By Chris Austin, AAI, F.A. Peabody Insurance
If you’ve ever written a business plan in college, you may think it ends up forgotten on a shelf. But sometimes, these plans evolve into something extraordinary. This was the case for Scott Galbiati and Jessica Jewell, who met at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Scott, tasked with writing a business plan, teamed up with Jessica, whose background on an Aroostook County potato farm inspired them to focus on creating a niche product—potato vodka.
What started as a class assignment planted the seed for what would later become Twenty 2 Vodka. After graduation, Scott and Jessica married and transformed their initial potato vodka idea into a thriving distillery business.
The Shift from Potato Vodka to Corn
Twenty 2 Vodka officially launched in 2009. Like many startups, the early years involved experimentation and learning. Initially, they intended to use potatoes for their vodka, a natural choice given Jessica’s farming roots. However, they soon realized that potatoes weren’t delivering the smooth, neutral flavor profile they envisioned. Instead, they pivoted to corn, which better aligned with their philosophy that vodka should “blend away and disappear,” letting the flavors of the accompanying ingredients shine through.
While potato vodka has its place in the spirits industry, Scott and Jessica found their unique path with corn, helping them stand out in a competitive vodka market that accounts for one-third of all U.S. liquor sales.
Premium Quality and Innovation in Infused Vodka
Twenty 2 Vodka prides itself on producing premium-quality vodka with high standards. Offering three distinct proofs—80, 150, and 160—this small-batch distillery stands out. In Maine, the 160-proof vodka can only be sold in bars and restaurants, where it’s often used for infusion. Infusion involves steeping the vodka with natural ingredients like black pepper, citrus, vanilla, coffee beans, and chipotle peppers to create unique, flavor-rich varieties.
To capitalize on this trend, Twenty 2 Vodka produces six infused flavors at 80 proof, appealing to consumers who appreciate high-quality, naturally flavored spirits. These infusions, made using only natural ingredients, reflect the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
The Distillation Process: Quality Above All
What sets Twenty 2 Vodka apart from competitors is its meticulous distillation process and rigorous quality control. Each batch undergoes taste tests, where the current batch is compared to previous ones and two premium competitors. If the vodka doesn’t meet their high standards, it doesn’t ship. As a micro-distillery, Twenty 2 Vodka uses small vats and pure Maine water, ensuring a level of quality that mass-produced vodkas can’t match.
Since its launch, Twenty 2 Vodka has gained national recognition, becoming the most awarded vodka made in the United States. They’ve earned accolades such as back-to-back platinum awards at the SIP competition and gold at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition—often regarded as the Olympics of the spirits industry.
A Winning Partnership
Scott and Jessica’s complementary skills are the driving force behind Twenty 2 Vodka’s success. Scott’s background in product design and his strong interpersonal skills make him a natural fit for sales and marketing. Meanwhile, Jessica, with a degree in chemical engineering, focuses on product development, quality control, and record-keeping. Together, they have built a business that continues to grow, winning over vodka enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
As Twenty 2 Vodka expands and evolves, their original dream of creating a niche product—whether it started with potato vodka or not—continues to flourish.