Interview with Jeff Kanbar founder of Jett Vodka
Question 1. Who are you and what is the name of your company.
My name is Jeff Kanbar and I’m the founder of JETT Vodka.
Question 2. How many people work for your company?
Right now just 2. I have a person that handles my PR and Events and I do everything else. I’ll be hiring somebody to help me in the field with sales in the next couple of months.
Question 3. Who came up with the idea for Jett Vodka?
I came up with the idea about 3 years ago. I enjoy the benefits of mixing my vodka with energy drinks but I often found myself not always in the mood for the flavor profile, sugar and carbs that’s associated with energy drinks. So, I thought it would be ideal to have a flavorless and colorless infusion of caffeine, guarana and ginseng in a super premium vodka.
Question 4. How did you decide which type of alcohol to use(ie Vodka)?
That was a no brainer for me. I’ve always been a vodka lover and I was also the sales and marketing director for SKYY in New York City back in the early 90’s. So, I had lots of experience working with vodka. It’s also important to love the product you own. I knew if I came to market with any other type of spirit I wouldn’t always be in the mood for it. I’m always down for a JETT cocktail.
Question 5. What types of grain are used in Jett?
I use a combination of wheat and rye from Southern France. I actually get everything done in France. JETT arrives in the US as a completed case. They have the best grain, the best water and most technologically advanced production facilities in the world
Question 6. How did you decide which energy ingredients to put in Jett Vodka?
I experimented with so many but found that the combination of all natural direct caffeine, Brazilian Guarana and Siberian Ginseng provided the best results for maintaining the quality of the spirit while achieving the benefits of the ingredients.
Question 7. How did you pick out the actual distillery to make Jett?
Tell us a little bit about the vodka you use.I searched all over the world and chose my distillery in France since their quality is simply the best, the production facility is state of the art, and they were willing to work with a start-up. They were big believers in JETT from the start.
Question 8. Do you plan on releasing other caffeinated alcohols(like Tequila or Gin)?
I never like to say never but it’s definitely not part of the current game plan.
Question 9. Who is your target market?
I’d say the key demographic is 21-35. However, there are many JETT drinkers that are older, such as myself, that love the product. The beauty of JETT is its versatility.
Question 10. Who is your products main competition?
Energy drinks, other caffeinated vodkas, or regular Vodka?I’d say my only direct competitors are the other energy vodkas on the market for which there are only a few. As you know, with “regular” vodka, there are literally hundreds on the market. I’m the only one in my category that comes from an actual vodka background and the only one produced and bottled in France.
Question 11. What are your feelings on the current controversy concerning mixing energy drinks and alcohol?
I think when you’re consuming anything alcoholic, regardless of what’s in it, you need to drink responsibly.
Question 12. Who designed your bottle and Logo?
I used a very talented design firm in San Francisco. The bottle is manufactured in France.
Question 13. Where is Jett currently distributed? Do you plan on extending distribution to new areas?
Right now I’m only distributed in Los Angeles. My plan is to grow the brand here and then start expanding into other markets. In the meantime, if you want JETT and don’t live in LA you can check my website, drinkjett.com, for a list of stores that will ship out of the area.
Question 14. Tell all Energy drink junkies out there why they should use and support Jett Vodka. Give us your best sales pitch
.JETT is simply the world’s finest super premium vodka infused with all natural direct caffeine, Brazilian guarana and Siberian ginseng!