Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A Monroe distillery has partnered with Gene Simmons of KISS to create a 10-times distilled vodka

Gene Simmons of KISS talks to a crown in Monroe, WI on Sept. 17, 2022 where his new vodka was launched. MoneyBag Vodka was created in partnership of Minhas Brewery and Distillery in Monroe.

Minhas Distillery and Brewery in Monroe has partnered with KISS’ bassist and co-lead singer Gene Simmons to create new MoneyBag Vodka.

Minhas Distillery, operating in Monroe for 16 years and owned by Ravinder Minhas, released the new 10-times distilled vodka at Green County Cheese Days on Saturday with Simmons there to celebrate.

“It was great to have him there,” Minhas said. “Ten thousand of his fans lined the streets and Simmons got to open the first bottle.”

Minhas said the partnership started with a friend who works in television connecting him with Simmons, who wanted to join the growing number of stars creating their own liquor brand.

“We got on the phone and we started chatting and it sounded like it’d be a good partnership,” Minhas said.

Ravidner Minhas, owner of Monroe’s Minhas Brewery and Distillery, poses with Gene Simmons. The two created Simmons’ MoneyBag Vodka

That then led to a five-hour meeting between the two at Simmons’ Beverly Hills home.

“I had to pinch myself. It was like a ‘how did I get here?’ moment,” Minhas said.

They agreed on making a “clean and quality” vodka, using techniques like distilling five times in gold and carbon, which Minhas said gives the spirit a deep and smooth taste.

This isn’t Simmons’ only Wisconsin business tie. He’s scheduled to open Rock & Brews at Potawatomi Casino in spring 2023.

Minhas said he has MoneyBag Vodka bottles available for sale at the distillery at 1404 13th St, Monroe. They cost $49.99.

Their first retail partner is Fresh Thyme grocery store, where MoneyBag Vodka will appear on the shelves beginning mid-October.

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