The Story of Palate

Palate Vodka is a brand new liquor that hit the market in 2019. Palate Vodka was created by Brian Lord and Scott Ross, two Executive Chefs with almost 50 years of combined hospitality experience. The two Chefs met in 2007 at a large country club in middle Georgia. Having similar paths, expectations, and goals- an immediate friendship ensued.

Scott Ross, born and raised in southeast Florida, grew up fishing, playing golf, and enjoying sports with friends. He’d always dreamed he’d be a captain and fish for a living until he started working in restaurants at an early age. After he graduated high school he began his journey throughout the country working for private clubs, hotels, and free-standing restaurants. Along the way, he received a culinary degree from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. Scott’s travels lead him to several amazing destinations across the country. He’s lived in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina. In 2016, Scott returned to Florida, to the west coast in Naples where he and Brian reunited.  

Brian Lord, born in Long Island, NY and raised in Atlanta, GA, grew up playing tennis and a variety of other sports. He began his culinary journey at age 13 in a BBQ restaurant in suburban Atlanta. Throughout high school he worked in a wide range of clubs, hotels and restaurants. Brian attended the Art Institute of Atlanta, earning a degree in Culinary Arts and began his professional career at top tier country clubs in different locations across the country. Brian’s passion for food also led him to a love of both wine and spirits. He is actively involved with The Court of Master Sommeliers as well as other recreational epicurean and wine organization recognized worldwide. Brian moved to Southwest Florida in 2011 and truly enjoys what the area has to offer.

Brian and Scott have always preferred vodka over other spirits. They are chefs- they work hard, work a lot, and when they aren’t working, they enjoy some cocktails with friends. Several of their good friends are consistent vodka drinkers as well. The chefs are together often be it with their culinary organization, dinners, wine tastings, work collaborations, or social gatherings. Their discussions about vodka always turn into “which is the best one out there?” Having had the pleasure of enjoying many vodka brands throughout their years in the kitchen, they believed they could create something special to drink using their culinary skills and that is what they set out to do.  

Both Chefs wanted to create a vodka where the quality of ingredients is showcased. More importantly, they wanted to create an “everyday” style vodka that drinks like an ultra-premium vodka without the giant price tag. After extensive recipe testing, blind tasting, failures, and almost’s, a formula was created that satisfied both Chef’s palates. The result is an exceptionally smooth vodka made from only the finest Florida corn and Florida spring water. Palate Vodka is meant to be enjoyed after service, with great friends, and anywhere great cuisine and quality driven spirits are celebrated.