Exclusive Interview with Mr. Mark Anderson, CEO and co-Founder of Drakes Organic Spirits, LLC

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Q: What is your full name, title, company name and company location?

Mark Anderson, CEO and co-Founder

Drakes Organic Spirits, LLC

Minneapolis, MN

Q: What products does your company currently offer?

We are offering USDA ORGANIC RUM AND VODKA.

Q: Why did you decide to produce organic spirits?

Kristen and I both grew up on Midwestern farms knowing the importance of organic agricultural practices and were able to see a void in the spirits industry.

Not only did we want to provide a product that would meet the needs of people who support the organic movement and those with gluten allergies, but we wanted that product to taste exceptional.

We wanted a product that was smooth- - without the burn of grain alcohol. To do that we had to find the right ingredients, and we found them in South America.

Q: Producing spirits in general can be tough. I can only imagine the additional challenges involved in doing so under an organic certification. Can you describe what you had to go through to achieve this?

The time and effort dedicated to ensure USDA Organic and Non GMO from “Farm to Table” is extensive. The process begins with the raw ingredients. In our case we use USDA Organic certified molasses and cane sugar. To certify a new crop organic it takes 3 years of production under USDA audit to be a certified USDA organic on the 4th year. The distillery and equipment need to be inspected and certified by the USDA. The same holds true for the bottling equipment. For the labeling of USDA Organic alcohol the organic certificate adds another layer of regulation and approval. The TTB verifies with the organic certifying body whether or not the product is correctly labeled USDA organic. Then the TTB approves all the other requirements they oversee.

It’s one thing to use organic ingredients, but in order to have the USDA Organic logo on the front label there are many more checks and balances that must be complied with.

Q: How have the products been received by consumers and by the trade?

We are fortunate to have received awards out of the gate in the first two competitions our company has entered, thanks to the amazing skill and ability of our Master Distiller, Luis Ayala, and his production team, led by you, Margaret.

Our USDA Organic Vodka won the Gold Medal in the San Diego Spirits Festival and our Organic White Rum won Double Gold and “Best Rum Overall” at the Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards.

Q: Do you think organic spirits are a “niche” or do you think they have a universal appeal?

Time will tell if Organic is a niche. However, we have crafted premium spirits made without Grain, No gluten, and No GMO’s which happen to be USDA Organic.

Q: Will your organic spirits be available coast to coast or only in select markets?

Drakes Organic Spirits began distribution in CO and MN . We have been approved and picked up by the largest national distributor and will be available coast to coast in 2018. Customers can also visit our website to buy our product online at www.drakesorganic.com.

Q: Will you be adding more products to your organic spirits portfolio soon?

Our main focus is on what we have done well, Drake’s Organic Vodka and our Organic Rum.

Q: If people want to contact you, how may they reach you?

Please visit our website at www.drakesorganic.com , facebook at www.facebook.com/drakesorganic, Instagram @

drakesorganicrum, @drakesorganicvodka

@drakesorganic.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Thank you for your time and Drink Drake’s!

Margaret: Thank you again Mark, for sharing your company’s vision with all of our readers. We wish you success and hope consumers everywhere get to enjoy your products!

-Interview by Margaret Ayala, Publisher of "Got Rum?" magazine-

It gives me great pleasure to share this interview with all our readers. Producing distilled spirits is already challenging enough by itself, but doing so under very strict organic requirements can be too much for most distillers. Overcoming the challenge -however- means that consumers get to enjoy a drink that satisfies both the body and the soul.

Margaret Ayala, Publisher