Smithworks™ Raises Its First Glass As The Spirit Of The Heartland With Award-Winning Musician Blake Shelton

NEW YORK, March 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Smithworks™ Vodka rolls out today in limited markets across the United States and is impassioned by a mission to create The Spirit of the Heartland. Made with corn from Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma and water from Lake Fort Smith, Smithworks is distilled three times and charcoal filtered for a smooth taste and clean finish.  Smithworks is finished and bottled with pride in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and named after the dedicated team there and their hardworking values are symbolized through the tractor icon. Born and bred in the traditions and values of America's Heartland, Smithworks embodies the values of the place in which it comes from – local pride, simplicity and hard work.

"Smithworks knows that the most meaningful moments in life are often spent with family, friends and great drinks," said Kate Pomeroy, Vice President, Innovation, Pernod Ricard USA. "Blending our expertise in vodka with the passion and pride of our Smithworks plant in Fort Smith, Arkansas, we're excited to bring consumers a new American vodka."

The debut of Smithworks is also coupled with the excitement of officially raising a glass with an essential member of the Smithworks family: award-winning country music star and fellow Heartland native, Blake Shelton.

"I grew up in Ada, Oklahoma and was raised on the values of hard work, humility and an appreciation for the simple things that make up a good life," said Blake Shelton. "As part of the Smithworks family, I've been involved in the development of the brand and I'm excited for everyone to finally taste what we've been crafting. At its core, Smithworks celebrates that moments in life are better spent with good people and great drinks."

Currently available in select U.S. markets, Smithworks has a suggested retail price of $19.99 for a 750 mL. Smithworks is also available in 50 mL, 1L and 1.75L.

Enjoy the spirit of the Heartland with Smithworks drinks, like Blake's favorite, "Sip My Country Ale," or the following new signature drinks.

SMITHWORKS LEMONADE
2 parts Smithworks
5 parts lemonade
Build in a mason jar with ice and garnish with a lemon wedge (optional).

SIP MY COUNTRY ALE
2 parts Smithworks
5 parts ginger ale
Build in a mason jar with ice and garnish with a lime wedge (optional).

SMITHWORKS SWEET TEA
2 parts Smithworks
5 parts sweetened iced tea
Build in a mason jar with ice and garnish with a lemon wedge or sprig of mint (optional).

For additional information and more signature drink recipes, please visit www.SmithworksVodka.com.  

PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY.

SMITHWORKS™ Vodka. Distilled from Corn. Made in the USA. 40% Alc. /Vol. (80 Proof). ©2016 Smithworks Vodka, Ft. Smith, AR.

About Pernod Ricard USA®
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA, which employs a workforce of nearly 19,000 people worldwide and is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI).

The company's leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Martell® Cognac, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod®, Ricard® and Avión™ Tequila; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek®, Kenwood® Vineyards and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.

Pernod Ricard USA is based in New York, New York, and has roughly 850 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org.

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SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA