Chesterfield Native Behind New Patriotic Vodka, Salute American

Here’s a toast worth drinking to: a Chesterfield native has launched a line of vodka now available in St. Louis that will donates a portion of its proceeds to veteran’s organizations.

Called Salute American, the all-American made vodka is being produced by Better Brands Beverage, and become available in Chesterfield and in the St. Louis area on Jan. 4. The company’s founder, Pete Kelly, grew up in Chesterfield and graduated from Chaminade.

The plan is to donate $1 for every bottle sold to “approved veterans’ charities” that can help vets fight increasingly high unemployment and homelessness rates, according to a press release provided to Patch.

Later this month, the company plans to make its first donation of $25,000 to Veteran’s Farm through Work Vessels for Veterans. The donation will support Veteran’s Farm founder Adam Burke to purchase farm equipment, supplies and housing for U.S. veterans who wish to work on their farms.

As for the vodka itself, is made from corn and wheat grains “straight from the heartland” and is distilled four times. It comes in a canteen-shaped red, white and blue bottle and is distilled and bottled in New York.

Currently, Salute American is available at only one bar in Chesterfield, Sybergs, but it can also be found in Schnucks stores throughout the St. Louis area along with a handful of other locations. The company’s website has a more complete list.