STEVEN LINDSEY | Contributing writer
StevenCraigLindsey@gmail.com
Cheers to branching out!
It’s something Wesley Smoot knows well, having worked in event planning, marketing and public relations, in addition to authoring a cookbook featuring sexy, half-naked men next to each recipe.
His entrepreneurial spirit always led him in exciting new directions, most recently with the creation of the Unleashed LGBTQ+ Expo, a three-day conference/festival that just wrapped its third incarnation this past September.
Yet Smoot was thirsting for more — quite literally.
This fall, he officially launched Unleashed LGBTQ+ Premium Vodka, and as the producer of an annual event, it makes perfect sense.
“In our experience with events, we have seen that alcohol sponsors become fickle in providing genuine support to LGBTQ+ organizations and businesses like the Unleashed LGBTQ+ Conference/Festival,” he said.
As a bisexual member of the community, Smoot wanted to create a brand that reflected his values.
“We had the opportunity to partner with a distillery to produce a quality product that funds our events and brings prominent LGBTQ+ figures to Dallas, as well as gives a percentage of profits to LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizations that we felt were doing exceptional work for the community.”
Once he had a partner in place, Smoot got to work immediately.
“Against all odds, we managed to land a distributor and get our product into the market for Unleashed 2025, where we hosted John Waters and HRC President Kelley Robinson. To this day, I still can’t believe we managed to accomplish that.”
Unleashed LGBTQ+ Premium Vodka is distilled in Texas from cane sugar. It’s also gluten-free, non-GMO and kosher. Bottles retail for $19.99- $21.99, 750ml.
“You can find us in Alexandre’s, Fizz, ReView Lounge, The Dallas Eagle, Pinkies, The Ivy, Grapevine, Palate and more. We are moving into new bars and restaurants every week,’ he mentioned.
On-premise accounts (bars, restaurants, nightclubs, hotels, etc.) can now order on Specs Distribution and Provi. If you’re looking to pick up a bottle as a consumer, you can find Unleashed at select Specs locations, Total Wine and More, 73rd Wine and Spirits, Flamingo Liquor, Kindred Spirits & Wine, Cheers Liquor and Buddy’s Booze.
Sounds like egg nog may have a new best friend this year.
Learn more at UnleashedLGBTQ.com.
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