Portland Distillery Launches Lobster Shell Infused Vodka
Bold Coast Spirits is now accepting pre-orders for a limited batch of 600 bottles of its new coastal-inspired spirit.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Cocktails
Live Poll
Would you purchase a spirit made from repurposed lobster or oyster shells?
Portland-based Bold Coast Spirits has introduced a unique vodka infused with lobster shells sourced from Luke's Lobster. The distillery is currently taking pre-orders for the limited initial release.
Why it matters
The production aims to capture the coastal character of Maine while utilizing the residual flavor found in discarded lobster shells. This project builds upon the company's previous experience with similar seafood-based spirits.
The new vodka retails for US$29.99 per 355ml bottle. The infusion process focuses on shells left over after the extraction of the 20-25% of the lobster typically consumed as meat.
The players
Bold Coast Spirits
A distillery based in Portland that focuses on incorporating local seafood elements into its line of craft spirits.
Luke's Lobster
A seafood company that supplies the lobster shells used in the distillation process after the meat has been removed for consumption.
The details
Bold Coast Spirits processes the shells obtained from Luke's Lobster to extract flavor profiles for the spirit. This initiative follows the distillery's launch of an Oyster Shell Vodka approximately a decade ago.
Timeline
20 October 2026: Announcement and start of pre-orders.
Week of 26 October 2026: Expected start of product shipping.
10 years ago: Launch of Oyster Shell Vodka.
Culture Shift
The use of food waste in premium spirits reflects a growing interest in sustainable sourcing and the desire to capture unique regional flavors. This trend encourages distillers to find value in materials that have traditionally been discarded by the seafood industry.
Consumers can secure a bottle through the current pre-order window for US$29.99 plus shipping. Buyers should be prepared for delivery timelines beginning late October.
The takeaway
This product serves as a unique example of how local food industries can collaborate to create novel craft beverages. Interested buyers should act quickly to secure a bottle from the limited inaugural release.
What happens next
Shipping of the initial 600-bottle batch is expected to begin the week of 26 October 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in regional drink production in our Portland Cocktails section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spirits Business.
Live Poll
Would you purchase a spirit made from repurposed lobster or oyster shells?
