Houston, TX – When Catherine Faulconer and Kim Martin, founders of Queen Bee vodka, invited me to try their new allergen-free spirit at 10:30 a.m., I couldn’t resist. By noon, I was savoring a Southern Belle cocktail made with Queen Bee Osmia Vodka, a genuinely organic drink.
The story of Faulconer and Martin is as unique as their product. Growing up in Tyler, Texas, they took ballet and swimming lessons together. Decades later, they reconnected as close friends and now as business partners. This June, they introduced their allergen-free vodka made from bee honey and organic, non-GMO sugar cane.
Both women have allergies and autoimmune issues that make conventional vodkas—typically made from potatoes or fermented grains—unsuitable for them. Frustrated by the lack of options, they decided to create a vodka that met their needs.
Their journey began with distilling school in Denver, where they briefly questioned their decision. Faulconer recalls reassuring Martin, “Kim, there are gentlemen out there who have no teeth that make moonshine. We have college degrees. We can do this.” And they did.
Their goal was to establish a woman-owned business that produces allergen-free, premium spirits. The result is Osmia Vodka, which is 80 proof and contains no glycerins, chemicals, or additives, setting it apart from most spirits.
Faulconer explained their choice of honey, stating, “Honey is antimicrobial and antibacterial. We’re reducing our carbon footprint and supporting bees.” This led them to name their vodka Queen Bee and emphasize their commitment to a female-focused business model.
After distilling school, they teamed up with female professionals: Caley Shoemaker, a distiller in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Kelly Brantley, a beekeeper in Tomball, Texas. Even the designer of their elegant octagon-shaped bottle, featuring a colorful rose tableau, is a woman. The roses honor their hometown, known as the Rose Capital of America.
With these elements in place, Queen Bee Distilling was established. Their debut product, Queen Bee Osmia Vodka, is named after the Osmia bees that provide the honey for their unique spirit.
