Blake Shelton Celebrates Partnership With Smithworks Vodka (…and some karaoke)

Blake Shelton welcomes Smithworks Vodka to the heart of country music on June 6, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Smithworks Vodka).

Thanks to country music kingpin Blake Shelton, Smithworks® Vodka is now available in Tennessee as it expands to the heart of country music. The award-winning Smithworks Vodka expanded its roots this week by rolling out in Nashville just before CMA Fest gets underway.

Smithworks debuted the American-made vodka alongside Shelton, who the company refers to as an “essential member of the Smithworks family.” The private celebration was held on Tuesday (June 6) at WannaB’s in Nashville and gave lucky guests the opportunity to enjoy their favorite vodka drink including Blake’s Pick, Shelton’s drink of choice, consisting of Smithworks® Vodka and lemon lime soda, garnished with a lime wedge.

“A huge part of my life has been rooted in my involvement with country music and my ties to Nashville,” said Shelton. “With the brand’s expansion to Tennessee, I’m excited to bring our American-made vodka to the place that’s a second home for me.”

Before informally judging energetic rounds of karaoke from the invited guests, which included co-host Hoda Kotb of NBC’s Today Show, Shelton spoke with MusicRow about what he looks for when partnering with certain brands such as Smithworks.

“It’s got to be authentic,” says Shelton. “It’s got to be something that makes good sense for me. I’ve done things in the past that I look back on and maybe I shouldn’t have done that. But I’m fortunate enough to have gotten to a place in my career and in my life that if it doesn’t make good sense for me personally and I’m not passionate about it, I’m not going to do it. I’m lucky enough to surround myself with people that do get that [marketing] part of it. For me, I just know what I like.”

Blake Shelton and Hoda Kotb celebrate the expansion of Smithworks Vodka in Nashville, Tennessee at karaoke bar WannaB’s on June 6, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Smithworks Vodka.

Launched in early 2016, Smithworks® Vodka has already won a coveted gold medal at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its quality and craftsmanship.

“Crafted with pride and rooted in a passion to create a spirit that embodies the values of the Heartland, Smithworks celebrates the importance of enjoying moments in life with good people and great drinks,” said Troy Gorczyca, Brand Director, Smithworks. “We are excited to share Smithworks with consumers in Music City and across Tennessee because they share the same pride and passion in creating their music as Smithworks has for its vodka.”

It is available in select markets across the U.S. including Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and now Tennessee.

Blake Shelton welcomes Smithworks Vodka to the heart of country music on June 6, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Smithworks Vodka