KEEL Partners LLC, makers of KEEL Vodka, announced successful completion of multimillion dollar Series A Funding and the expansion of its management team. Rhode Island entrepreneurs Bill Dessel, Tom McGowan and former New England Patriot Matt Light launched the nation’s first light vodka several years ago. They are now moving forward with plans to expand distribution across the nation. KEEL recently added industry veterans John Potts and Brendon Walsh, both formerly of Deep Eddy Vodka, to its board. Potts will actively consult on the brand’s expansion. Walsh, newly appointed as KEEL’s National Sales Manager, is tasked with bringing the brand from regional to national distribution. KEEL is currently sold in restaurants and liquor stores throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. The company expects to add an additional 10 to 12 positions in the coming months as the brand expands distribution into Colorado, Georgia, and Florida with several more states slated for the fall.

Owners Bill Dessel, Matt Light and Tom McGowan at a summer event at Chatham Bars Inn.

KEEL Vodka is zero carb, zero fat, 58 calories per 1.5-ounce pour, and has a reduced ABV of 23.8%.