Actor Jason Momoa and fashion designer Blaine Halvorson set out on a journey across different continents in search of the ideal vodka. Were they able to achieve their goal?

Blaine Halvorson (left) and Jason Momoa crafted Meili Vodka specifically to be enjoyed as a sipping vodka.

Before offering me a taste of his Meili Vodka, Jason Momoa encourages me to compare it to one of the leading vodka brands on the market. He sets the Meili bottle aside and hops behind the bar. We are at a private venue within Kyma restaurant and bar, located in New York City’s Flatiron district, where I have the opportunity to meet Momoa along with his Meili Vodka co-founder, fashion designer Blaine Halvorson.

Blaine Halvorson and Jason Momoa at the Meili Vodka event in Florida.

The actor, standing at 6’4″ and clad in black with a cowboy hat, returns holding a bottle he has requested I keep nameless, a critically acclaimed vodka from outside the U.S. He begins by pouring this vodka into a glass, followed by some Meili.

“Take a whiff of this one, then our Meili,” Momoa suggests.

The comparison vodka has hints of both alcohol and a cleaning product scent, while the Meili delights the senses with its richer, fuller aroma. As Momoa has presented this other vodka for evaluation, I take a sip. It offers a solid flavor with minimal alcohol burn and a smooth, clean aftertaste, much like many vodkas that aim to blend seamlessly with any mixer.

Next, I grab the sample of Meili Vodka and take a sip.

* * *

Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson engage in conversation with Erik Ofgang at Kyma in New York City, on September 8, 2024.

The history of vodka in the United States is quite peculiar. Back in the early 1930s, the first vodka distillery in the nation was established in Connecticut by a Ukrainian immigrant named Rudolph Kunett. He had acquired the name and recipes from a Russian vodka brand that was virtually unknown in the U.S., which happened to be Smirnoff. However, Americans initially struggled to appreciate what they considered to be just a clear and tasteless form of whiskey. Consequently, Kunett had to shut down his distillery and sell the business. The sales for Smirnoff only began to flourish once the new owners promoted it as a flavorless, odorless cocktail mixer—essentially a spirit designed to blend seamlessly with other beverages.

I had the opportunity to share this narrative in an episode of the History Channel’s “Food That Built America,” a tale that is familiar to both Momoa and Halvorson, and served as partial motivation for their own vodka creation.

“When vodka first arrived, it wasn’t something people were excited about, so it ended up becoming just an ingredient,” says Halvorson. “We decided to reimagine what it could truly be.”

“Vodka has been constantly evolving,” adds Momoa. “Our goal was to create a vodka that can be sipped and appreciated as a true spirit rather than just another mixer.”

Founded by Blaine Halvorson and Jason Momoa, Meili Vodka has already received numerous accolades.

Their journey began nearly ten years ago, long before Momoa took on the role of Aquaman. Halvorson is a renowned fashion designer celebrated for his work with brands such as Junkfood Clothing and Madeworn. Known for his dedication to handmade, intricately crafted products, he and Momoa connected through Momoa’s former spouse, Lisa Bonet, leading to a strong friendship and collaborative partnership. Halvorson has contributed creatively to many of Momoa’s film projects. “It was a beautiful bond formed between two creative souls, united by a shared passion for craftsmanship,” Halvorson reflects.

Jason Momoa samples Meili Vodka at Kyma in New York City on September 8, 2024.

Nine years prior, a collaboration to create a spirit was envisioned, yet vodka was not initially part of their plan.

“We did not enjoy vodka. It wasn’t something we drank,” Halvorson recalls. However, as he delved into the history of vodka, he became fascinated with how the spirit had drifted from its artisan origins. Halvorson recognized an opportunity to restore its craftsmanship. Upon discovering that vodka is composed of 60% water, he proposed the concept to the environmentally conscious Momoa. Initially, the actor thought he was being pranked, but he soon aligned with the idea. “Once he laid it out for me, it made complete sense,” Momoa states.

The duo embarked on a significant journey to find the purest water source possible for their vodka. Their travels took them to Antarctica and remote parts of Greenland. However, the waters they discovered either didn’t meet their standards or couldn’t be utilized on the scale required. According to Halvorson, most vodka brands disregard the source of their water because they strip away its minerals. “Our aim was to embrace the water, preserving its beauty and character,” he emphasizes.

In the meantime, Halvorson’s father shared tales of a water source nestled in the mountains of Montana. Initially, the pair didn’t take the idea seriously, but Halvorson’s father’s unwavering enthusiasm convinced them to explore it. Upon their arrival in Montana, they discovered a natural spring with a consistent temperature, reminiscent of legends surrounding the fountain of youth.

“It was 20 below, and it felt like something out of ‘Avatar.’ You could look into the water and see flowers blooming,” Halvorson recounts.

The duo successfully located their water source, leading to the launch of Meili vodka in 2023. This unique water serves as the foundation for Meili Vodka, complemented by a gluten-free grain blend featuring grains from Montana.

The vodka’s packaging is equally intriguing and environmentally friendly, as one would expect from a brand created by a fashion icon and movie star. Each bottle is crafted entirely from recycled glass, showcasing a captivating green tint. Notably, no two bottles are exactly the same.

* * *

By the time I finish my sip of Meili, I find myself among its admirers. The vodka boasts a silky flavor, with a subtle warmth from the alcohol and hints of vanilla on the aftertaste, making it one of the few vodkas I enjoy savoring neat — although it also serves as an excellent mixer. As noted in a previous Forbes article, Meili was recognized as the world’s best vodka by the TAG Global Spirits Awards, and it secured a gold medal at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Momoa and Halvorson are not taken aback by the enthusiastic response and high ratings the vodka has garnered. This was precisely their goal. They aspire to reshape people’s views of vodka and restore its reputation as a drink appreciated for its intrinsic qualities.

Meanwhile, Momoa explains that his partnership with Halvorson in creating this brand feels like a seamless continuation of his filmmaking endeavors.

“What I cherish the most is storytelling,” he shares. “Our quest to discover these water sources and to comprehend the dynamics of our environment, I work with the UN, allowing me to grasp the issues surrounding water, climate change, and the communities adjacent to these vital resources. Crafting narratives about these topics is truly remarkable.”

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