News & Updates

Read updates about the latest local events, industry news, handmade rice vodka, and other insider information from J.T. Meleck Distillers. We're always adding new content to be sure to check back often!

May 11
2 min

J.T. Meleck Distillers Gearing Up For the Initial Release of their American Rice Whiskey

I know what some of you are thinking..."initial release?" How could this be the initial release if I was sipping on the Founder's Edition...

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Apr 14
3 min

The J.T. Meleck Story: The story of family, sustainability and a whole lot of creativity.

For us, the J.T. Meleck story started about 7 years ago when we were trying to figure out what to do with our rice crop. But, the real...

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JT Meleck Distillers

Feb 23
1 min

Who is John Meleck?

Ever wondered why Mike Fruge' chose the brand name J.T. Meleck Distillers? Great Great Uncle John Meleck was the family patriarch. He and...

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JT Meleck Distillers

Feb 16
1 min

Fake News: "Vodka is Tasteless"

Most people think that vodka is odorless and tasteless, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. No vodka is ever the same in taste...

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JT Meleck Distillers

Feb 9
2 min

Vodka Distilling: Two Truths and a Lie

If you've ever played the ice breaker game "Two Truths and a Lie", you know what I'm getting at. Something here is not a truth, can you...

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The Difference Between Rice Vodka and Sake

JT Meleck Distillers

Jan 25
2 min

The Difference Between Rice Vodka and Sake

The most common response we get from consumers is that our rice vodka both reminds them and taste like sake. While rice is the main...

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J.T. Meleck

Nov 16, 2021
2 min

J.T. Meleck Set to Release First Batch of Whiskey

What: J.T. Meleck Distillery has been aging rice whiskey in 30-gallon oak barrels for more than four years. The founder's edition small...

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J.T. Meleck

Nov 12, 2021
2 min

7 Benefits of Vodka

There are many lists out and about that point to the benefits of vodka, carb-friendly, – we wanted to share this list of 7 Ways Vodka Is...

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J.T. Meleck

Oct 12, 2021
2 min

Rice Vodka and Wedding Traditions

Here at J.T. Meleck, we’ve always known our handcrafted rice spirits were special, but lately, we’ve noticed a trend that adds another...

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J.T. Meleck

Aug 25, 2021
2 min

J.T. Meleck Spirit of Valor Campaign Gives Back to Local Veterans

J.T. Meleck Distillers Donates $2,225 to Acadiana Veteran Alliance (AVA) following the July Spirit of Valor Campaign. Funds Donated...

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JT Meleck Distillers

Jul 20, 2021
3 min

JT Meleck Vodka Takes Home Top Awards

We are proud to have taken home three awards for our vodka: Best of Category, Best of Class, and Double Gold.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Jul 16, 2021
2 min

Rice Vodka

While not commonly used for making vodka, rice from the Fruge family's farm in Branch, Louisiana makes for a spirit that is like no other.

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Three Years Later, JT Meleck Vodka Continues Shaking Up the Louisiana Alcohol Market

JT Meleck Distillers

Jul 14, 2021
1 min

Three Years Later, JT Meleck Vodka Continues Shaking Up the Louisiana Alcohol Market

On Tuesday, July 13, 2021 JT Meleck Distillers celebrated the third anniversary of their vodka being released in Louisiana.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Jul 14, 2021
8 min

JT Meleck Distillers on the Jay Ducote Show

Richard Hotard joins Jay Ducote of the Jay Ducote Show for a radio / podcast interview to discuss the latest on JT Meleck Vodka and Whiskey.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Jul 9, 2021
3 min

The Spirit of Louisiana

The spirit of Louisiana is a sum of the many things Cajuns are known for around the world, including vodka!

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JT Meleck Announces Partnership with Acadiana Veteran Alliance

JT Meleck Distillers

Jul 2, 2021
1 min

JT Meleck Announces Partnership with Acadiana Veteran Alliance

JT Meleck Distillers is proud to announce its partnership with Acadiana Veteran Alliance.

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As demand for Louisiana-based vodka increases, the JT Meleck team grows

JT Meleck Distillers

May 4, 2021
2 min

As demand for Louisiana-based vodka increases, the JT Meleck team grows

We're pleased to announce that Damon Trahan has joined our team.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Apr 27, 2021
1 min

JT Meleck Distillers at Oakbourne Country Club

We were recently able to participate at the 2021 Golf for Great Futures fundraiser event.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Apr 23, 2021
1 min

Roux Magazine Launch Party

We're excited for the launch of Acadiana's newest publication, Roux Magazine.

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Out to Lunch Podcast with Founder Mike Fruge

JT Meleck Distillers

Apr 13, 2021
1 min

Out to Lunch Podcast with Founder Mike Fruge

JT Meleck Distillers is pleased to announce that founder Mike Fruge is a guest on this week's It's Acadiana: Out to Lunch podcast.

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Photos: Hanging Out at the Cycle Zydeco Louisiana Festival

JT Meleck Distillers

Apr 9, 2021
1 min

Photos: Hanging Out at the Cycle Zydeco Louisiana Festival

We got to check out aLouisiana festival taking place in Breaux Bridge. Check out our photos!

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Live Music Events Happening April 7 through April 11

JT Meleck Distillers

Apr 7, 2021
2 min

Live Music Events Happening April 7 through April 11

At JT Meleck Distillers, we're no strangers to having a good time. With warmer weather and longer days upon us, we're excited about live...

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Martini History (Knowledge Base Article)

JT Meleck Distillers

Apr 6, 2021
2 min

Martini History (Knowledge Base Article)

The history of the martini begins during the 19th century California Gold Rush.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Mar 31, 2021
2 min

Vodka 101 - All About Vodka

Looking for information about vodka? Here is your vodka 101! Vodka can be made from any carbohydrate-heavy commodity.

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Live Music Events Happening March 29 through April 4

JT Meleck Distillers

Mar 23, 2021
2 min

Live Music Events Happening March 29 through April 4

At JT Meleck Distillers, we're no strangers to having a good time. Check out our list of live events happening soon!

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JT Meleck Distillers

Mar 22, 2021
1 min

Meleck Moment Giveaway

We're giving away free gear every week during our Meleck Moment Giveaway! Entering is easy: (1) Post a lifestyle pic of your meleck...

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JT Meleck Distillers

Mar 8, 2021
1 min

JT Meleck & Louisiana Crawfish

We're so excited for crawfish season that we decided to launch a new in-store display featuring a crawfish cooker and JT Meleck Louisiana Vo

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JT Meleck Distillers

Feb 16, 2021
2 min

Courir de Mardi Gras in Church Point

We sat down with the capitaine of the Courir de Mardi Gras in Church Point to learn about the event from someone with firsthand knowledge.

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Checking out the Bus Stop Bistro in Carencro

JT Meleck Distillers

Feb 12, 2021
2 min

Checking out the Bus Stop Bistro in Carencro

We wanted to see what their drinks and dinner menu offered, so we stopped by recently and got to meet owners Jay and Charles.

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We Love Our Louisiana Retailer Partners!

JT Meleck Distillers

Feb 10, 2021
2 min

We Love Our Louisiana Retailer Partners!

Recently, we got to show our Louisiana pride with a seasonal in-store display we deployed at a number of locations selling JT Meleck Vodka.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Jan 26, 2021
1 min

History of Mardi Gras Colors

We wanted to know how the colors came to be associated with the holiday and did research that turned up some interesting information.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Jan 26, 2021
1 min

JT Meleck Distillers' Virtual Mardi Gras Parade

We’re celebrating Mardi Gras this year with a parade of purple, gold, and green cocktails in your news feed and Mardi Gras “throws”.

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JT Meleck's "Meleck Masquerade" Featured by 99.9 KTDY

JT Meleck Distillers

Jan 15, 2021
1 min

JT Meleck's "Meleck Masquerade" Featured by 99.9 KTDY

We are pleased to announce that JT Meleck Distillers’ “Meleck Masquerade” cocktail was recently featured by radio station 99.9 KTDY.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Jan 11, 2021
2 min

JT Meleck Distillers Featured by Acadiana Radio Stations

We are pleased to announce that JT Meleck Distillers’ Bloody Mary recipe was recently featured by several Acadiana radio stations.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Dec 31, 2020
1 min

Bon Temps Grill's Acadiana Mule

Lafayette eatery Bon Temps Grill specializes in what it calls “swamp edge” cuisine in an urban Cajun atmosphere.

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Enjoying JT Meleck Infusions at Cafe Josephine

JT Meleck Distillers

Dec 30, 2020
1 min

Enjoying JT Meleck Infusions at Cafe Josephine

Three minutes from Interstate 49 in the town of Sunset, Louisiana is where you can find “Food with Attitude” from Café Josephine.

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The Magnolia Cocktail at Cafe Vermilionville

JT Meleck Distillers

Dec 29, 2020
1 min

The Magnolia Cocktail at Cafe Vermilionville

Cocktail #3 on our Countdown to 21 is the Magnolia from Café Vermilionville in Lafayette.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Dec 28, 2020
2 min

Spigots in Houma

Cocktail #4 on our Countdown to 21 is the Savory Bloody Mary from Spigots Brew Pub in Houma, Louisiana.

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Brunch at French Press with a Grand Fizz

JT Meleck Distillers

Dec 27, 2020
2 min

Brunch at French Press with a Grand Fizz

We wanted to see what French Press makes with JT Meleck Vodka so we stopped by and met bartender James who made us a Grand Fizz cocktail.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Dec 26, 2020
2 min

The 2020 Do-Over at Pete's

We stopped by Pete's and met bartender Al Lane who told us about Pete’s 2020 Do-Over cocktail.

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The Dude Cocktail at Social Southern Table & Bar

JT Meleck Distillers

Dec 25, 2020
2 min

The Dude Cocktail at Social Southern Table & Bar

Right off Johnston Street in the MidCity area of Lafayette is one of the most unique restaurant concepts in Acadiana.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Dec 24, 2020
2 min

The Bayou Mermaid at Cajun Table

The Bayou Mermaid cocktail gives off summer vibes and the taste will have you longing for a beach chair and ocean waves.

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Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant in Downtown Lafayette

JT Meleck Distillers

Dec 23, 2020
2 min

Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant in Downtown Lafayette

The Feels Like Summer cocktail at Spoonbill is a refreshing cocktail that pairs nicely with the eatery's bright and light menu offerings.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Dec 22, 2020
1 min

Uncle T's Tea is a Year-Round Favorite

We stopped in for a visit at Uncle T's in Scott and tried their Uncle T's Tea.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Dec 21, 2020
2 min

Louisiana Moscow Mule at Sammy's Grill

We recently visited Sammy’s Grill on Highland to check out their Louisiana Moscow Mule cocktail.

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The Smoky Mary Cocktail from Tchoup's MidCity Smokehouse

J.T. Meleck

Dec 20, 2020
2 min

The Smoky Mary Cocktail from Tchoup's MidCity Smokehouse

The Smoky Mary from Tchoup's Midcity is made with Tchoup's Bloody Mary mix incorporating their house BBQ sauce.

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The Black Betty Cocktail at The Cellar Cocktail Bar & Lounge

JT Meleck Distillers

Dec 19, 2020
2 min

The Black Betty Cocktail at The Cellar Cocktail Bar & Lounge

The Cellar Cocktail Bar & Lounge is a new take on a familiar hangout spot in Lafayette. We got to check out their updated space not too l

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JT Meleck Distillers

Dec 18, 2020
1 min

Radio Interview with Founder Mike Fruge

JT Meleck Distillers founder Mike Fruge was recently invited to a live on-air radio interview with Baton Rouge radio station Talk 107.3.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Dec 18, 2020
2 min

Mason Grill's Cajun Gibson

Cocktail #14 on our Countdown to 21 is the Cajun Gibson from Mason's Grill.

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JT Meleck Distillers

Dec 17, 2020
2 min

Trapp's in Broussard

Cocktail #15 on our Countdown to 21 is Trapp's Cherry Limeade.

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Dangerously Smooth

Office 337.443.2099 Text SUPPORT to (833) 753-1541

News & Updates

J.T. Meleck Distillers Gearing Up For the Initial Release of their American Rice Whiskey

The J.T. Meleck Story: The story of family, sustainability and a whole lot of creativity.

Who is John Meleck?

Fake News: "Vodka is Tasteless"

Vodka Distilling: Two Truths and a Lie

The Difference Between Rice Vodka and Sake

J.T. Meleck Set to Release First Batch of Whiskey

7 Benefits of Vodka

Rice Vodka and Wedding Traditions

J.T. Meleck Spirit of Valor Campaign Gives Back to Local Veterans

JT Meleck Vodka Takes Home Top Awards

Rice Vodka

Three Years Later, JT Meleck Vodka Continues Shaking Up the Louisiana Alcohol Market

JT Meleck Distillers on the Jay Ducote Show

The Spirit of Louisiana

JT Meleck Announces Partnership with Acadiana Veteran Alliance

As demand for Louisiana-based vodka increases, the JT Meleck team grows

JT Meleck Distillers at Oakbourne Country Club

Roux Magazine Launch Party

Out to Lunch Podcast with Founder Mike Fruge

Photos: Hanging Out at the Cycle Zydeco Louisiana Festival

Live Music Events Happening April 7 through April 11

Martini History (Knowledge Base Article)

Vodka 101 - All About Vodka

Live Music Events Happening March 29 through April 4

Meleck Moment Giveaway

JT Meleck & Louisiana Crawfish

Courir de Mardi Gras in Church Point

Checking out the Bus Stop Bistro in Carencro

We Love Our Louisiana Retailer Partners!

History of Mardi Gras Colors

JT Meleck Distillers' Virtual Mardi Gras Parade

JT Meleck's "Meleck Masquerade" Featured by 99.9 KTDY

JT Meleck Distillers Featured by Acadiana Radio Stations

Bon Temps Grill's Acadiana Mule

Enjoying JT Meleck Infusions at Cafe Josephine

The Magnolia Cocktail at Cafe Vermilionville

Spigots in Houma

Brunch at French Press with a Grand Fizz

The 2020 Do-Over at Pete's

The Dude Cocktail at Social Southern Table & Bar

The Bayou Mermaid at Cajun Table

Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant in Downtown Lafayette

Uncle T's Tea is a Year-Round Favorite

Louisiana Moscow Mule at Sammy's Grill

The Smoky Mary Cocktail from Tchoup's MidCity Smokehouse

The Black Betty Cocktail at The Cellar Cocktail Bar & Lounge

Radio Interview with Founder Mike Fruge

Mason Grill's Cajun Gibson

Trapp's in Broussard

Office 337.443.2099
Text SUPPORT to (833) 753-1541