Emerging small-batch distillery Young State America (YSA) introduces Loft & Bear, an award-winning, craft, ultra-premium vodka, in California. Handcrafted in Downtown Los Angeles and distributed by Park Street, a leading industry importer and distributor, the brand represents the finest in artisanal vodka during a time of resurgence for the spirit.
Loft & Bear is the creation of Master Distiller Paul Ryan Elliott, who at 28 years old is one of the youngest distillery owners in the country. Armed with a love for the spirit and ambitions to learn the art of distilling, Ryan acquired a loft in Downtown Los Angeles’ up-and-coming Arts District and embarked on a goal of creating a superior vodka completely unique in taste and feel. As it receives increasing industry recognition, Loft & Bear continues to be distilled and bottled exclusively in Paul’s Downtown commercial loft space.
“I have always had a passion for vodka, and in the last few years it propelled my mission to create an authentic signature spirit, using a small-batch technique and carefully crafted recipe to produce the finest product possible,” said Paul Ryan Elliott, Young State America’s Master Distiller. “I am thrilled to be introducing Loft & Bear just as consumers are getting excited about vodka again, and even more excited to be producing it locally in the burgeoning Downtown Los Angeles Arts District.”
Loft & Bear was created in 2013 and honored with the silver medal at the 2013 New York International Spirits Competition in the $41+ vodka category, the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the vodka category, the 2014 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition, the 2014 Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Convention, and the 2014 SIP Awards. Using soft winter wheat sourced seasonally from Northern California and Michigan, alongside pure California mountain spring water, Loft & Bear is distilled four times to achieve the ultimate refined spirit. With hints of full, floral sweet vanilla bean on the nose, Loft & Bear features mild, buttery smooth, understated wheat notes that are soft with a pleasant herbal flavor upon taste, and finishes with an elegant creaminess and whisper of anise.
The spirit is encouraged to be appreciated and sipped straight up or on the rocks, and can also be enjoyed in handcrafted cocktails, including Loft & Bear’s signature libations: the Marty Kaan with Dolin Blanc vermouth and orange bitters; the Left Coast Greyhound with grapefruit, sliced jalapeño, mint leaves and agave; the Orange Mule with fresh lime and blood orange juice, aromatic bitters and ginger beer; and the G5, with fresh lime juice, cucumber slices, mint leaves and agave.
At the core of Loft & Bear’s brand and philosophy is Distill.Drink.Donate., a philanthropic initiative that contributes five percent of the distillery’s annual profits to organizations supporting distressed families, veterans’ affairs and human services. This year, Loft & Bear is proud to work exclusively with PATH (People Assisting the Homeless), a family of agencies working together to end homelessness for individuals, families, and communities throughout Southern California.
Loft & Bear is 80 proof, 40% alcohol by volume and is available in 750 mL bottles with a suggested retail price of $39.99. Made in the United States and packaged in a classic, refined bottle adorned with a simple black ribbon and covered cork stopper, the vodka embodies the ultimate ultra-premium artisanal spirit. Later this year, Loft & Bear will be available in New York, Miami and Washington, D.C. For more information on Loft & Bear, please visit www.LoftandBear.com and follow Loft & Bear on Facebook (www.facebook.com/LoftandBear), Twitter (www.twitter.com/loftandbear) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/loftandbear).
