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Keel Vodka Acquired by Newport Craft Distillers, Production to Move to Rhode Island

June 13, 2024

Distilling of premium, light, potato vodka will shift from Idaho to the state in which it was founded.

Keel Vodka, a premium light spirit brand headquartered in Rhode Island but distilled in Idaho, has been acquired by Newport Craft Distilling — a craft spirits distiller in Newport, R.I. Keel joins Newport Craft’s family of brands including White Squall Vodka & Gin, Sea Fog Whiskeys and Thomas Tew Rums.

Newport Craft expects Keel to complement the White Squall line. Keel was founded by Bill Dessel, Tom McGowan and Matt Light, and is a zero-carb, zero-sugar, lower ABV vodka distilled using potatoes instead of wheat.

The company’s announcement noted that production of Keel Vodka will return to Rhode Island as part of the deal. Dessel said it has always been a dream of the Keel founders to produce it in Rhode Island, and that Newport Craft was the perfect partner to take Keel to the next level. Dessel added that he was excited to work alongside the Newport Craft team.

About the Author

Andy Hanacek | Senior Editor

Andy Hanacek has covered meat, poultry, bakery and snack foods as a B2B editor for nearly 20 years, and has toured hundreds of processing plants and food companies, sharing stories of innovation and technological advancement throughout the food supply chain. In 2018, he won a Folio:Eddie Award for his unique "From the Editor's Desk" video blogs, and he has brought home additional awards from Folio and ASBPE over the years. In addition, Hanacek led the Meat Industry Hall of Fame for several years and was vice president of communications for We R Food Safety, a food safety software and consulting company.