After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 2016, Bryce Cottrell knew he wanted to open his own vodka distillery in North Texas. His vision came true when he later opened Noble Wolf Vodka in Denton, and since then he's done nothing but work hard to continue shaping his own footprint in the area.
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE TO OPEN YOUR DISTILLERY IN DENTON?
I chose to open the distillery in Denton because, just like my brand, I wanted it to be in a unique city! I also wanted to be what Tito’s is to Austin and to bring notoriety to another city in Texas.
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME NOBLE WOLF VODKA?
I went to Plano West Senior High, and we are the Wolves. ‘Noble’ was a nickname I had. It worked perfectly since I have a Siberian husky. His name is Blue. He’s actually the logo on the bottle. I had him drawn and turned him red.
WHAT MAKES YOUR VODKA DIFFERENT?
My vodka is made from grapefruit. People think it must be flavored or an infusion, but it’s actually the vodka. There’s no potato at all. It’s totally different.
HOW DID YOU SELECT GRAPEFRUIT AS THE BASE?
The acidity in grapefruit is so high. It’s a better fit for vodka. I went to the chemistry department [at my alma mater] The University of Texas. I asked every professor what would be the best fit for vodka, and they all said grapefruit.
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF OPENING A DISTILLERY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC?
The hardest thing so far is that bars and restaurants are closed. It’s been a really strange time.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT RUNNING A DISTILLERY?
It’s not all glitz and glamor. You are there from 5 a.m. to 5 a.m. the next day. We have to hand bottle, hand apply, hand make everything. You are putting a lot of footwork in there.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO RUN YOUR OWN DISTILLERY?
I never thought for me, playing football to where I am now, that I would have a distillery. I never thought at 22 years old that I would sell a little over 10,000 cases over three years. I’m also very grateful for people giving it a chance.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR NOBLE WOLF VODKA?
I’m a one-trick pony. I’m sticking to grapefruit-distilled vodka for the long run. If you are good at many things, you are good at nothing. If you are good at one thing, you can make something special. I just want to be the best grapefruit-distilled vodka on the market.