social house vodka
This survey note examines the evolution of Social House Vodka, a North Carolina-based, handcrafted, and gluten-free vodka brand, from its 2017 distribution agreement with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits to its current status in June 2025. The analysis leverages available online information to assess growth, distribution, partnerships, and recognitions, providing a comprehensive overview for stakeholders and consumers.
Historical Context and Initial Expansion

In November 2017, Social House Vodka announced a distribution agreement with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the largest North American wine and spirits distributor, operating in 44 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Canada, and the Caribbean. This partnership laid the groundwork for national expansion, adding seven new states beyond North Carolina. At the time, the brand had quickly gained traction, becoming the top-selling North Carolina-distilled vodka in the state within 90 days of its August 2017 launch, with significant presence in over 150 Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) retail stores and growing availability in hotels, bars, and restaurants.


Distribution Expansion by 2025

By June 2025, evidence suggests Social House Vodka has significantly expanded its distribution footprint. While exact figures are not publicly detailed, partnerships with university collectives indicate presence in multiple states. For instance, limited edition vodkas like the Battle’s End for Florida State University and Tech Way for Georgia Tech imply distribution in Florida and Georgia. Similarly, Social House Varsity Vodka is available in Wisconsin, and partnerships with North Carolina State University and others suggest a broad regional presence. The brand’s online shipping, excluding states like AK, HI, and others, further supports national availability through third-party retailers.

The initial 2017 agreement with Southern Glazer’s likely facilitated this growth, given the distributor’s extensive network. However, specific updates on distribution beyond these partnerships are not readily available, suggesting a reliance on strategic market entries rather than broad public disclosure.


Partnerships and Community Engagement

A notable development since 2017 is Social House Vodka’s focus on partnerships with university Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collectives, supporting student-athletes. Recent collaborations include FANG Exchange for Florida A&M University, announced in October 2024, and The Tech Way for Georgia Tech, reflecting a commitment to community impact. An X post from June 18, 2025, by @SavageWolvesNIL highlights their partnership with Social House Vodka, noting availability at local ABC stores, reinforcing market presence in North Carolina. Another X post from March 29, 2025, by @yoursocialhouse emphasizes support for NC State student-athletes, indicating ongoing engagement.

These partnerships align with the brand’s mission, as stated on their website, to create “Social House Moments” and give back to communities, integrating service into their activities and supporting non-profit causes.


Quality and Sustainability

Social House Vodka maintains its commitment to quality, handcrafting vodka from 100% North Carolina corn, distilled in small batches at Three Stacks Distilling Company in Kinston, NC. Their process, detailed on their website, involves locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices, such as using water from the Black Creek Aquifer. This focus on sustainability and premium quality has likely contributed to their market success, positioning them as a leader in the craft vodka segment.


Awards and Recognitions

The brand has received several design awards, enhancing its market appeal. According to CF Napa Brand Design, Social House Vodka won the Graphis Design Annual – Silver in 2018, HOW International Design Awards in 2018, PRINT Regional Design Awards in 2018, and World Brand Design Society in 2020. Additionally, their website mentions winning two Bar Fight awards for cocktail recipes, though specifics on these awards are limited. These recognitions underscore their excellence in branding and product presentation, likely boosting consumer trust and visibility.

 

Market Position and Sales

While specific 2025 sales figures are not publicly available, historical data from 2017 indicates strong performance in North Carolina, being among the top 12 selling classic vodkas in the $16.95-$24.95 price range for 750 ml and top six in Wake County. Given their expanded distribution and partnerships, it seems likely that Social House Vodka maintains a leadership position in the craft vodka market, particularly in regions with university collaborations. The World Spirits Report 2024: Vodka suggests a growing value in the vodka category, potentially benefiting brands like Social House Vodka, though exact impact is unclear.


The Last Sip…

Social House Vodka’s journey from a regional craft vodka to a nationally recognized brand by June 2025 reflects strategic growth through distribution partnerships, innovative university collaborations, and a steadfast commitment to quality and community. While exact distribution numbers and recent sales data are not fully disclosed, evidence points to a robust presence in multiple states, supported by their mission to create meaningful social experiences and sustainable practices.

Funding and Financials

The brand raised $1.78M over two funding rounds, with the latest in July 2017, and an additional $4.11M over four rounds according to CB Insights, though the most recent funding noted was a $0.25M loan in April 2020. This financial backing likely supported their expansion and operational scaling.

 

Table: Summary of Key Partnerships and Locations

 

Partnership Name
Associated University
Likely State
FANG Exchange
Florida A&M University
Florida
Savage Wolves
North Carolina State University
North Carolina
The Tech Way
Georgia Tech
Georgia
Legacy 14
Coastal Carolina University
South Carolina
The Battle’s End
Florida State University
Florida
Roll The Quad
Wake Forest University
North Carolina
TIGMA
Appalachian State University
North Carolina
VC Connect
University of Wisconsin
Wisconsin
ECU Pirates
East Carolina University
North Carolina
This table highlights the geographic spread facilitated by university partnerships, suggesting a multi-state presence.

Key Citations

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