Founder Q&A: Carefree Spirits Distillery
Crafted Pour had the opportunity to sit down with Founder and President of Carefree Spirits, Renea McQuiggan. Working alongside her husband and business partner, Mike McQuiggan, Carefree Spirits was born of a conversation over cocktails. The idea, do more with the corn and grain crops of her family's Kansas farm, and create a hobby for her then retired husband. The Kansas farm has been in the family for 4 generations and she felt that this would be a good way to incorporate the corn and grains that they grew. Her goal, along with the help of the Carefree Spirits Distillery team, is to produce the finest portfolio of premium bourbons and vodkas.
Where does the name come from?
Carefree Spirits Distillery is located in Carefree, AZ, which is where the name originated. The town of Carefree is a small community nestled in the Sonoran desert, just north of Scottsdale, and much like the name depicts, it offers a laid back and carefree environment.
What makes Carefree unique?
We think that Carefree Bourbon is one of the smoothest bourbons on the market today. Meanwhile, Chakra Vodka, is a gluten free, sugar free, smooth vodka made from the finest Midwest corn, and we think it'll please even the snootiest of vodka drinkers. We pride ourselves on a wide assortment of flavor combinations for every taste. The flavors are blended (not infused) using unique and all natural ingredients, with no sugars added.
Carefree features some really unique flavors, what's your favorite, and are there any you're still working on?
This is truly a hard one for me to answer, since all the flavors are great in and of themselves. During the summer, I like the Green Tea, Mint and Matcha (Heart Chakra) in a mule. So refreshing! In the fall I enjoy a martini with the Red Apple (Root Chakra). Any of the flavors are great and were designed to be something you could sip on ice, with a little soda water, or as part of that perfect cocktail. Some of Crafted Pour's mixologist have created some fantastic cocktails with the various Chakra Vodkas. We're constantly working to improve our flavors, and are considering reengineering the Honey and Lemon Balm Vodka. The process has us working with a 'flavor engineer' and the entire Carefree team to fine tune the end result. Stayed tuned!
What's in the future for Carefree?
We're looking to expand nationally and eventually internationally. We're currently able to sell in 41 states through our online shop. As demand increases, we are also looking to expand our productivity levels by building a larger facility that will fit our growing needs.
Are you planning to expand beyond Bourbon and Vodka?
Yes, we have plans to bring out an entire 'Carefree' line of products. Products that will include gin, a rye whiskey and some double oaked bourbons.
What's your favorite cocktail and why?
We've seen some amazing and creative cocktails from the Crafted Pour community. One of my favorite cocktails is the Root Chakra Martini by The Filppin Mixologist. It's a great winter concoction made with our Red Apple and Ginger Root Chakra Vodka, dry vermouth, and grenadine cocktail syrup. It is so refreshing and smooth, plus it is garnished with a lemon twist for an extra flavor punch. Fun and sophisticated!