Deep Eddy Vodka

Deep Eddy Vodka, an Austin, Texas-based spirits company, was established in 2010 by Clayton Christopher and Chad Auler. The founders brought relevant entrepreneurial experience to the venture; Christopher had previously created Sweet Leaf Tea, and Auler founded Savvy Vodka. This background in the beverage industry shaped the company's direction, with Christopher noting that his experience with Sweet Leaf Tea inspired a desire for a more rapid success timeline with Deep Eddy, which was achieved by assembling a team of industry veterans from the start. The brand was named after the historic Deep Eddy Pool, the oldest spring-fed swimming pool in Texas, to evoke an authentic Austin identity.

The business operates in the premium vodka segment of the spirits market, focusing on vodkas made with natural ingredients. Its products are corn-based, making them gluten-free, and utilize water from a Texas aquifer. The production process involves distilling the vodka ten times in a column still and filtering it over charcoal, a method designed to create a smooth, clean taste. The company generates revenue through the sale of its vodka products, which are available in all 50 states. The product line began with Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka and has since expanded to include a straight vodka and several fruit-infused varieties, such as Ruby Red grapefruit, Lemon, Cranberry, Peach, and Orange. These flavored vodkas are made with real fruit juices and natural ingredients, avoiding artificial flavors and high-fructose corn syrup.

Deep Eddy experienced substantial growth shortly after its founding, recognized as one of the fastest-growing spirits brands in the U.S. The launch of its Ruby Red vodka in 2013 spurred a more than 300% increase in sales. By 2015, the company's rapid growth and strong market position, having sold over 500,000 cases, led to its acquisition by Heaven Hill Brands, the largest independent, family-owned spirits supplier in the nation. The deal, for an undisclosed amount, was valued by analysts at between $165 million and $400 million. Following the acquisition, Deep Eddy continued to operate as a distinct unit with its existing team, maintaining its production facilities and brand identity rooted in Austin. The brand surpassed one million annual case sales by 2016 and continues to expand its production capacity.

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