Best known as the host of NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” the late great TV personality, writer and comedian is quoted for having said: “Talent alone won't make you a success. Neither will being in the right place at the right time, unless you are ready. The most important question is, ‘are you ready?’”

Although the idea for Golden Eagle Vodka started in 2020, for Co-Founder and CEO Dakota Blaze Rader, the Lake Forest, Calif.-based company wasn’t ready to come to fruition until January 2021.

“The founding of Golden Eagle Vodka was driven by opportunity and divine timing,” explains Blaze Rader. “All of these essential elements came together organically after COVID-19, resulting in the birth of Golden Eagle. Beyond financial gain, our founding group believes that strong community, family, friends, colleagues, etc., are paramount to leading a fruitful, purpose-driven life.

“Our vision is to inspire a culture of individuals leading purpose-driven lives,” he continues. “That starts with inspiring strong community and bringing people together.”

Blaze Rader adds that, by having the right product, the premium spirits/vodka market offers significant potential for the brand.

“Golden Eagle Vodka is seizing this opportunity by blending American heritage with modern luxury to reinvigorate the premium vodka segment,” he says. “Trends in the wine and spirits industry indicate that premiumization is a continuing and growing trend.

“Although overall spending is down due to the current economic climate, premium price point products like wine, tequila, bourbon and whiskey remain strong,” he continues. “As many household vodka brands lower their prices, there is a significant opportunity for a brand like Golden Eagle to position itself as the domestic ultra-premium leader.”

Blaze Rader, meanwhile, attributes premiumization and luxury spending among millennials and Gen Z as driving market performance.

“These consumer segments are quality-focused, seeking fewer but higher-quality items,” he says. “They prioritize authenticity and high-quality products, benefiting many supplier segments, with beverage alcohol being a principal recipient of this focus.”

As far as what makes Golden Eagle Vodka stand out from the crowd, Blaze Rader points to the ultra-premium vodka’s simplicity.

We aim to return vodka to its roots as a character-driven spirit that can be enjoyed in simple forms, such as a fine scotch or whiskey.

“Golden Eagle Vodka distinguishes itself by doing less rather than more,” the CEO says. “While many believe that more distillations equal better vodka, we challenge this notion.

“Our single-distilled vodka from 100% Dark Northern Red wheat preserves the natural complexity of the grain, resulting in a naturally rich flavor profile,” he continues. “We aim to return vodka to its roots as a character-driven spirit that can be enjoyed in simple forms, such as a fine scotch or whiskey. The result is a vodka with an authentic, sweet and nutty taste, ideal for savoring neat or in classic cocktails.”

To ensure more drinkers become familiar with Golden Eagle Vodka, Blaze Rader explains that the company is focused on hospitality by educating servers and bartenders.

“This approach helps us penetrate the cocktail scene and reach consumers through their favorite restaurants,” he says. “Additionally, we conduct in-store demos, community activations and experiential marketing to let people experience Golden Eagle firsthand.

“As we expand, we will roll out full-funnel digital and traditional advertising campaigns to further support consumer awareness and education,” he continues.

Although Golden Eagle Vodka’s primary focus is Southern California — where the company aims to establish market penetration and prove its pricing, sales and marketing strategies — Blaze Rader notes that these efforts are aimed at setting the stage for future expansion into additional major markets.

“Looking ahead to 2025, Golden Eagle will expand into Nevada, Texas, and likely Illinois,” he says. “We have no plans to expand beyond vodka at this time; however, additional SKUs, including luxury, ultra-rare edition products, are being developed.

“In 2025, we aim to deepen our involvement in Southern California communities through impactful partnerships with companies, brands, non-profits and influential events,” Blaze Rader continues. “Our internal mantra, ‘Golden Eagle Elevates,’ reflects our goal to align with community groups to enhance activations and events.”