Founded by brothers, Walt and Ed Kerpa, Distilled Spirits USA has created several successful brands under their tutelage: American Revolution Vodka, Blacktooth Whiskey, Uncle Ed’s Damn Good Vodka, and Busa Espresso Martini. The late Ed Kerpa, combined his expertise in chemistry and botany with a passion for herbalism and developed a Prussian family recipe into one of the smoothest and cleanest vodkas on the market. Utilizing the latest distillation technologies, he ensured that each batch of vodka was free of contaminants, fusel oils, and congeners. Ed meticulously blended and purified his vodka to meet his high standards, and he trained his nephew, Jordan Kerpa, to uphold this quality. Today, Jordan continues Ed’s legacy alongside Walt, an Army veteran and co-founder of the company. They honor Ed’s memory by maintaining the excellence of their products.
The distillery is deeply rooted in a family legacy that honors both Walt’s military service and his brother’s off-grid lifestyle in Hawaii. The brothers’ passion for creating spirits that blend traditional methods with modern values led to the development of their unique brands. After Ed’s passing, Jordan, a biochemistry student from UCSD, continued to uphold the family’s vision and now manages the distillery in Boise, while expanding their product line and impact.
Challenge: Distilled Spirits faced significant challenges in distribution. Despite their rich history and compelling product offerings, they struggled with the limitations of traditional distribution channels. Large distributors often focused on mega-brands, leaving smaller, emerging brands like theirs in a cycle of high costs and limited visibility. Additionally, managing inventory and scaling their operations proved difficult with conventional distributors, who often had long processing times and stringent requirements.
Solution: To overcome these obstacles, Walt and his team turned to LibDib. The company had been working with major distributors but found their needs were not being fully met. LibDib’s innovative distribution model stood out because it allowed emerging brands to gain a market foothold without the usual large commitments or limitations. LibDib’s platform offered a level playing field, providing flexibility and efficiency in managing orders and inventory.
Says Walt, “LibDib’s approach was a game-changer for us. With a user-friendly platform and a dedicated portfolio team, we have been able to streamline our distribution process. LibDib’s portfolio team played crucial roles in rapidly addressing inventory and registration issues, allowing us to keep up with demand and scale effectively.”
The distillery signed on as LibDib Gold Member to access the full support of the LibDib team and get a route to market with major retailers.
Results: Since partnering with LibDib, Distilled Spirits has seen remarkable growth. The distillery has expanded its reach into major markets like California and Florida, where they are now featured in major retail locations. Their brands include the newly launched Blacktooth Beverages, a whiskey and RTD extension of the famed Blacktooth Grin of Pantera’s famous front man, Dimebag Darrell. The whiskey line sold out quickly and the brand received 408 orders in just 4 days due to LibDib’s effective market access and the brand’s sales and marketing efforts.
The distillery’s success with LibDib is highlighted by a notable increase in accounts carrying their products—210 accounts with just one salesperson.
“The flexibility and efficiency of the LibDib platform have also led to a substantial increase in sales,” said Walt. “By leveraging LibDib’s centralized system, we’ve been able to manage inventory better, avoid stockouts, and ensure timely order fulfillment.”
Testimonials: Jordan Kerpa, reflects on the impact of LibDib: “What I love about the LibDib model is that it allows emerging brands like ours to get a foothold in the marketplace without the typical barriers. Buyers can try our products without a huge commitment, which levels the playing field and gives us a chance to prove our worth.”
He continues, “LibDib’s platform is incredibly intuitive. The digital request process is fast and we can push orders through in minutes rather than waiting weeks. Katie and Jenn on the LibDib portfolio and inventory teams have been fantastic, solving issues quickly and providing us with the support we need to succeed.”
Future Plans: Distilled Spirits plans to continue expanding their portfolio and market presence. With a focus on veteran-owned, Native Hawaiian-owned, and female-led brands, they are committed to growing their business while staying true to their values of supporting veterans and creating societal value. The team aims to use LibDib to further control their growth and inventory, ensuring their brands reach new heights in the competitive spirits market.
In summary, Distilled Spirits’ partnership with LibDib has proven instrumental in overcoming distribution challenges, scaling operations, and achieving significant market success. By leveraging LibDib’s innovative platform, they have been able to maintain their family-owned spirit while expanding their reach and impact across the United States.