Grand Traverse Distillery, of Traverse City , Michigan , one of America �s newest trendy micro-distilleries, is bringing its first product, True North Vodka, to United States consumers.

To assist with the packaging for its new super-premium Polish rye vodka to assure a distinctive, vibrant overall look and prominent shelf appearance, it engaged the services and global resources of Saxco International, Inc., Horsham , PA , long time world-wide packaging specialty company for the wine and spirits industry.     

Saxco International sourced and supplied a high quality 750ml flint cylindrical bottle with flat shoulders, long neck and thick base from Saverglass in France, one of the reliable vendors in its large international resource network.  The bottle will be used for True North�s straight super premium spirit, as well as its soon to be added natural cherry flavored version.

In addition, Saverglass decorated the bottle applying a partial spray-painted frosting which accented the screened on front and back black graphics depicting a natural tree-lined setting and True North logo.  The cherry version will possess a bold red ring around the bottle to differentiate it from the straight vodka.  A clear tamper-evident seal fits over the neck of the bottle and was completed by Seal St, Inc. of Farmington , NY , another quality Saxco source.

True North Vodka is distilled in a 1,200 liter (325 gallon) still manufactured in Germany that is made with more than 6,000 pounds of copper. �Technology has an important role, but as I�ve gone through this process, I�ve learned that distilling seems to be the perfect blend of tradition, art, technology and passion,� explains Kent Rabish , owner of Grand Traverse Distillery.  �True North offers a gentle sweetness that rolls into a hint of licorice because of the rye as the grain source.  Premium vodka should not burn and should have a smooth mouth feel.  I wanted to make a truly great sipping vodka that vodka lovers can enjoy straight up or with their favorite mixers.�

�To meet the designation of super-premium,� Rabish states, �a spirit should be produced in small quantities, under close supervision and using local ingredients.  The water here is pure and clean which makes Northern Michigan an ideal location to produce vodka.  I can honestly say we have the finest local ingredients available anywhere in the country.�

�It is always gratifying to play a key role in the launch of a new spirit,� relates Jimmy Owens of Saxco International who worked closely with Grand Traverse Distillery on the packaging for True North.  �Our experience and resources enabled us to coordinate and deliver everything that was required within the requested time frame.  It�s great to see it all come together.�