Get ready for the hard stuff, Jacksonville. Carve Vodka of Grey Matter Distillery is the first craft vodka to be produced locally in the city of JAX. We already know we’re a force to be reckoned with when it comes to local breweries, but Paul Grey wanted to do something a little different.

In 2013 Paul had a steady job as a medical salesmen, but he was looking for something more. That’s when he decided that distilling was that something. He put his plan into action with support from his friend Sam Durham, who is a major investor. Then, Paul started experimenting and doing his research, reading How To Start a Micro-Distillery For Under $50,000 by Thomas Germann. In 2014 he acquired a 1,800 square foot space and a 26 gallon still, which produces about 130 bottles a day.

Fast forward to January 2015, when Paul made the move to leave his job and work full-time at Carve. Since then, Carve has done well, selling its first bottle in February, and killing it in April with the amount of exposure they received during One Spark.

The 7-times distilled corn based Vodka has already made an impression on its drinkers. It has been compared to both Tito’s and Ketel One, two well-established vodkas. What sets Carve apart from the competition? The Active Coconut Carbon Filtration System. It’s the reason that Carve is odorless and crystal clear, two markers for high quality vodka.

With this initial success, Paul’s got big dreams for the next year. He plans to purchase a 250 gallon still and move into a 10,000 square foot space. Paul is choosing to keep it at 250 gallons because that’s the largest size that runs on electricity. This is important because–get this–he’d love to be able to use solar energy to power the stills in the future. He’d even like to branch out with other types of liqueur too. When he’s sure the quality of Carve continues in a larger space, Paul talked about looking into producing Rum and Whiskey.

An avid surfer, Paul would prefer his distillery to stick close to the beach, especially since it’s integral to his brand. While the name, Carve, is a reference to surfing, Paul likes to take it a step further, saying that the name applies to how he feels about carving out a future with his growing business. Paul has had some supportive friends for his growing business, but none have been more so than his Southern Baptist Mother, who doesn’t drink, but will have occasional sip of Carve!

By now you may be wondering where you can get your own bottle of Carve Vodka. While Paul is still working on a distribution contract, you’ll soon be able to buy your own supply (as long as it’s only two bottles a year, per Florida law). If you got the chance to try Carve during One Spark, or other event, tell us what you thought!

*See the Carve Craft Vodka article published on Somewhere and the City.