Tim Kelly and Kim Laderer, known as the "First Couple of Vodka," have built Felene Organic Sugarcane Vodka into one of America's fastest-growing vodka brands. What began as a shared vision to create a premium, organic vodka turned into a testament to their resilience and innovation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, while the closure of restaurants and bars brought the spirits industry to a standstill, alcohol consumption reached record highs. Undeterred by the challenges, Kelly and Laderer adapted their business model, focusing on direct-to-consumer sales and leveraging e-commerce to connect with customers confined to their homes.
Felene Vodka was born from the couple’s commitment to authenticity. They identified a gap in the market for a pure, additive-free vodka and created one made from organic sugarcane, free of GMOs and gluten. Tim, an experienced distiller, refined Felene’s unique proofing and filtering processes, while Kim, handling operations and marketing, ensured the brand resonated with consumers. Despite tough competition from global vodka brands, their hands-on approach laid the foundation for success.
Awards soon validated their hard work earning numerous accolades, including Gold Medals at the New York International Spirits Competition, Los Angeles Spirits Competition, and Denver International Spirits Competition, as well as a 92 rating and “Best Buy” designation from Wine Enthusiast. These honors reinforced Felene’s position in the premium vodka category.
In addition to growing Felene into a national brand with distribution in key markets like New York, Texas, Florida, and California, Kim and Tim share their expertise through the Club Felene Blog and Pour Decisions Professional Blog. They consult with bars and restaurants, offering tips on cocktail preparation and operations.
While running a fast-growing business has its challenges, Kim and Tim’s partnership remains a key strength. Their complementary skills and mutual respect have enabled them to balance work and personal life effectively.
The couple's success is also rooted in their grassroots beginnings. They built Felene’s loyal customer base through local tastings, personal deliveries, and word-of-mouth. Today, they are celebrated for their authenticity and commitment to organic production. As their media presence grows, they continue to inspire others by advocating for transparency in the spirits industry.
Looking ahead, Kim and Tim remain committed to Felene’s core values of quality, transparency, and authenticity. They plan to expand distribution further and introduce new products, continuing to push the boundaries of craft vodka.
Felene’s success stems from authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to quality and organic production.