Meili Vodka Review: Is Jason Momoa's Vodka Worth the Hype?

So let me be straight with you: when I heard Jason Momoa put his name on a bottle of vodka—honestly, I rolled my eyes. Another celebrity vodka, I thought. But there was some buzz around Meili Vodka, and the bottle showing up all over my feed. I caved. Don’t judge me. Here’s my take after actually sipping (and sipping again… for research) on this trending spirit.

The Backstory – Yes, Momoa Is Actually Involved

Most celebrity alcohols feel like a cash grab. This one, though, goes a little deeper. “Meili” (you say it MAY-lee, apparently it means “the lovely one” in some old tongue) comes from years of effort by Momoa and his buddy Blaine Halvorson. Seven years, to be precise. They’re big on using Montana grains and water, eco-everything, and the whole vibe is: if we’re gonna do vodka, we’re not cutting corners or trashing the planet. Word is, every bottle is different—pulled from recycled glass that’s sometimes green, sometimes amber, always kinda funky and cool. Definitely feels less like you bought booze and more like you snagged a piece of rustic art.

• Bottle made from 100% recycled glass. Each one is different; I actually lined two up and they don't even match.
• Locally-sourced grains. Supposedly this helps taste and helps local farmers (neat if true, right?).
• Montana aquifer water. They say it's ancient. I guess that’s a good thing?
• Single distillation—they claim it keeps more flavor in. Is that really how vodka should be? I'm not an expert, but it sounds unique.

How It’s Made – Not Your Typical Vodka? (Apparently)

Meili doesn’t seem interested in being filtered to death like those “ultra-premium” options. They go with single distillation and let Montana do most of the heavy lifting: grain from nearby fields, clear water, then proofing with that same Montana water. They rest it a bit before bottling. I did a little look-up while sipping—the bottle feels thick, heavy, and the recycled glass thing is actually fun in person. No joke, if you put this side by side with a regular vodka bottle, Meili just looks way more… purposeful? Can a bottle look purposeful? Well, I think it does.

Here’s How It Actually Tastes (From Someone Who Drinks Vodka, But Not Like a Snob)

Let’s get real: a lot of vodka just tastes like vodka. Pretty boring. With Meili, though, there’s something going on.

• Look: It’s crystal clear. The bottle color doesn’t impact the vodka at all. Just looks fancy on a shelf.
• Nose (how it smells): I was expecting a vodka punch. Instead, it’s super mellow. Little bit of vanilla maybe, or am I just reading what others wrote? Citrus? Possibly. I don’t get hit with any burn or harshness and that surprised me.
• Taste: Creamy, kind of sweet, and bizarrely smooth. Like, dangerously smooth. The first sip gave me a gentle sweetness. After a couple more, I started picking up a touch of honey or grain and… something earthy? No burn. None. This stuff could absolutely get you in trouble if you’re not pacing yourself.
• Aftertaste: Clean. There’s a soft, slightly sweet vibe that hangs around. It doesn’t make you cringe like some cheap stuff does.

I tested it just on ice, then in a classic vodka martini (with dirty olives, don’t hate), and even a quick-and-dirty Moscow Mule out of curiosity. Worked in every scenario. I think I like it best neat, though.

Quick Table – Meili Vodka: The Basics

Is It Worth the Price?

Honestly, I paid about $ for my bottle (found it at a mid-sized chain liquor store, not some boutique hipster spot). If you’re in the UK, sorry, it’s pricier thanks to all those pesky import fees—it’ll cost you around £ a pop. Compared to a lot of “premium” options, Meili isn’t gouging its fans. That surprised me. With a big name like Momoa attached, I expected to pay at least $ just for the bragging rights.

What Do Others Think?

I did a quick search and, apparently, the critics have noticed Meili too. Tastings.com gave it a (“notes of vanilla, lime, honeycomb…” sounds about right). Spirits Business even handed them a gold medal for taste and eco-cred. On Reddit, folks seem surprised that it’s actually smooth enough to enjoy neat.

My friend who hates vodka tried a sip. She didn’t grimace, which is a win. “Wow, that’s actually good,” was her quote. Another friend just wanted to use it for screwdrivers, and said it didn’t overpower the OJ. You know a vodka is decent when it disappears into juice without bringing any burn with it.

Negatives? Sure, some people online say it’s ~too~ subtle, and vodka purists might find it bland. But I’m not after shock value in my vodka, so that’s not really a problem to me. Also, the bottle is heavier than normal (could be a shelf problem if you’re cramming a lot of bottles in one spot).

Sustainability: So, How “Green” Is Meili?

Sustainability is more than just a billboard for these folks—they seem genuinely committed. Every bottle? 100% recycled glass. They claim their ingredients are local, which lowers shipping emissions. Water is a big talking point—Meili pitches itself as doing good for public water access and donating to clean water projects. That’s cool. I have no way of personally verifying the whole supply chain, of course, but the recycled bottle in my hand sure feels real enough.

Vodka Cocktails With Meili

Most people won’t sip vodka straight, even high-end stuff, but I’m telling you: try this one neat. It's smooth, just trust me. If you’re intent on mixing, it shines in a martini (olives or twist both worked well for me), and also makes a killer Moscow Mule. Odd tip I got from a bartender friend—try subbing Meili in for tequila in a margarita. Weird, right? But it’s surprisingly refreshing.

• Best for: Martinis, Mules, Bloody Marys, and yes, even straight up.
• Also good in: Seabreeze, Cosmopolitan, simple lemon-vodka soda.

Some FAQs (You Might Still Be Wondering…)

Who actually owns Meili Vodka?

Jason Momoa (Aquaman!) and Blaine Halvorson. They really did help make it happen.

Is this really different from other vodkas?

Yes and no. It’s smoother, feels more “crafted” than a lot of mass-market brands, and the whole sustainability pitch feels authentic instead of tacked-on.

Does it taste like anything other than vodka?

Yes—subtle sweetness, faint vanilla/honey notes, and less of that antiseptic bite. It’s definitely not flavorless, but it’s not flavored, either.

How much does it cost?

In the US, it’s usually under $30. Fancy labels don’t always mean fancy prices, shockingly. UK buyers: be ready to pay extra.

Where can I buy it?

Try Total Wine, BevMo, or online for delivery. It’s in a lot of US states now and popping up in parts of the UK.

Is it actually environmentally friendly?

As much as any spirit can be. The bottle is legit recycled, they’re vocal about clean water projects, and ingredients are sourced close to home to keep their footprint lower.

How does the bottle look in person?

Chunky, heavy glass. Each one is unique. I kinda wish every liquor brand did this instead of identical bottles. Makes recycling or upcycling way more likely.

So... Is Meili Vodka Worth the Hype?

Okay, here’s my answer: Actually, yes. And no, not “because Momoa.” Even if you’re not starstruck, this is a vodka that’s ridiculously smooth, not overpriced, and genuinely cares about its footprint. It won’t rock the world of hardcore vodka lovers who want big burn or flavor, but for most folks—especially anyone who likes their drinks a little on the eco-chic side—this vodka is easily worth a try.

Final verdict: Plunk down that $25. Pop the bottle. Pour a shot, neat, and see for yourself. Worst case? You’ve got a killer bottle to upcycle as a vase or desk lamp (seriously, just Google it).

Still skeptical? I was, too. Turns out, not all celebrity spirits are just a name on a label. Sometimes, at least once in a while, the hype is kinda justified.