# KEEL® Vodka

> KEEL® Vodka is a Rhode Island spirits company that built what it calls the world's first premium light vodka: 23.8% alcohol by volume, 58 calories a serving, zero carbs and zero sugar, distilled from Idaho potatoes. Founded in 2011 by Bill Dessel, Tom McGowan and former New England Patriot Matt Light, KEEL sells to drinkers who want to keep going without the next-day tax. In June 2024 it was acquired by Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling, returning production to its home state.

- **Founded:** 2011
- **Headquarters:** Providence, Rhode Island, United States
- **Founders:** Bill Dessel (CEO & Co-Founder), Tom McGowan (Co-Founder), Matt Light (Partner / Co-Owner)
- **Team size:** Approximately 4 employees prior to acquisition
- **Products:** KEEL Premium Light Vodka, KEEL Sparkling (Hard Seltzer)
- **Notable:** Created what it markets as the world's first premium light vodka at 23.8% ABV, First spirits brand to print a full nutrition label on its bottle, Launched the consumer-facing 'Moderation Movement' and #staybalanced campaign

## Products & services

- **KEEL Premium Light Vodka** — The world's first premium light vodka at 23.8% ABV, distilled from Idaho non-GMO potatoes and Rocky Mountain glacial snowmelt. 58 calories per serving, zero carbs, zero sugar, gluten-free. First spirits brand to carry a nutrition label on the bottle. Sold in 750ml and 1.75L.
- **KEEL Sparkling (Hard Seltzer)** — A vodka-based hard seltzer made from KEEL's potato vodka and soda water, in lemon-lime and grapefruit. 80 calories per 12oz can, zero carbs, zero sugar, gluten-free.

## Achievements

- Created what it markets as the world's first premium light vodka at 23.8% ABV
- First spirits brand to print a full nutrition label on its bottle
- Launched the consumer-facing 'Moderation Movement' and #staybalanced campaign
- Grew distribution to roughly 12 U.S. states from a small Rhode Island base
- Acquired by Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling in June 2024

## Latest updates

- **2024-06** — Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling acquired KEEL Vodka, moving production back to Rhode Island.
- **2020-01** — Launched KEEL Sparkling, a vodka-based hard seltzer, in lemon-lime and grapefruit.
- **2019-01** — Formally kicked off the 'Moderation Movement' marketing campaign around #staybalanced.

## Links

- Website: https://keelvodka.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keel-vodka
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/keelvodka
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keelvodka
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/KEELVodka

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/keel-vodka
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-08-19