Sweetgrass Vodka
Sweetgrass Vodka
Last July 2023, Hollywood star Jeremy Renner joined Sweet Grass Vodka, a South Carolina-based spirits brand, as a celebrity partner. Founded by Alice and Jarrod Swanger, Sweet Grass Vodka boasted a unique selling point: each bottle included a blade of Charleston sweetgrass and claimed to use locally sourced potatoes. However, just months after Renner’s involvement, the company has faced serious allegations and financial troubles.
Swanger, the brand’s founder, has hired a bankruptcy lawyer following accusations from investors who fear they will not recoup their millions. Reports from The Post and Courier indicate that the vodka wasn’t even distilled by the company. Instead, Swanger allegedly purchased bulk vodka, diluted it, and then bottled it under the Sweet Grass label, completely bypassing the use of local potatoes as initially claimed. Former employees have come forward, stating they frequently went unpaid, and payment discrepancies were rampant.
Legal troubles are mounting for Swanger. He has lost two recent judgments: one to Blue Bridge Financial for $41,903.72 and another to South Carolina Federal Credit Union for $26,154.39. Financial pressures have reportedly forced Swanger to sell his home to meet creditor demands.
Renner, whose involvement brought significant attention to the brand, has been trying to sever all ties with Sweet Grass Vodka. He was initially promised an equity stake and was featured in promotional efforts. However, due to late payments and production issues, Renner canceled a scheduled photoshoot and removed mentions of the brand from his social media channels.
The South Carolina Department of Revenue has denied renewing Swanger’s liquor license, further complicating the business’s ability to operate legally. Despite the brand’s accolades, including awards for its quality and being named the Best Domestic Vodka of 2022 by The Fifty Best, these achievements have been overshadowed by financial and legal scandals.
Once seen as a rising star in the craft spirits industry, Sweet Grass Vodka’s future now hangs in the balance amid these growing controversies. The Sweetgrass Lounge, once a Charleston hotspot for locals, has since closed due to non payment of rent.
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