RESERVE
min $100
1.8x Return to Investors, Expected Payback in 5 Years
Absolutely, there's a world of vodkas and vodka infusions out there, but let's be clear – we're in a league of our own. You see, most of what you find on those shelves is churned out in massive quantities, laced with syrups, and drenched in artificial additives to give them a semblance of taste and color.
Now, enter 619 Spirits. We were born from a yearning for something crafted and unadulterated. Something that stands out from the crowd.
That "something different" led us straight back to the basics. We handcraft our vodka, using whole ingredients sourced right here in the vibrant San Diego County region. We're talking about real, locally grown farm products.
Fast forward to today, and our premium spirits? Still meticulously handcrafted in small batches. We're talking about the finest, locally sourced ingredients. Micro-distilled from pure cane, our 619 Spirits are proudly gluten-free. There's no mass production, no artificial flavors, no synthetic colors, and certainly no chemical preservatives to be found here.
Our spirits are a true embodiment of San Diego, right down to the last drop. Cultivated and savored locally, 619 Spirits are the quintessence of Southern California's dynamic, relaxed, and clean lifestyle.
We're not just in San Diego; we are San Diego and we take our vodka as serious as sunshine.
Hello and thank you for exploring my Wefunder campaign!
I'm Nick Apostolopoulos, the mind behind 619 Spirits—a passion project turned award-winning craft distillery. Born from a desire for premium vodka in San Diego, 619 Spirits quickly earned its place.
Named for San Diego’s primary area code, 619 Spirits launched in 2012 and has since won gold medal awards, including being named the “Best Craft Vodka Distillery in the Country” by USA Today in 2019 and then becoming a household name in the San Diego area.
619 Spirits is not just a brand; it's a story of passion, innovation, and unwavering dedication to craft. Before launching 619 Spirits, I spent 20+ years as a software developer, architect, and business owner. In addition to founding various software businesses, I worked with or consulted for Microsoft, Qualcomm, Kingston Technology, Intel, and sports teams like the Denver Broncos, the New York Rangers and Knicks.
Dissatisfied with my career path, I saw the opportunity to create a business that excites me. Drawing from 25 years of home brewing beer, I opted to channel my expertise into the realm of spirits. Drawing from my home brewing experience, my love for San Diego and the craft led to the birth of 619 Spirits in 2012.
With the successes of 619 Vodka, I have consulted for a number of other spirits brands and developed a signature infused vodka for Knotts Berry Farm. I was also a featured spirits presenter at the annual Disney Food & Wine Festival.
The journey continued with the opening of 619 Spirits North Park—a transformative venture that evolved into San Diego's First Urban Craft Distillery and Tasting Room, boasting a full restaurant and bar. This expansion marked not just a business growth but a celebration of the vibrant local community and its flavors.
It's San Diego's sole bar dedicated to exclusively featuring spirits from Southern California's craft distilleries (no national brands!), it stands as a platform for showcasing fellow artisans in the same realm.
Despite the challenges posed by the events of 2020, we thrived, generating almost $1 million and further solidifying our position as a beloved establishment in the heart of North Park. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and community support has consistently resulted in revenues surpassing $1 million annually over the last two years.
"From grassroots beginnings spreading the name bar to bar to opening San Diego's First Urban Craft Distillery, our growth has been phenomenal."
At the core of 619 Spirits is the commitment to authenticity, local flavors, and creating an exceptional experience. It's not just about crafting premium vodkas; it's about curating an environment where passion meets palate. This ethos led to numerous accolades and recognition.
Now, as we embark on the next phase of our journey, we invite you to be a part of the legacy. The vision includes expanding our offerings, introducing a D2C line of premium vodkas and vodka infusions, and creating new opportunities in a market that is ready for our unique San Diego touch.
Your support in this campaign is not just an investment; it's a testament to the belief in local craftsmanship, community spirit, and the exciting future that 619 Spirits is poised to create.
Now, we're embarking on an exciting expansion, and I invite you to join the journey.
Vodka, with its versatile profile, emerged as the ideal canvas for expressing my creative vision.
I’m offering investors a revenue share opportunity where investors receive 1.8x return on their investment within a target 5-year repayment period.
How it works is I’ll pay a percentage of 619 Spirit’s quarterly revenues back to investors until all investors have received a 1.8x return.
Example: $10,000 today --> $18,000 in 5 years.
Here is an economic model that shows revenue projections and a payback schedule for investors.
619 Spirits has sustained remarkable success, with batches ranging from 50 to 100 cases, resulting in a monthly production of 100 to 200 cases. Enjoying robust brand recognition and a dedicated customer base, it boasts extensive availability in San Diego's bars, restaurants, and retail establishments.
Recognized consistently for excellence, both 619 Spirits and 619 Spirits North Park have clinched prestigious awards since their inception. This includes securing the top spot in USA Today's Readers' Choice contest for Best Craft Vodka Distillery.
We are excited to announce the expansion of our Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) shipping, bringing the exceptional taste of San Diego's finest craft spirits to your doorstep. Now, we can proudly ship to all but seven states across the United States, ensuring that more aficionados can savor the premium quality and unique flavors that define 619 Spirits.
This expansion not only broadens the reach of our award-winning vodkas and infused spirits but also symbolizes a commitment to sharing the essence of San Diego craftsmanship with enthusiasts far and wide.
After selling these infusions for years to my customers, I’m now bringing them to a broader market.
The line of vodka infusion flavors includes:
After the debut of our initial flavors, brace yourselves for an exciting lineup:
Supporting 619 Spirits is more than backing a business; it's investing in a craft spirits revolution.
Crafted with care since 2012, we're on the brink of a significant expansion. The global craft spirits market, escalating since 2017 and accelerated by post-COVID dynamics, positions us for remarkable growth.
Now, as we unveil plans for a broader production facility, diversified whiskey varieties, and an extended lineup of vodka infusions, we invite you to be a part of our journey. Your contribution goes beyond spirits; it fuels a local dream, and together, we'll redefine the craft spirits landscape.
(Source: DISCUS Market Segmentation Database, IWSR, and various industry publications.)
In the tapestry of spirits, 619 Spirits stands poised for a significant chapter. Market dynamics forecast a robust trajectory, with an anticipated valuation surge from $17.4B in 2022 to a projected $43.2B by 2031.
Be it the conservative CAGR of 10.6% or the optimistic 28.3% proposed by Grandview, the resonance is clear—this is a moment of growth.
The evolving landscape of craft spirits mirrors the discerning tastes of consumers. A quest for artisanal, unique, and the highest quality propels the 'premiumization' trend. In this narrative, vodka takes the lead, setting the tone for our spirits journey. The opportunity to be part of this narrative is present, beckoning those who appreciate the nuanced notes of a crafted experience.
In a world where health-conscious choices are gaining momentum, consumers seek authenticity in their spirits. They desire options with real ingredients and no fillers, aligning seamlessly with our commitment to crafting genuine and exceptional experiences.
All these trends have made this the moment to bring 619 Spirits to the San Diego market.
Here’s an article from the San Diego Tribune on my history. Go here for a compilation of media shout-outs: 619 Spirits Media.
Now that I’ve proven that 619 Spirits is a market fit, it’s time to level up. To rise to 619 Spirit’s potential, I’m looking to raise $____k of operating capital that will ramp up the D2C line, specifically:
Harnessing the connections I've cultivated, my inventive spirit, and the accolade-laden brand persona, I am confident that 619 Spirits is poised to become a household name in San Diego – all through the artistry of a well-crafted cocktail.
Join us in toasting to the exciting future ahead!
