Test batch bottled. Mmmmm good.

Halftime

Super Indiana Vodka Party

Indiana Vodka and the Blue Crew party at Cafe Iguana in Miami.  2,500 transplanted Colts fans.

We're in Miami with the Colts and we are pouring Indiana Vodka.
Sun Life Stadium.

New Blog Announcement

We will be transitioning over to a new blog on our website.  Our new blog will be available here .  We will also be transferring over all the archived material.

Thanks for you patience.

With a Twist!

AN INDIANA VODKA AND TONIC WITH A TWIST OF WHATEVER, WHAT A GREAT WAY TO WATCH THE COLTS GAME!

Bar Louie's

We loved being at Bar Louie's this Sunday at Brunch with Dos Banderos! We look forward to meeting more wonderful people and sharing our Indiana Vodka! Have an excellent week!

IV Warm, Sunny Dreams~

2010! Welcome!

WELCOME 2010!!! MAY IT SPARKLE AND SHINE FOR ALL!

WE ARE EXPECTING! ~ That's right! Indiana Vodka's new sibling PROHIBITION GIN, long awaited, will be out by the end of January! Several people tried it at our open house and LOVED it! Most tasters described it as being "bright", "clean" and very good! We cannot wait to share it with you!

We at Heartland distillers truly appreciate all the support we have received from everyone of you this year. Fans of Indiana Vodka have been the secret ingredient in all of our bottles! There is a reason that Indiana is in the HEART of the Heartland ! We look forward to taking Indiana Vodka into other states in 2010 and bringing just one more great accolade to our already wonderful state. Thank you again to all of our fans hoosiers and non-hoosiers alike!

Prohibition Gin Banner

More ad campaign teasers for our gin.   Click pic for full size.  Be sure to stop by our open house this friday from 3pm to 8pm.

Prohibition Gin Available by the end of the Month

We just started production of Prohibition Gin.  This great American gin should be available by the end of the month in limited quantities.  Check out some of the advertising artwork we are working on.

Me sure to look for Universal recording artist Mojistic in iTunes.

Join us at Our Christmas Open House

We are having an Christmas season open house at the distillery on Friday, December 18th from 3pm to 8pm.  Please feel free to stop by and sample some Indiana Vodka cocktails.  Our copper pot still will be in operation.  We will also have samples from the first batch of our yet to be released Prohibition Gin.  Of course appetizers and great company will be included.  There is no charge, we just ask that you register beforehand so we have an idea how many to plan for.  You can register by clicking here.

We hope to see you there.

Cheers!

Happy Thanksgiving

As all of us give thanks on this Thanksgiving, please remember all the hard work and effort that went into your Thanksgiving meal by America's farmers.

Our harvest crew includes my two brothers, my dad, mom, wife, sisters-in-law, son-in-law, daughter, and three nephews. We're all dressed in overalls or blue jeans, heavy jackets, and baseball caps. The family resemblance is strong, and my brothers and nephews are big guys, so the overall effect is a bit spooky. Think of a Faulkner novel, substituting rusted-out pickup trucks for mules.

For the whole article go here.

American farmers make it possible for us to make our products.  They have also fed the world.  It is estimated that a billion people would have starved to death over the last hundred years were it not for American farmers and American farming practices.  

The Gentlemen of Village Bottle Shoppe, West Lafayette, Indiana

Thanks Andy, Dave and Alan! You all were great help! As was Nate, who left before the picture was taken!

Dave was very protective of his IV!!!

Thanks Village Bottle Shop!!!!

We had a great time in West lafayette this weekend! Thanks to all of you who tried our Indiana!

Vodka

Bedrock Liquors, Dayton, IN

Indiana Vodka Recieves Indiana Artisan Designation

This week we were informed that our Indiana Vodka has been awarded the Indiana Artisan designation.  What is this, the state website describes it well:

Indiana Artisan supports entrepreneurs who create high-quality art, crafts and value-added foods in the Hoosier state. A venture of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Indiana Arts Commission and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, this comprehensive program was launched in 2008 to:

• Raise awareness about the availability of locally-crafted products
• Establish a brand for Indiana-made goods
• Provide artisans, particularly those in rural areas, with access to entrepreneurial support including training and networking opportunities
• Support artisan trail and retail development
• Encourage visitation to Indiana

To date the Indiana Artisan designation as been awarded to only 122 Indiana producers, craftsmen, and artists.  Of course, we think we make some pretty good vodka, but it is always nice when our fellow Hooisers think so.  Thanks!  And as always, cheers!

IV loves DC lounge!

Thanks ladies for making us all look so beautiful for the photo shoot on Thursday! Great to see you yesterday! Special treat for all of you, thanks to Christine Hazel we have a recipe for the DC Martini! ENJOY IT! Thanks Christi!

DC Martini

2 Parts Indiana Vodka

1 part Malibu

1 part Blue Curacao

4 parts Pineapple Juice

4 parts tonic or lemonade

Mmmm Mmmm good try it!!!! Stop by the DC Lounge at 10177 Allisonville Road and let their talented stylists give you the look that makes you want to see and be seen!!!

Thanks vignetos and florida!

Sing us a Song!

Come sing us a song at Nippers in Carmel, Indiana at the corner of 116th and Rangeline, Friday the 13th starting at 9:00! We will be there handing out samples of our great vodka and you get to sing! It is a win- win!

See you there!

Gin Photo Shoot Last Night

Last night downtown club goers were treated to something unique.  A genuine Hollywood style photo shoot.  We are getting ready to release our new gin and were downtown taking some really cool photos to help promote the gin.  We will post some of the pics later for you to look at.  In the mean time much thanks to the staff at 6 Lounge and Howl at the Moon for hosting our models, photographer, and all the other support people we need to make these things work.

Cheers!

Thank you 86th Street Pub For a Spooktacular evening!

Halloween Cocktails - Part 2

Bloody Punch

2 ozs Indiana Vodka (of course)
0.5 oz Brandy or Calvados
2.5 ozs Pomegranate Juice (100% juice, cranberry will work in a pinch, but 100% please)
1 oz fresh ruby red grapefruit juice

2 ozs club soda

Combine over ice, stir well.  Scale up and put in a punch bowl for the adults on Halloween.

Heartland Distillers on Fox 59 Mornin News

This morning Fox 59 morning news interviewed distiller founder Stuart Hobson (that's me).   The interview was part of the My Indiana series highlighting Indiana businesses.  Shots of the distillery were interspersed with Stuart discussing the distillery and Indiana Vodka.  No, that clip of the really cool bar wasn't the bar at the distillery (the distillery bar looks eerily similar to a fold up coffee table :-) ).  That bar was at Peterson's Restaurant in Fishers.

For those of you who missed it.  The segment will air again on the 10 o'clock news this Sunday, October 18th.

Indiana Vodka, lights camera, action!

Stuart Hobson, Distiller and Owner of Heartland Distillers, home of Indiana Vodka, makes his television debut! Stuart will be on Indianapolis' Fox 59 tomorrow morning! Be sure to watch and get a good look at how Indiana Vodka is made!

Indiana Vodka, lights camera, action!

Wayne loves Indiana!!

So glad to have you and your family as new "hoosiers"

Mike Gant loved his first shot of Indiana Vodka!

Ditital City Raves about Indiana Vodka

When it comes down to distinctive flavor and quality, Indiana Vodka has other brands beat. Not only does it taste fantastic by itself or in cocktails, it also won't facilitate an unpleasant burn in your throat.

We agree.  Of course.  Thanks for the nice words.

Cheers!

Vodka made in Indiana is getting buzz - Related Stories - National Restaurant Association SmartBrief

Vodka made in Indiana is getting buzz - Related Stories - National Restaurant Association SmartBrief

Shared via AddThis

Indiana Vodka Featured in Lafayette Courier & Journal

Big Week!

We will be at Brandywine liquors for a tasting on October 8th starting at 7 and then on to The Blue Crew Sports Grill for fun on October 9th starting around 3~ Hope to see you all there! Of course, as always, samples of Indiana Vodka for everyone!

Brandon One of the Crew at the Blue Crew Sports Grill

Thanks Brandon!

Blue Crew's Karen!

So glad we were able to meet you Karen! Happy that you liked Indiana's own Vodka!

Great time at Peterson's

Great tasting at Peterson's in Indianapolis tonight! Thanks to everyone there and a special thank you to the great crew, Kim, Renee and Rich for all the help and hard work!

Halloween Cocktails - Part 1

We've been getting a lot of inquiries regarding Halloween cocktails.   What a great night for cocktails.  Whether you are dressed up in your favorite costume attending an adult party or hanging out with the neighbors and handing out treats to the kids, Halloween is tailor made for cocktails.

We will begin this series with a simple cocktail.   We call it the Halloween Orange Crush.  This cocktail is easy to make in large quantities.

1 part Indiana Vodka
1 part triple sec (or for a twist, Grand Marnier)
4 parts Orange Crush brand soda.

Combine ingredients and serve over ice.  Garnish with some orange peel or candy corns on a toothpick if you wish.

If you want to get fancy, pour the combined ingredients into a punch bowl and add some scoops of vanilla ice cream instead of ice.

Cheers!

lisa Spaulding at Indianapolis Best and Brightest Reception

Lisa Spaulding loved our Indiana Vodka at the Best and Brightest of Indianapolis reception on Wednesday night! Nice to meet you Lisa! You are a star!!!!

The Best and Brightest!

Kelly Hartman and Tasia Cowan did a great job with the reception and awards for the best and brightest of Indianapolis on Wednesday night. The event was held at the Junior Achievement Center. They took time out to sample our Indiana Vodka and enjoyed it! Also a big shout out to Lisa and Kendall who loved the vodka also

Indiana Vodka at the Schmooza Palooza

We were pouring samples last night at the Indy Chamber of Commerce's Schmooza Palooza. What a great time. This annual event that is part party and part trade show is held on the floor of Conseco Fieldhouse. In addition to pouring samples at our booth, Indiana Vodka was at all the bar locations. Thanks to the Conseco staff for making it such a success.

Also, thanks to everyone who stopped by and chatted about Indiana Vodka.

Wine and Spirits Expo

Join us on Thursday Night for Indy's Whisky and Fine Spirits Expo. 5-6 for VIP ticket holders and 6:30-9:00 for general admission. Come by taste our fabulous Indiana Vodka and try our concoction of the evening! It promises to be tasty!!!!

A wee bit of the Irish!

We had a great time last night at the "halfway to St. Patrick's Day Fest" at the city Market in Downtown Indianapolis. The band Mother Grove rocked and we had lots of takers on our Indiana Vodka Shamrock Martini! Mmmmmm very good and very smooth! Special thanks to Stevi and Jim for asking to us participate! Beautiful night and great people!

Next up! Indiana Vodka will be at the Montage at Allison pointe here in Indianapolis for "Indy's Whisky and Fine Spirits Expo" Please stop by and have a taste we love meeting new people and of course seeing familiar faces! See you there!

Homemade Tonic Water for your Indiana Vodka & Tonic

My fellow distiller and friend Jonathan Forester has an interesting recipe for tonic water. We tried this last weekend and it is frankly awesome. Vodka & Tonic never tasted so good. Here is the recipe

Ingredients:
32 oz water
7 whole, crushed, Key Limes weighing 120 grams, just over 4 fluid ozs, juice and rinds separated. (if you can't find key limes, use regular limes and squeeze out 4 ozs.)
1/2 tsp or 2 grams powdered Star Anise
3 tsp or 6 grams ground Sumac Berries
1/2 tsp Vietnamese Cassia
1/2 tsp Ceylon Cinnamon
1/4 tsp clove
1/4 cup or 50 grams Citric Acid (sometimes called Sour salt)
1 tsp or 8 grams kosher Salt
1/4 cup or 22 grams (about 1 oz) chopped Cinchona Bark (Quinine bark)

2.5 cups cane sugar (if you use caster sugar adjust down appropriately)

Put all the ingredients except the Key Lime rinds and the sugar in a sauce pan and bring it to boil, then simmer 20 minutes. Next add the limes rinds and simmer 20 more minutes. Then filter the liquid hot through double coffee filters, twice. This makes approximately 16 ozs of liquid. Finally, add the cane sugar to the hot liquid in a closed jar, which should top off at just under 32 ozs and shake to dissolve the sugar.

Add this syrup to your Indiana Vodka 1 part syrup to 2 parts Indiana Vodka and stir to combine. Then add 2 parts club soda and ice. Garnish with some extra key lime wedges.

If you have access to a soda siphon, then you can add the syrup to water to make your own tonic water (1 part syrup to 2 parts water, or to taste).

Okay, so you are asking yourself where you can get Quinine Bark. Well, here, or Google it. Just make sure you use the actual herb and don't buy capsules or powder.

Cheers!

Indiana Vodka and Blueberries

We just noticed this great post about making a blueberry infusion with Indiana Vodka. Okay, it's a little late for Indiana blueberries, but it's still a great recipe. We'd also suggest for a twist, using local Indiana blueberry honey instead of sugar. We suggest Laney Honey from New Liberty, Indiana.

Vodka made in Indiana is getting buzz - Related Stories - PLI SmartBrief

Vodka made in Indiana is getting buzz - Related Stories - PLI SmartBrief

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Tasting at Kahn's Tonight 4 to 7pm

We will be tasting Indiana Vodka tonight at Kahn's on Keystone Avenue from 4pm to 7pm. Come meet the latest addition to the Indiana Vodka team Shannon Collins as well as distiller Stuart Hobson.

Indiana Vodka on Indy.com

Thank you indy.com.

Indiana Vodka in the Muncie Starpress

The Muncie Starpress published an article about Indiana Vodka. (sorry link is now dead)

Indiana Vodka makes the Indianapolis Star

Great article in the Indianapolis Star on Wednesday about Indiana Vodka and Heartland Distillers. (sorry link is now dead)

Join us at Vine & Table's Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival

Join us on Thursday, September 24th for Vine & Table's Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival. This event is being held at the Montage at Allison Point from 6:30 to 9:00pm.

This event is sure to be big and lots of fun. We will be tasting Indiana Vodka and serving an exciting cocktail. We will also be sampling test batches of our new gin.

There will be a silent auction benefiting breast cancer research as well as an extensive buffet. Our friends from North Shore Distillery will be in town for the event. There will be dozens of single male scotch makers represented. Add in absinthe, tequila, liqueurs, and other whiskeys and this event is sure to be fun.

Tickets are $50 ($35 for designated drivers) and must be purchased ahead of time at Vine & Table or online at www.vineandtable.com.

Taste of Indiana - Dig IN

We attended the kick off dinner last night for the 2010 Taste of Indiana. Some of the best chefs from Indiana collaborated to serve a meal using ingredients produced in Indiana. What a meal! Indiana may be part of the breadbasket of the nation, but we also produce top quality vegetables, meats, wines, beers, and of course spirits. Did we mentioned that Indiana Vodka was served?

Well, keep an eye out for news regarding the new Taste of Indiana in 2010. Look for the new Dig IN logo. It will be the can't miss event of the summer and we'll be there with your favorite cocktails.