J.T. Meleck Louisiana Rice Vodka is an award-winning, farm-to-bottle vodka distilled from 100% Louisiana rice grown and harvested on the family farm in Branch, Louisiana, and bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).
The story begins in 1896, when J.T. Meleck, who had immigrated with his family from Germany, planted his first rice on 20 acres of freshwater marsh in south Louisiana. Four generations later, the family still grows rice, and now crawfish, on the same land, and founder Mike Frugé, J.T.'s great-great-nephew, had the idea to turn that rice into spirits. Introduced in 2018 in Acadia Parish near the heart of Acadiana, J.T. Meleck is the only distillery handcrafting whiskey and vodka entirely from rice it sustainably grows on its own farm.
Rice gives the vodka a profile that is naturally sweeter and creamier than traditional grain vodkas, with a remarkably smooth texture. Rice is also a gluten-excluded grain.
One family, one farm, one great idea.
The idea came at the family table: after countless round-table discussions about the future of the farm, someone jokingly wondered whether they could make vodka from their rice, and Mike Frugé set the plan in motion the very next day. The rice vodka exceeded every expectation, and in 2022 the family released its first American rice whiskey, followed by small-batch and single-barrel bottlings.
Because it is made entirely from rice, it is a great choice for guests who avoid gluten-based grains.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Soft, clean, lightly sweet.
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Palate: Creamy, naturally sweet rice.
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Finish: Remarkably smooth.
Specifications
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Distillery: J.T. Meleck Distillers, Branch, Louisiana
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Style: Rice vodka
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Base: 100% Louisiana rice from the family farm
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Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Mix a smooth Vodka Soda or a Bloody Mary, or try it chilled and neat to taste the rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it made from?
100% Louisiana rice grown on the family farm.
How long has the family farmed rice?
Since 1896.
How does it taste?
Naturally sweeter and creamier than grain vodkas, and very smooth.
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