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From Top Shelf to Legacy: The story of Fiyori Vodka

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Manage episode 482891409 series 3593156
Content provided by Jim Cripps. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Jim Cripps or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

From Top Shelf to Legacy: The story of Fiyori Vodka

Clarence Darkwa, founder of Fiyori Vodka & Johnnie Robinson, join the Charge Forward Podcast to share the incredible story of launching a premium vodka brand rooted in integrity, innovation, and intention.

Fiyori isn’t just another bottle on the shelf—it’s redefining what luxury tastes like. With a clean finish, no harsh ethanol bite, and a 97-point score at international spirits competitions, this ultra-premium vodka is winning over both connoisseurs and casual drinkers. How clean is it? Clarence tested it himself:

“I drank the whole bottle… and woke up at 8 a.m. feeling fine.”

In this powerful episode, we unpack:

🧬 The science behind Fiyori’s crystal-clean taste
🏆 How it became a gold medal-winning vodka with a loyal fanbase
🧠 Why 90 seconds of consumer behavior shaped the entire brand identity
🤝 The power of relationships in a self-funded spirits startup
⚙️ Behind-the-scenes of partnering with Pronghorn (Diageo) to scale as a minority-owned brand
🍸 What’s next: Espresso martini RTDs and nationwide expansion

Clarence and Johnnie Robinson are on a mission—and it shows. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast, brand builder, or entrepreneur navigating a competitive space, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, reputation, and real results.

“He was good to me.” That’s how Clarence wants to be remembered—and after this episode, you’ll understand why.

👇 Connect with Fiyori Vodka:

🌐 Website: https://www.fiyorivodka.com
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/fiyorivodka
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/fiyorivodka

🎧 Subscribe & Follow the Charge Forward Podcast:

🌐 Podcast Home
📘 Facebook: @ChargeForwardPodcast
📱 TikTok: @chargeforwardpodcast
📱 Instagram: @chargeforwardpodcast
🐦 X (Twitter): @ChargeForwardX
🎥 YouTube: Charge Forward Podcast Channel

🗓️ New episodes drop every Thursday — Tune in, subscribe, and leave a review!

🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

💳 Charge Forward Solutions – Merchant Services
📈 Sense Development – Executive & Data Strategy
🔍 Sense-Leads.com – Wholesale Lead Services
🎥 HitLab Studios – Podcast Studio
🌟 Rosemary Salazar – Virtual Assistant Services

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Introduction to Fiore Vodka (00:00:00)

2. The Birth of Hemp-Infused Vodka (00:07:50)

3. Building the Brand and Product Development (00:20:03)

4. The Challenges of Starting a Liquor Brand (00:33:04)

5. Distribution Strategy and Market Growth (00:45:21)

6. Family Values and Future Vision (00:58:53)

7. Legacy and Final Thoughts (01:08:22)

42 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 482891409 series 3593156
Content provided by Jim Cripps. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Jim Cripps or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

From Top Shelf to Legacy: The story of Fiyori Vodka

Clarence Darkwa, founder of Fiyori Vodka & Johnnie Robinson, join the Charge Forward Podcast to share the incredible story of launching a premium vodka brand rooted in integrity, innovation, and intention.

Fiyori isn’t just another bottle on the shelf—it’s redefining what luxury tastes like. With a clean finish, no harsh ethanol bite, and a 97-point score at international spirits competitions, this ultra-premium vodka is winning over both connoisseurs and casual drinkers. How clean is it? Clarence tested it himself:

“I drank the whole bottle… and woke up at 8 a.m. feeling fine.”

In this powerful episode, we unpack:

🧬 The science behind Fiyori’s crystal-clean taste
🏆 How it became a gold medal-winning vodka with a loyal fanbase
🧠 Why 90 seconds of consumer behavior shaped the entire brand identity
🤝 The power of relationships in a self-funded spirits startup
⚙️ Behind-the-scenes of partnering with Pronghorn (Diageo) to scale as a minority-owned brand
🍸 What’s next: Espresso martini RTDs and nationwide expansion

Clarence and Johnnie Robinson are on a mission—and it shows. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast, brand builder, or entrepreneur navigating a competitive space, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, reputation, and real results.

“He was good to me.” That’s how Clarence wants to be remembered—and after this episode, you’ll understand why.

👇 Connect with Fiyori Vodka:

🌐 Website: https://www.fiyorivodka.com
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/fiyorivodka
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/fiyorivodka

🎧 Subscribe & Follow the Charge Forward Podcast:

🌐 Podcast Home
📘 Facebook: @ChargeForwardPodcast
📱 TikTok: @chargeforwardpodcast
📱 Instagram: @chargeforwardpodcast
🐦 X (Twitter): @ChargeForwardX
🎥 YouTube: Charge Forward Podcast Channel

🗓️ New episodes drop every Thursday — Tune in, subscribe, and leave a review!

🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

💳 Charge Forward Solutions – Merchant Services
📈 Sense Development – Executive & Data Strategy
🔍 Sense-Leads.com – Wholesale Lead Services
🎥 HitLab Studios – Podcast Studio
🌟 Rosemary Salazar – Virtual Assistant Services

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Introduction to Fiore Vodka (00:00:00)

2. The Birth of Hemp-Infused Vodka (00:07:50)

3. Building the Brand and Product Development (00:20:03)

4. The Challenges of Starting a Liquor Brand (00:33:04)

5. Distribution Strategy and Market Growth (00:45:21)

6. Family Values and Future Vision (00:58:53)

7. Legacy and Final Thoughts (01:08:22)

42 episodes

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