Florida Distillery Repurposes Oyster Shells to Filter Vodka
(Photo: Half Shell)
Last week, Florida-based spirits producer Half Shell unveiled a craft vodka filtered with oyster shells. Housed in the brand’s first-to-market 94% recycled paperboard packaging, the 40%-ABV offering is hailed as “the finest vodka in a sustainable bottle.”
American-grown corn serves as the foundation for Half Shell Vodka. The spirit’s distillation process involves 18 steps, culminating in a filter through a blend of activated coconut carbon and Gulf Coast oyster shells. According to a press release, this filtration method contributes to a lower acidity and a smoother tasting experience.
Distillery 98, the driving force behind Half Shell, champions eco-friendly practices by repurposing spent grain as livestock feed and utilizing renewable coconut carbon filters in lieu of traditional materials. The brand’s community commitment extends beyond the distillation process, sourcing ingredients locally and fostering a symbiotic relationship with the Gulf Coast.
Currently available at the Distillery 98 tasting room in Santa Rosa Beach and over 200 liquor outlets throughout Florida, including the Panhandle, Jacksonville, Tallahassee and the Tampa Bay metro areas, Half Shell Vodka is priced at $24.99. A broader distribution in California and Colorado is planned for later this year.
The utilization of oyster shells for spirit filtration also extends to the world of gin production. In a collaborative effort with Melbourne’s Society Restaurant, Australia’s Never Never Distilling incorporates Kangaroo Island oyster shells into its aptly named Oyster Shell Gin, which also happens to be encased in eco-friendly packaging.
Read next:
Elephant Gin Opens New Distillery to Help Meet ‘Growing Demand’ For Its Sustainable Gin
Wisconsin Distillery Upcycles Bourbon Barrels in Inaugural Aged Gin Release
Here at Gin Raiders, we do more than write about current events in gin and spirits. We are the only media property reviewing gins and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the gin world in one place. If you’re interested in getting a shot of gin in your morning email, sign up for our Deal of the Day newsletter
Follow The Daily Pour:
About The Daily Pour
Founded by Dan Abrams, The Daily Pour is the ultimate drinking guide for the modern consumer, covering spirits, non-alcoholic and hemp beverages. With its unique combination of cross-category coverage and signature rating system that aggregates reviews from trusted critics across the internet, The Daily Pour sets the standard as the leading authority in helping consumers discover, compare and enjoy the best of today's evolving drinks landscape.
