Last week, our team hit the road for two incredible tasting events — one at Lucky Scotties and another at Green Town Tavern. Over the course of both events, we had around 30 to 40 guests join us to experience two of our signature products: Frio River Vodka and Brio Vodka Seltzer. The results? Pure excitement, real feedback, and two undeniable takeaways — Frio is smoother than Tito’s, and Brio is redefining what a vodka seltzer should taste like.
Frio River Vodka: Smooth Enough to Surprise
When people think of vodka tastings, most don’t imagine taking a straight shot — but that’s exactly how we started. A few guests hesitated at first, even grabbing a chaser “just in case.” The best part? Nobody needed it. Every single person commented on how smooth Frio River Vodka was compared to what they expected. Many said it was just as strong as Tito’s but noticeably cleaner, softer on the finish, and without that harsh bite you usually brace for.
One guest laughed and said, “That’s dangerous — it’s too smooth!” Another joked that it was the first time they’d taken a vodka shot without making a face. Those reactions pretty much summed it up. Frio River Vodka continues to deliver on its promise of being a true premium vodka that stands up against the biggest names in the industry — and in this case, beat them in a blind comparison.
Brio Vodka Seltzer: Flavor That Stands Out
After vodka shots came the refreshment. Guests sampled Brio Vodka Seltzer, our cleaner, better-tasting seltzer packed with ginger, Himalayan pink salt, and electrolytes. The reaction was immediate — “Wow, this actually has flavor!” was heard again and again. Compared to other national brands, people said Brio’s taste felt more natural, less artificial, and had a fuller mouthfeel without being heavy or sugary.
Several guests mentioned they’d drink it as an everyday go-to, and one bartender commented that Brio would “kill it” behind the bar because it actually tastes like what the can says — not watered-down fruit gas. That’s exactly what we built Brio to be: a seltzer that finally lives up to the hype.
Two Brands, One Goal: Better Experiences
Both events gave us valuable firsthand feedback, and the results couldn’t have been clearer — people love Frio and Brio because they deliver genuine quality at a better value. The smoothness of Frio River Vodka and the vibrant flavor of Brio Vodka Seltzer continue to stand out wherever we go, proving that local brands can compete head-to-head with national giants and win on taste alone.
Looking Ahead
We’re already planning more events across Illinois to keep the momentum going. These tastings aren’t just about pouring drinks — they’re about sharing our story, connecting with real people, and letting our products speak for themselves. If you’re a bar, restaurant, or retailer interested in hosting a BeyondBevs tasting event, visit shopbeyondbevs.com/events to get on the list.
Frio River Vodka and Brio Vodka Seltzer — local brands with real flavor, real smoothness, and a growing fan base that’s proving you don’t have to be national to be exceptional.