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Local brothers are making vodka from rice

Posted at 3:46 PM, Dec 03, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-03 19:03:00-05

Just in time for the holidays, the Fruge brothers of Branch have a new product that could make a perfect gift.

For the past several years Mike and Mark Fruge have been looking at new ways to expand their rice and crawfish farm.

After lots of research and experimenting the brothers decided to give spirits a try.

This summer they finally had a rice vodka they were happy with and called it J.T. Meleck in honor of their great, great uncle, who started the family farm.

Since hitting store shelves in July J.T. Meleck has been selling better than expected and people are really liking the taste.

Mike Fruge says “this is a very unique product. We just don’t get a lot of dissatisfied people. We do a lot of blind tastings against national brands and we have had a lot of success.”

If you would like try their rice vodka you can pick up a bottle of J.T. Meleck at most major and independent retailers in Lafayette.

Also, to find out when they might be doing a tasting near you click here to check out their Facebook page.