Ep. 55: Serving A Premium Experience through Vodka with Erik Chapman

Welcome back to another episode of The Everyday Wine Aficionado Podcast! Today, we are delving into the world of spirits with Erik Chapman! Erik has extensive experience in distilled spirits and fermented beverages, spanning multiple tiers of the industry from production and design to policy and compliance. In his current role, Erik manages production and packaging — and is helping to usher in the next chapter of NEFT. He is responsible for scaling NEFT to meet growing demands while maintaining the ultra-premium quality of the ingredients and final vodka, and unique custom packaging. 

He joins NEFT from the craft world having worked as a distiller and brewer as well as a consultant for wineries and cideries. With over 15 years in the industry, he has created hundreds of unique and successful formulas for a range of brands including core SKUs and white-label options for major retailers such as Trader Joe’s and Kroger.

He currently resides in his native Pacific Northwest with his family. He enjoys playing around with the beverage recipes — distilling and cocktails — in his free time.

Let’s dive into his story

00:32 - 07:36] Eric Chapman on NEFTT Vodka and the Future of Craft Spirits

• Erik Chapman is the Chief Operating Officer of NEFT Vodka.
• He is responsible for scaling NEFT to meet growing demands, maintaining the ultra-premium quality of the ingredients, and developing unique custom packaging.
• Chapman started his career in beverage alcohol on the on-premise side, owning and operating a craft cocktail bar in Seattle.
• He then sold the business after he started distilling and brewing.
• Erik add that He was distilling and brewing for Capitol Hill's Brewery & Distillery.

[07:36 - 15:00] Sustainable Vodka Made with Local and Mineral-Rich Ingredients

• That process starts with agriculture that process starts with a grain that is typically considered a peasant grain rye.
• Rye is different in Europe than it is in the US, and Erik has worked with both
• There are different grades of rye, and some can be used to make vodka.
• Erik likes sourcing things from dry-farmed. Here in the US that is called Salmon Safe certified.
• Organic farming doesn't make a huge difference to me on the land, but it does create better sustainability for workers and the community.

[15:00 - 23:04] Neft Vodka Becomes Trending Beverage in Kansas City

• It has been selling well in Europe and India but struggles to find a foothold in the United States.
• NEFT is trading up, encouraging customers to trade up from lower - quality vodka options.

[23:05 - 31:22] NEFT Spirits: Just, You Know, That Craft Spirit in There

• The Company is positioned as a premium spirit with a craft spirit feel, focusing on quality ingredients and filtration to produce a smooth, flavorful drink.
• NEFT produces a variety of spirits, including neutral ethanol burn vodka and gin.
• For those interested in learning more about spirits, NEFT recommends looking for local resources or taking classes offered by American Distilling Institute.

[29:10 – 33:29] Closing Segment

• Learn everything you need to grow your wine, business, or brand with Wine Business Bootcamp where I help other wine producers master the fundamentals of digital marketing, nail their customer experience, and convert more wine tasters into their wine clubs and other offers. Just send me a dm or email at [email protected] the subject: Wine Business Bootcamp
• Favorite Cocktail
• It's seasonal - especially now that it’s raining Erik loves, Apple Brandy.
• Favorite go-to pairing
• Duck a l’Orange and Gin Cocktails
• Wine Resource
•  American Distilling Institute (ADI)
• Distilled Spirits Council the United States

Connect with Erik Chapman

Website: www.neftvodka.com

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

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Tweetable Quotes:

“It’s a misconception that all vodka can be made from whatever and taste the same. It's, it's wildly untrue. Just like anything else in the world, any other beverage, alcohol, your base grain affects your output, your final product” - Erik Chapman