New craft vodka supports gay rights

A new craft vodka has been launched in the US to champion the rights of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transsexual (GLBT) communities.

Halsted Vodka has been launched to specifically support GLBT communities

Halsted Vodka, created by Siren Spirits, claims to be the only spirit to give something back to the community from the sale of every bottle.

Named in honour of Halsted Street, a unique GLBT community in Chicago, 15% of the vodka’s founding equity, as well as 15% of its operating profits, are dedicated to building the community and human rights.

It is launching in selected gay bars in Chicago before being rolled out to other cities in 2013.

“The causes we support reflect the attributes of the street which inspired us and our values,” the company said. “We partner with these local causes and charities which support equal rights for the GLBT community, particularly those which support individuals by changing opinions, providing equal and greater opportunities, protecting them against violence and discrimination from wider society.”

Halsted is made using American grain and water from the Rocky Mountains at a craft distillery in Denver, Colorado.  It is micro-distilled in small batches in a rare glass still that creates a “perfectly pure vodka”.

It is currently only available in seven bars in and around Halstead Street.