In a notable development of the entrepreneurial spirit, two lifelong friends from Houston, Catharine Faulconer and Kim Martin, have launched Queen Bee Distilling, a women-owned spirits brand renowned for its vodka created using local honey, as reported by The Houston Chronicle. The brand's foray into the market introduces Osmia Vodka, a product that stands out for eschewing traditional grains or gluten and tentatively targeting the niche market of consumers with dietary restrictions.
The inception of this unique vodka, which also avoids ingredients such as nightshades and GMOs, can be traced to a casual evening where Martin and Faulconer, over martinis and vodka sodas, contemplated the possibility of creating a spirit that met their dietary needs due to Faulconer's autoimmune concerns and both of their gluten sensitivity; they were already experienced at labeling scrutinization and found this an uninspired mixology venture, highlighted by Chron.com. After the other members of their pandemic pod decided not to take part, only Faulconer and Martin remained committed to the idea, setting the stage for what would eventually become Queen Bee Distilling.
The decision to utilize honey in their distilling process pays homage to the industrious female bees responsible for honey production, a nod to the founders' commitment to involve as many women as possible in their enterprise. Martin and Faulconer enhanced their distilling knowledge through a course in Colorado and collaborated with Caley Shoemaker, a former head distiller at Hangar 1 Vodka, to craft their product. Queen Bee Distilling subsequently partnered with Kelly Brantley's Thirsty Bee Meadery in Tomball to source the vital ingredient. Their product not only promises a certain quality but also won the Double Gold award at the International Women’s Spirits Competition, chronicling an inspiring journey for these Houston entrepreneurs.
The luxury spirit is lauded for its crisp and citrusy nose, full-bodied texture, and long-lasting floral notes, gracefully bottled in an octagon-shaped design and retailed at notable locations including Spec's and Village Liquor, with a price tag of $98. In addition, committed to elevating the drinking experience, Queen Bee has introduced a signature cocktail named Rose Queen—mixing Osmia Vodka with Fresca, cranberry juice, sod water and a lime garnish. The companies slogan rings true as to “salute the elevated inclusive experience of exploring new and old relationships while gathering, sipping, and sharing around any table,” Faulconer and Martin announced in a statement obtained by Chron.com.
