded in March 2015.

Since launching in Florida, New York, and California in May of this year, Simple has donated more than 35,000 meals and strives for 30 million meals annually by 2020.

The taste is as clear as the product itself. In a social experiment while at a local fundraiser, where Simple was being served, I told the bartender to give me two Moscow Mules — one made with Tito’s and the other with Simple. Without knowledge, or pressure, of which glass contained which vodka, I sipped. Simple was the smoother flavor, having a clean finish without the sting (a complete shock as a long-time Tito’s drinker). Dangerously delicious.

Since launching in The Hamptons this summer, Simple has been a cocktail sponsor at events like the Ellen Hermanson Foundation’s An Evening of Enchantment, the UNCF’s A Mind Is… benefit, and they will be providing beverages at the Give Amor Fiesta benefit at Blue Parrot tomorrow night. Simple is also the official vodka of The Hampton Classic.

Simple is available throughout The Hamptons at restaurants and bars including Ruschmeyers, WÖlffer Kitchen, Almond, Muse in the Harbor, Old Stove Pub, Southampton Publick House, The Gig Shack, and The Squeezery along with many local liquor stores.

The next time you find yourself at a bar, or any of their purchasing locations, try the Simple choice. Your liver and your conscience will thank you for it. Cheers!