Slight Spirits: buried in spite.

The Vodka is dead, let's talk about it, I guess.

Back during the earlier part of the pandemic (yeah, remember that one?) I started my very own vodka brand. I bottled the brand entirely out of spite after a different business deal went down in a way that left me feeling slighted. I named the brand after that emotion, calling it “Slight Spirits”. It was a silly nod to that moment as well as an acknowledgment of the liquor's subtle flavor profile!

When I first started up, I documented my journey on TikTok and amassed around 50k followers. They showed me so much love and support, and I truly couldn’t have made it this far without that push from social media!

Unfortunately, in October of 2024, I had to make a decision between continuing my brand or halting production entirely. At this point, it’s clear that I chose the latter.

So here is what happened:

The drive I had when I first started Slight was fueled entirely by my anger towards the business owner that disrespected me. It kept me going and helped me to sell and market the brand like crazy. But after I launched, something happened. I’m not totally sure what happened, but I hit a deep depression that I was having an almost impossible time pulling myself out of.

While I’m in a much better place now, thankfully, the vodka suffered greatly. I had stopped posting or filming, and the idea of trying to start up again was overwhelming.

I faced a lot of personal strife during that time. Roe v. Wade being overturned impacted me greatly. Severe friendship breakups gutted me, and on top of that, I was being hit with blow after blow of industry people being just a little more hateful than normal.

I wasn’t able to catch a break from any angle, and I let it get to me.

Now don’t get me wrong, plenty of people were kind and supportive during this time as well, but I’m sure we have all faced that phenomenon where 10 people could pay you a compliment while one person pays you an insult. The insult is what sticks out the most.

All of this culminated in the eventual decision I needed to make. I could either take out a huge loan and keep trying, or I could opt to not renew my contract, halt production, and almost break even.

The decision was not an easy one. I held onto the idea that I could turn it all around until the very last minute. It was when I got a new job that I knew it was time to pull the plug.

Looking at it now, even just a few months into closure, clearly it was the best thing for me. I feel better and more relaxed than I have in several years. Not to mention the current state of uncertainty with regard to the political climate we are in. I know it was for the best.

I will miss the brand greatly, but I think when I’m 50 it will make for a very funny story, which is why I do most anything. For the lore.

As for now, I get to turn 30 with a fresh slate, and I’m sure I’ll do something else weird real soon.

To all of the restaurants, bars, and liquor stores that supported me, thank you so much for the care you showed me.

To all of the people that showed up at tastings and recognized me on the street, thank you for letting me feel like a micro internet celebrity!

And to all of the people that doubted me…

GFYS 💋

Much success,

Tanner Conklin

Vodka Killer

P.S. The lady that bought the liquor store out from under me had to sell it, so... we can pretend that my revenge is simply complete.