Meili Vodka co-founders Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson.

The Hollywood action star is perhaps best known for playing DC’s mighty superhero of the sea in the Aquaman films, but Jason Momoa has been making waves lately beyond the big and small screen with his other business commitments, including his new, award-winning Meili Vodka company.

Co-founded alongside Momoa’s best friend, Blaine Halvorson, these two gentlemen searched the world together, from Antarctica to the Northwest Passage, in hopes of discovering the purest water sources to make the very best tasting vodka possible. As fate would have it, their greatest find came basically in the backyard of Halvorson’s dad’s Montana home.

Momoa told me, “It’s this beautiful water source that comes off of this limestone shelf – 300 million-year-old aquifer. It looked like Avatar – I had never seen so much life at a water source, where there’s snow everywhere. We come to find what makes it so special is that there’s no sodium in that water. The salt is really what takes away some of the notes that you taste in that from our grains, and it’s high in calcium and sulfur. That’s what gives it that really unique taste.”

Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson are co-founders of Meili Vodka.

First, Momoa met Halvorson when he found a pair of shoes that Halvorson had designed. As Momoa got to know Halvorson better, he shared, “I hired him to assist me with all the roles I played, from Frontier to Aquaman. I wore his unique MadeWorn clothing from the start. When I began to direct, be it Carhartt or Harley-Davidson, he helped creatively and in making these worlds a reality. We enjoy working together, constantly trying to impress each other. He is someone I highly respect, and if he appreciates something, I am content with it. That is how we built our friendship – through creation and innovation .”

Following various successful collaborations, Halvorson suggested to Momoa that they should create their own vodka brand. Looking back, he recalls, “Jason asked, ‘Why should we make vodka? We are not even fans of vodka.’ I responded, ‘Exactly!’ We appreciate the allure and storytelling behind moonshine. So, I wanted to bring some of that to vodka, which I felt was lacking. Vodka is often only seen as an ingredient. Especially in the U.S., it is not seen as a spirit. Considering vodka is 60% water, our focus was to find a unique and pure water source to pair with our grains. That’s where it started. We aimed to change people’s perception of vodka.”

Momoa explained to me that unlike traditional vodka, he personally recommends people to try Meili Vodka “warm and served straight,” as its unique Montana water taste makes it a fantastic standalone drink. Moreover, he expressed profound pride in their glass bottles’ sustainable and recycling-friendly design, showing their commitment to the environment.

Momoa made a point, “I’m naturally engaged in a lot of activities and I’m profoundly passionate about our planet. I’m a huge advocate for creating something that’s wholly 100% post-consumer glass. Blaine discovered someone who crafts the best glasses in Mexico. The exciting aspect of this quest is that we are planning to produce them out of Pennsylvania [targeted for Spring 2024], implying fully made in the U.S. The privilege to manufacture the glass locally, for the first time, is phenomenal. Though the endeavor to create such an attractive bottle, recycled and bearing all its subtle specifics is intense, to us it feels just like nurturing our own offspring.”

Halvorson supplemented by stating, “From as long as I can remember, Jason and I have been fascinated by procedures – the way something is designed, who fabricates it, its aesthetic appeal, and the craftsmanship. In my perspective, the process of creation represents a crucial beautiful aspect to it. The journey of recycling this entire glass – melting it in a furnace till it takes shape – is as much rewarding as owning an exclusive bottle. There’s something magical about the authenticity of handmade glass. The piles of glass we recklessly discard, can easily be repurposed for better.”

The venture, Meili Vodka, founded by Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson has been making progress.

Since they marked their entry into the saturated and competitive liquor industry earlier this January with the launch of their visionary product, Meili Vodka, the curiosity spikes about what makes Momoa and Halvorson confident that their new invention is a definitive consumer choice that separates them from their contemporaries in the current market.

Halvorson stated, “In a liquor industry that is largely built upon marketing and gimmicks, we stand out by being transparent and sharing the details of our creation process. This approach to vodka is distinctive, as we are treating vodka as a spirit to be savored, not merely consumed.”

Momoa shared, “Despite the trend of celebrity-owned brands, we are not just another name in the crowd. Rather, my approach involves building everything from scratch — from Mananalu, the water company, to the climbing corporation, So iLL. I’m not just a hired face for the company. This endeavor represents the passion and commitment of two best friends who’ve been pursuing this vision for nearly eight years. We did everything ourselves. We’re not just another celebrity-owned brand; we’ve truly earned our stripes performing the hard work ourselves.”

With a retail price that ranges from $19.99 to $29.99, the cost of Meili — which symbolizes the adventurer’s heart, the pure joy of discovery, and the spirit of exploration — is affordable. Throughout October, Momoa and Halvorson traveled across the country to meet fans and autograph bottles of Meili Vodka. Both gentlemen are keen on the possibility of hosting similar events in the future.

During their tour in October 2023, Blaine Halvorson and Jason Momoa, co-founders of Meili Vodka, took photos with their fans across America.

Halvorson made the comment, “The most significant takeaway from this tour, we captured such stunning portraits all through the tour and conversed with so many individuals who came to support us. This is what Meili is all about – Jason and I commenced this on the premise of communal story-telling, gathered around a campfire or dining table. We hope that as Meili expands and more individuals sample it, they will share their personal narratives with us, enriching the concept of ‘where will Meili take you?’ Today, a large amount of interactions happen virtually via social media which is two-dimensional. I feel it’s wonderful to revive those moments where real human face-to-face interaction happens. The incredibly diverse and beautiful crowd that turned up was astounding.”

In conclusion, Momoa said, “It was my sincere wish to acknowledge everyone in a way that shows this was built with all our love and now, it belongs to you. It’s available to everyone. We have put our utmost efforts into this. It is truly stunning and I feel it’s an exceptional venture to own a brand that reflects who you are. This is our initial year. Getting people excited about it, once they taste it, it’s transformative!”

Since its debut more than a century ago in the 1800s, the Whiskey Sour has undergone numerous changes and possibly given rise to dozens of variations. However, one thing has remained constant through the years: A shaker of Whiskey Sour is only as good as the whiskey you mix it with. Though you can make a Whiskey Sour with both Bourbon and rye whiskey, don’t mistake it as a one-to-one substitution. Your choice of whiskey actually plays a crucial role in the flavor of the final drink.

This difference in taste is due to the distinct mash bills, which are the combinations of grains that are eventually fermented into alcohol, used in these two types of whiskey. Rye whiskey, as the name suggests, is made from a mash bill that has at least 51% rye, which gives the whiskey a very heady, intense flavor packed with spice. This is perfect if you enjoy your Whiskey Sour cocktail hard and dry.

On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more mellow taste, then Bourbon is the way to go. Bourbon’s mash bill consists of at least 51% corn, which gives it a totally different flavor profile. The corn contributes to a sweeter and fuller-bodied flavor in the final drink. Depending on the brand, you may even detect common tasting notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, nuts, and oak from the cask — all of which you’d be able to savor more easily with less spice in the liquor.

Read more: 13 Liquors Your Home Bar Should Have

If you’re aspiring to enhance your Whiskey Sour with additional sweetness and a gentler flavor profile, consider a few options rather than relying solely on bourbon. First off, altering the sweetening elements can make a noticeable difference. Typically, a conventional Whiskey Sour employs simple syrup for sweetness. By slightly increasing the quantity of syrup from the usual ½ ounce, you can augment the sweetness. Be cautious, however, to not go overboard, as excess syrup can render the cocktail overly sweet.

For those who don’t have any qualms deviating from the classic recipe, there’s another shortcut. Certain bartenders have introduced orange juice for adding a blend of sweetness and tartness to this cocktail. This trick comes in particularly handy when bourbon isn’t available and you are resorting to rye whiskey, helping scale-down the whiskey’s spice profile by adding a citric hint.

And if you’re attempting the frothy Whiskey Sour recipe with egg white, think about employing the “reverse dry shake” method. Start by stirring the ingredients with ice for cooling. Post that, strain the mix, discard the ice, pour back the cocktail into the shaker, and shake it again without adding ice for around 15 to 20 seconds. This extra shake contributes towards enhancing the frothiness of the egg white, leading to a smoother texture that feels easier on the palate.

For more insights, do visit the original article on Tasting Table.

Meili Vodka co-founders Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson.

The Hollywood action star is perhaps best known for playing DC’s mighty superhero of the sea in the Aquaman films, but Jason Momoa has been making waves lately beyond the big and small screen with his other business commitments, including his new, award-winning Meili Vodka company.

Co-founded alongside Momoa’s best friend, Blaine Halvorson, these two gentlemen searched the world together, from Antarctica to the Northwest Passage, in hopes of discovering the purist water sources to make the very best tasting vodka possible. As fate would have it, their greatest find came basically in the backyard of Halvorson’s dad’s Montana home.

Momoa told me, “It’s this beautiful water source that comes off of this limestone shelf – 300 million-year-old aquifer. It looked like Avatar – I had never seen so much life at a water source, where there’s snow everywhere. We come to find what makes it so special is that there’s no sodium in that water. The salt is really what takes away some of the notes that you taste in that from our grains, and it’s high in calcium and sulfur. That’s what gives it that really unique taste.”

Meili Vodka co-founders Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson.

Momoa mentioned his first encounter with Halvorson was through a pair of shoes Halvorson had crafted. After initiating contact and getting to know each other better, Momoa confided, “I brought him on board to assist me with everything related to the characters I’ve portrayed, from Frontier to Aquaman. I wore his original [MadeWorn] collection in the early days. When I ventured into directing projects, ranging from Carhartt to Harley-Davidson, he acted as a creative lead helping me bring these concepts to fruition. We derive immense pleasure from our joint efforts and constantly strive to impress each other. His approval means the world to me. Hence, our companionship was built on this foundation – the joy of creating and crafting.”

After multiple shared endeavors on diverse projects, Halvorson remarked that he and Momoa were prepared to develop something exclusive for themselves. Upon proposing the idea to Momoa of establishing a vodka brand, he recalls, “Jason questioned, ‘Why are we making vodka? We don’t enjoy vodka.’ To which I responded, ‘Exactly!’ We were intrigued by the mystery, roughness, and narrative associated with moonshine – hence, being able to bring some of those elements to vodka, which in my opinion, was lacking. Vodka is just considered an ingredient. Especially in the U.S., it’s typically not recognized as a distinct spirit. Given vodka consists of 60% water, we applied our focus there. We sought the cleanest and most distinct water source to pair with our grains. That’s truly where it all began. Our aim was to alter the public’s perception of vodka.”

Momoa then proceeded to speak about how, contrary to most other vodkas, he actually recommends people to savor Meili Vodka “warm and straight” – praising its pure Montana water flavor which makes for a pleasing “neat” beverage. He also articulated his immense pride in the environmental consciousness and recycling priorities incorporated into the production of their glass bottles – from its general design to prioritizing the wellness of our planet.

Momoa stated, “I clearly do a multitude of activities, and am fervently passionate about our planet. I strive to make everything completely 100% post-consumer glass. Blaine discovered a manufacturer who produces the finest glasses in Mexico. The best part has been shifting the production to Pennsylvania, scheduled for Spring 2024. Meaning, we’ll manage everything 100% domestically. The ability to produce the glass locally, a first, is simply wonderful. Every minuscule detail matters when making such an elegant and recycled bottle, it’s rather exhaustive. We cherish it dearly.”

Halvorson chimed in, “Jason and I have always been fascinated with the process – the step-by-step creation of a product, the craftsmen behind it, its appearance, and mode of production. I find the process beautiful and inherently vital. We take wasted glass, put it into a furnace, and melt it down – each bottle has a uniqueness. The feeling of holding handmade glass, it’s magical. With the abundance of glass we discard, it can certainly be reused.”

The co-founders of Meili Vodka, Jason Momoa, and Blaine Halvorson.

I couldn’t help but inquire, given their entry into the vastly growing and highly competitive liquor business this past January with their launch of Meili Vodka. What is it that Halvorson and Momoa believe sets their new spirit apart in today’s market?

Halvorson said, “In a liquor industry that is really heavily built today on marketing and marketing gimmicks, I think us as an open book and storytelling of how this process is done and how it can be done, I think, makes us unique – taking a very different approach to vodka and creating vodka as an actual spirit. Something you can sip and enjoy.”

Momoa added, “We’re in the footprints of like so many celebrity brands. I think if you get to know me, I’m not like that at all, and if anything, most of the companies I’ve ever started, they have all started from the ground up – with the water company [Mananalu], with the [So iLL] climbing [company] – with all the things that I love. It’s not somebody coming to me, paying me a certain fee and then I have to do these appearances and show up. This is two best friends, going on eight years of doing this, a passion that we want to keep this. It’s just a different feel than being like something celebrity, because we really did it on our own. We did it just the two of us for a very long time.”

With its retail price ranging from $19.99 and $29.99, Meili (pronounced MAY-lee) is a term that represents the adventurer’s heart, the purity of discovery and the spirit of exploration. All throughout this past October, Momoa and Halvorson decided to travel around the country to meet with fans and sign their Meili Vodka bottles, fond experiences that both gentlemen are interested in doing more of in the near future.

Meili Vodka co-founders Blaine Halvorson and Jason Momoa taking photos with fans during their U.S. tour in October 2023.

Halvorson expressed, “The major lessons from this journey are the stunning portraits and conversations we collected throughout. The genesis of Meili, which started with Jason and myself, was grounded in the idea of community storytelling, whether around a campfire or a dinner table. Our aspiration is that as Meili expands, our consumers share their narratives with us and engage with our concept of ‘where will Meili take you.’ Despite the prevalence of social media and two-dimensional communication today, we want to revive those moments of real, face-to-face human interaction. Witnessing the extraordinary and inspiring diversity of our supporters was truly memorable.”

In conclusion, Momoa stated, “My aim was to pay tribute to everyone involved in this journey, emphasizing that what we’ve built with great love and passion is now yours. It’s out there for all. It’s the best gift we could ever offer. It’s truly magnificent to have a brand that truly represents you. This is our initiation year. Getting people excited about it – once you taste it, you’ll be hooked.”

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Hot off a critically-acclaimed new album, Hackney Diamonds, the Rolling Stones are back with a new release in the alcohol space, debuting a new rum brand dubbed “Crossfire Hurricane.”

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Inspired by the opening lyrics from their hit 1968 song “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” the spirit is a premium blend of rums from Jamaica, Barbados and the Dominican Republic, aged for five years in charred oak barrels. Expect notes of caramelized bananas, tropical fruit and wood, with a sweet but subtle finish. The golden hue, meantime, harks back to the golden sunshine of the Caribbean coast.

BUY: CROSSFIRE HURRICANE RUM $37

While the Stones have endorsed other products before, this is the first time they’ve introduced their own spirits brand. The band members explain that initiating with rum was an unmistakable decision, as they recorded their album, Goats Head Soup, in Kingston, Jamaica in 1972. Some of the songs for Hackney Diamonds were also recorded in the Bahamas, and both Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have homes in the Caribbean.

In a press statement for the rum, the band mentioned “The Caribbean’s exuberant energy and music greatly influenced the group over the years,” and that Jagger and Richards “often find themselves on the islands when the band is not touring.”

The Crossfire Hurricane Rum is a licensed collaborative project between the Rolling Stones, Universal Music Group and Socio Ventures. It is now available on ReserveBar.com and bottled at 40% ABV, the Rolling Stones’ rum sells for $37.

“We’re incredibly thrilled to collaborate with Universal Music Group and Socio Ventures to establish our first-ever premium spirits brand and eagerly await for it to reach the world,” the Stones mention in a release.

“Owning a business with The Rolling Stones is absolutely electrifying,” adds John Fincher, Socio Ventures Partner and Crossfire Hurricane Co-founder. “It is an absolute privilege to create this product alongside some of the greatest artists of our time. The band’s vision and enthusiasm for Crossfire Hurricane set us apart and position us to redefine the rum category. And you’re all invited to the show.”

A great gift for both music fans and cocktail enthusiasts alike, Crossfire Hurricane is available now on ReserveBar.com.

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Since its debut more than a century ago in the 1800s, the Whiskey Sour has undergone numerous changes and possibly given rise to dozens of variations. However, one thing has remained constant through the years: A shaker of Whiskey Sour is only as good as the whiskey you mix it with. Though you can make a Whiskey Sour with both Bourbon and rye whiskey, don’t mistake it as a one-to-one substitution. Your choice of whiskey actually plays a crucial role in the flavor of the final drink.

This difference in taste is due to the distinct mash bills, which are the combinations of grains that are eventually fermented into alcohol, used in these two types of whiskey. Rye whiskey, as the name suggests, is made from a mash bill that has at least 51% rye, which gives the whiskey a very heady, intense flavor packed with spice. This is perfect if you enjoy your Whiskey Sour cocktail hard and dry.

On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more mellow taste, then Bourbon is the way to go. Bourbon’s mash bill consists of at least 51% corn, which gives it a totally different flavor profile. The corn contributes to a sweeter and fuller-bodied flavor in the final drink. Depending on the brand, you may even detect common tasting notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, nuts, and oak from the cask — all of which you’d be able to savor more easily with less spice in the liquor.

Read more: 13 Liquors Your Home Bar Should Have

If you’re aiming to make your Whiskey Sour sweeter and more light on the taste-buds, consider a few tips beyond the usual usage of bourbon. A primary suggestion is manipulating the sweetening elements in the mix. For instance, a standard Whiskey Sour uses simple syrup for sweetening. Enhancing the sweetness is easily done by adding more syrup than the usual ½ ounce prescribed in many recipes. Be cautious to not exceed though, as excess syrup can unfortunately make the cocktail overly sweet.

For those who don’t mind deviating a bit from the original concoction, some mixologists suggest the addition of orange juice, lending the cocktail a sweet yet somewhat tangy twist. This tricks serves especially well if bourbon is unavailable and rye whiskey is being used instead, as it helps mellow down the rye’s spiciness with a citrusy balance.

Finally, when concocting the frothy Whiskey Sour with egg white, think about using the “reverse dry shake” approach. Initiate by shaking all the ingredients with ice to ensure they’re thoroughly chilled. After this, strain the cocktail, take out the ice from the shaker, re-pour the cocktail in, and give it a second brisk shake sans the ice for about 15 to 20 seconds. This additional shake will give the egg white a superior froth, rendering a silkier texture that tastes lighter and smoother on your palate.

Proceed to read the original article on Tasting Table.

Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson are the co-founders of Meili Vodka.

Well-known for his role as the DC superhero in the Aquaman films, Jason Momoa is generating buzz with his entrepreneurial ventures beyond screen acting, particularly his new, award-winning Meili Vodka company.

In a collaborative effort with his best friend, Blaine Halvorson, the duo traveled the globe, from Antarctica to the Northwest Passage, in a quest to find the purest water sources for crafting the finest vodka. Interestingly, their best discovery was quite close to home, found near Halvorson’s father’s residence in Montana.

Momoa shared, “The water source we found comes off a limestone shelf, which is like a 300 million-year-old aquifer. It looked like Avatar – such an incredible amount of life at a water source amidst snow. The lack of sodium in the water truly brings out the flavor from our grains, while the high calcium and sulfur content give it a distinctive taste.”

Co-founders of Meili Vodka, Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson.

Momoa narrated how he first encountered Halvorson due to a pair of shoes crafted by him. Following their introductions, Momoa recruited Halvorson’s help for his roles in Frontier and Aquaman, alongside various other endeavors. Momoa appreciated Halvorson’s creativity and assistance in bringing his visions to life. Their unique friendship, he said, flourished from this collaboration.

After numerous successful collaborations, Halvorson suggested they come up with a vodka brand of their own. Recounting the conversation, Halvorson said, “Jason questioned the need for our own vodka brand. I emphasized that’s the exact reason we should! We love the storytelling aspect of moonshine and wanted to bring something similar to vodka.” They aimed to revolutionize the perception of vodka not merely as an ingredient but as a spirit, focusing in particular on sourcing high-quality water to match with their grains.

Momoa further mentioned a unique way of enjoying Meili Vodka: warm and straight. This method emphasizes its taste, a product of pure Montana water. He takes immense pride in the sustainable and recyclable nature of their glass bottle production process, highlighting their environmental responsibility.

Momoa expressed, “I engage in a myriad of activities and I harbor intense passion for our planet. One of my top priorities is to create something that is purely crafted from post-consumer glass. Blaine identified a splendid glassmaker in Mexico. The highlight of this initiative is that we plan on executing it in Pennsylvania by Spring 2024, ensuring 100% of the production is conducted in the U.S. The prospect of fabricating the glass domestically for the first time is truly exhilarating. Paying meticulous attention to every minor detail to craft such beautiful eco-friendly bottles proved to be quite a remarkable experience. Regard it as our precious creation.”

Halvorson articulated, “Both Jason and I are incredibly interested in the journey of a product’s life – from creation to the final product, the individuals involved, and the aesthetic aspect of the process. I consider the process to be a significant and appealing part of it. To take redundant glass, place it in a furnace, and see it melt away – the end result is a unique bottle each time. It evokes a sense of artisanal craftsmanship, which is indeed enchanting. The quantity of glass that we dispose of can easily be repurposed.”

Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson are the founders of Meili Vodka.

Upon their entry into the thriving and competitive spirits industry in January with the introduction of Meili Vodka, it intrigued me what Halvorson and Momoa have to say about what sets their innovative brew apart in today’s marketplace.

Halvorson said, “In a liquor industry that is really heavily built today on marketing and marketing gimmicks, I think us as an open book and storytelling of how this process is done and how it can be done, I think, makes us unique – taking a very different approach to vodka and creating vodka as an actual spirit. Something you can sip and enjoy.”

Momoa added, “We’re in the footprints of like so many celebrity brands. I think if you get to know me, I’m not like that at all, and if anything, most of the companies I’ve ever started, they have all started from the ground up – with the water company [Mananalu], with the [So iLL] climbing [company] – with all the things that I love. It’s not somebody coming to me, paying me a certain fee and then I have to do these appearances and show up. This is two best friends, going on eight years of doing this, a passion that we want to keep this. It’s just a different feel than being like something celebrity, because we really did it on our own. We did it just the two of us for a very long time.”

With its retail price ranging from $19.99 and $29.99, Meili (pronounced MAY-lee) is a term that represents the adventurer’s heart, the purity of discovery and the spirit of exploration. All throughout this past October, Momoa and Halvorson decided to travel around the country to meet with fans and sign their Meili Vodka bottles, fond experiences that both gentlemen are interested in doing more of in the near future.

Meili Vodka co-founders Blaine Halvorson and Jason Momoa taking photos with fans during their U.S. tour in October 2023.

Halvorson stated, “Our major revelation from this journey was the series of extraordinary portraits we collected as we interacted with numerous supporters. The profound basis of Meili is rooted in the idea that Jason and I conceptualized. We envisioned creating a space for sharing stories over a cozy campfire or a communal dinner table. Our aspiration is for Meili to expand and encourage people to share their narratives with us, thereby promoting a sense of community. Despite the pervasive influence of social media and virtual interactions in contemporary times, we believe in revitalizing the essence of physical human interaction and communication. The participation of a remarkably diverse range of individuals was truly a sight to behold.”

In the closing of the discussion, Momoa articulated, “It was of immense importance to me that everyone felt recognized and appreciated in a way that reflects the collective heart and soul we’ve poured into this effort. Now, it belongs to everyone. This enterprise is our best offering, a token of our love. We take great pride in having a brand that truly represents us. We are in our pioneering year, and our primary objective is to spread excitement about our venture. Once you experience the taste, you’ll be hooked.”