Cheers to Charity

Hera Vodka ensures drinking goes to a good cause

By Jen Smith

Animal rescue expert Julia Pennington wanted to find a new way to raise money for animal shelters and their services. Instead of the traditional route, she chose vodka. Her creation, Hera the Dog, a “social impact vodka on a mission to raise funds for grassroots animal rescues,” is the product of years of development, tasting and determination.

Even the production is (figuratively) close to home; Pennington’s nephew produces the vodka at his distillery, Pennington Distillery Co., based in Nashville. The vodka is made with organic, non-GMO Italian red wheat and goes through seven distillations, each batch is filtered through coconut charcoal. The final product is gluten-free, 80-proof and has an adorable label.

While Pennington is vegan, “anything fresh and flavorful” complements Hera the Dog vodka—especially tacos from Las Vegas vegan favorite Tacotarian.

While Pennington was initially scared to expand into the competitive world of big-name liquor brands in the Las Vegas market, she notes that the local community has warmly welcomed Hera the Dog and its mission.

“The local community in Las Vegas is incredible, and we have been overwhelmed by the warmth and support from so many individuals and businesses,” she says. Westside residents can enjoy Hera the Dog at restaurants like Vintner Grill and Anima by EDO, liquor stores like DB Spirits on S Hualapai and LV Liquor on S Decatur, and pub spots like Big Dog’s Brewing and 595 Craft and Kitchen.

Hera the Dog is committed to donating a percentage of its profits to animal rescue programs. Pennington notes that money raised through vodka sales supports the community where it is purchased. Las Vegas sales have helped charities like Hearts Alive Village, Pawtastic Friends, Animal Help Alliance and Vegas Roots Rescue. herathedogvodka.com