America’s “First Couple of Vodka,” Kim Laderer and Tim Kelly
Often referred to as the First Couple of Vodka by their clients, Tim Kelly and Kim Laderer have operated at full-speed from day one. When Kim Laderer and Tim Kelly decided to launch Felene Organic Sugarcane Vodka in Denver, they couldn’t have imagined the hurdles awaiting them. What began as a shared dream of crafting a premium, organic vodka quickly became a test of resilience, determination, and creativity as the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses across the country to grind to a halt. Despite the challenges, this dynamic duo turned their vision into one of America’s fastest-growing vodka brands, solidifying their status as the “First Couple of Vodka Distilling.”
The Early Days: A Vision for Authenticity
Felene Vodka was born out of Kim and Tim’s shared passion for authenticity and quality. They recognized a glaring gap in the spirits market for a vodka that could deliver both purity and exceptional taste without relying on additives, or gimmicks. Their solution was bold: to create a certified organic, gluten-free, non-GMO vodka made from sugarcane—an unconventional choice that would ultimately set them apart.
From the outset, the couple embraced a hands-on approach. As Tim, a seasoned distiller, refined Felene’s proprietary proofing and filtering processes, Kim managed operations and marketing, ensuring the brand’s ethos of transparency resonated with consumers. Together, they forged a strong foundation for what they hoped would become a groundbreaking craft vodka.
Launching During a Pandemic
Just as Felene was gearing up for its launch, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, bringing the world—and the spirits industry—to a standstill. Restaurants and bars closed their doors, liquor store sales shifted online, and in-person tastings became impossible. For Kim and Tim, the timing couldn’t have been worse.
Rather than retreat, they adapted. Pivoting their business model, the couple focused on direct-to-consumer sales, leveraging e-commerce and innovative digital marketing campaigns to introduce Felene to a homebound audience. They also formed strategic partnerships with liquor stores, ensuring their product reached shelves even when traditional distribution channels faced disruptions.
“Launching during COVID forced us to think creatively and connect with customers in new ways,” Kim reflects. “It was a challenge, but it taught us how to be resilient and resourceful.”
Breaking Through the Competition
The vodka industry is notoriously competitive, with global brands dominating shelf space and market share. Despite these odds, Felene stood out for its uncompromising quality and commitment to authenticity. Made from organic sugarcane and distilled with care, Felene’s clean, smooth flavor resonated with consumers seeking a premium experience without additives.
Industry recognition soon followed. Over the past five years, Felene has amassed an impressive list of accolades, including:
- Best in Category and Gold Medal at the American Distilling Institute
- Gold Medal and Vodka of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition
- Platinum Medal at the Los Angeles Spirits Competition
- Gold Medal at the Denver International Spirits Competition
- Double Gold Medal at the SIP Awards
- A 92 rating and “Best Buy” designation from Wine Enthusiast
These awards validated Felene’s quality and positioned it as a serious contender in the premium vodka category.
Emerging as Industry Leaders
Over the past five years, Kim and Tim have grown Felene into one of the fastest-growing vodka brands in the United States. The brand’s expansion into key markets, including New York, Texas, Florida, and California, reflects their strategic vision and tireless efforts.
Their influence extends beyond distilling. As authors of Club Felene Blog and Pour Decisions Professional Blog, Kim and Tim share insights on vodka production, cocktail trends, and the spirits industry. They also consult with hundreds of on- and off-premise clients, offering expertise on cocktail preparation and bar operations.
“We believe in empowering others with knowledge,” Tim explains. “Whether it’s helping a bar create a signature cocktail menu or educating consumers about what makes vodka truly authentic, we’re passionate about making an impact.”
Balancing Business and Partnership
Kim and Tim’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Balancing the demands of running a rapidly growing business while nurturing their partnership requires constant communication and mutual respect. Yet, their shared vision and complementary skills have been the key to their success.
“Tim brings a technical precision to distilling that’s unmatched,” Kim says. “And I focus on the big-picture strategy and storytelling that connects our brand with consumers. Together, we make a great team.”
The Grassroots Beginnings of Felene Vodka
Felene Vodka’s journey didn’t begin in a grand distillery or with a marketing war chest. Instead, it started with a simple, grassroots mission: to craft a vodka that was as pure and authentic as the values of its creators. In its early days, Felene gained traction the old-fashioned way—through local connections, word-of-mouth recommendations, and the passion of Kim and Tim.
The couple spent countless hours visiting liquor stores, hosting intimate tastings, and personally delivering cases of vodka to local establishments. Tim’s expertise in distillation, combined with Kim’s talent for storytelling and brand-building, helped Felene develop a loyal following. Each bottle of Felene became a testament to their commitment to quality and authenticity, winning over consumers one sip at a time.
“We wanted Felene to be something people connected with on a personal level,” Kim recalls. “Those early days of introducing the brand face-to-face created relationships that still exist today.”
This dedication to grassroots efforts laid the foundation for Felene’s eventual success. While the brand now enjoys a national presence, its humble beginnings remain a core part of its identity.
Newfound Media Spotlight on “The First Couple of Vodka”
Recently, media attention has begun to shine a spotlight on Kim Laderer and Tim Kelly, celebrating their achievements and unique dynamic as the “First Couple of Vodka Distilling.” Their story of resilience, innovation, and partnership has captured the interest of journalists and industry insiders alike.
From features in industry publications to appearances on podcasts and news segments, Kim and Tim have become sought-after voices in the spirits world. Their ability to demystify vodka production while advocating for transparency and quality has made them relatable to both consumers and professionals.
“People are curious about what makes vodka truly exceptional,” Tim says. “We’re thrilled to share our journey and help others understand what sets craft vodka apart from the rest.”
The couple’s growing media presence has also sparked interest in Felene’s unique approach to vodka-making. As more people learn about Felene’s certified organic, additive-free production process, the brand’s appeal continues to grow, further solidifying its place as a leader in the premium vodka market.
Kim and Tim’s recent recognition isn’t just about their product; it’s about their authenticity as individuals and their willingness to share their knowledge and passion. Whether it’s breaking down myths about vodka or providing tips for crafting the perfect cocktail, their approachable style and genuine enthusiasm resonate with audiences everywhere.
Embodying the Spirit of Aspiration
Kim Laderer and Tim Kelly are more than just the masterminds behind Felene Vodka—they’re living embodiments of the brand’s aspirational spirit. Known for their adventurous nature, the couple often spends their free time climbing Colorado’s breathtaking mountain ranges and hiking its iconic parks. Their love for the great outdoors reflects their passion for pushing boundaries, whether in their personal lives or in the vodka industry.
“Colorado’s natural beauty inspires us every day,” Kim shares. “The mountains remind us that the most rewarding paths are the ones that challenge you the most.”
Their outdoor adventures aren’t just a pastime; they’re a reflection of the determination and resilience that have defined their journey with Felene. Scaling peaks like Mount Elbert or trekking through Rocky Mountain National Park mirrors the challenges they’ve faced in building their brand. Each climb reinforces their commitment to authenticity, quality, and staying grounded in their values.
“We draw so much from the natural beauty of America, especially the mountains in Colorado,” Tim adds. “The perseverance it takes to reach the summit is the same mindset we bring to distilling and growing Felene.”
Connecting Their Adventures to the Felene Brand
Much like their distilling philosophy, Kim and Tim’s approach to life is rooted in purity and passion. The couple often shares stories from their hikes and climbs with their team and followers, drawing parallels between nature’s simplicity and the clean, additive-free experience of Felene Vodka. Their adventures also symbolize the brand’s motto of reaching new heights in both quality and innovation.
As Felene continues to grow, Kim and Tim’s connection to Colorado’s rugged landscapes remains a defining part of their story. Whether scaling a peak or perfecting a batch of vodka, they embody the spirit of aspiration that drives their brand—and inspires their customers.
Their adventurous lifestyle, combined with their relentless pursuit of excellence, solidifies their reputation not just as distillers, but as leaders who inspire others to aim higher, dream bigger, and never settle for less than the best.
A Grassroots Foundation Meets National Acclaim
Felene Vodka’s success is rooted in its grassroots beginnings, where Kim Laderer and Tim Kelly introduced their brand to consumers one bottle at a time. Through local tastings, personal deliveries, and community engagement, Felene gained an early following that valued its authenticity and quality.
Today, Kim and Tim are celebrated as the “First Couple of Vodka Distilling,” with their story attracting national media attention. Features in industry publications and appearances on podcasts have highlighted their resilience and innovation. Their commitment to organic certification and additive-free vodka production resonates with audiences seeking quality and transparency.
Despite their growing fame, Kim and Tim remain grounded in the values that brought them early success. Their journey reflects the balance of hard work and authenticity, inspiring others to embrace the craft spirits movement.
Looking Ahead
As Felene continues its upward trajectory, Kim and Tim remain committed to their core values of quality, transparency, and authenticity. Plans are underway to expand Felene’s distribution footprint further, introduce new product lines, and deepen their engagement with customers.
“Our journey is just beginning,” Kim says. “We’re excited to keep pushing boundaries and showing the world what Felene—and craft vodka—can achieve.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Kim Laderer and Tim Kelly have proven that determination, innovation, and a commitment to quality can overcome the toughest challenges. From launching a distillery during a global pandemic to becoming industry leaders, their story is one of resilience and triumph. As the First Couple of Vodka Distilling, they’ve not only built a brand but also a legacy. That legacy is a spark that inspires the entire spirits industry.
Their exploits over the past five years demonstrate that when passion and partnership converge, anything is possible. Cheers to the next chapter in Felene’s remarkable journey!
