Deniliquin’s own Bryce Scoullar has co-launched a new business venture which will tempt your taste buds.
He has co-founded Nak Drinks, which offers an 18+ drinks range and has recently been added to the shelves in Deniliquin.
Two vodka mix flavours have been released by the partners to date - watermelon and lemon.
The drinks are described as “not your average vodka and soda”, with the range containing electrolytes that are low in calories.
They are also described as having no sugar but still being full flavour.
Mr Scoullar said the product idea started on a footy trip.
“It originated from a Darwin trip, drinking vodka and a lot of Powerade as a way to get over the effects of drinking the night before,” he said.
“We developed the business idea of reverse engineering that to have the benefits of those drinks into one drink.”
There’s been a lot work go into the product since, to make it ‘just right’.
“It’s been in the works for a couple of years now, and it’s taken a those couple of years of testing to get it to where it is now.”
Mr Scoullar said a big part of the journey for the new venture has been the support of country towns and regional areas.
“I joined and bought half the business with my business partner Will Hetherington,” Mr Scoullar said.
“We’re both from country towns. We love coming back and recognise it is a great place for business.
“With locals supporting locals and the huge amount of support there is, that’s the sort of thing we’re looking to be a part of and build from.
“In larger businesses, it is easier to get overlooked.
“We’re targeting areas like Deniliquin, Albury, Geelong and Bendigo as regional locations where we want to grow.
“We’re at the point of talking to more suppliers, and we’ll look to keep building.
“Will is looking to work full-time in the business by August.”
Another foundation for the business has been the importance of country footy, with Scoullar returning to play for the Deni Rams.
In support of one of their own, Nak Drinks are stocked behind the Rams bar.
“Country footy has played such a big part in both of our lives.
“We’re stocked at 30 different footy clubs - 15 clubs in regional areas and 15 metro clubs - through our contacts.
“Deni Rams, where I play, has been really great since we approached them and they have gotten behind it and are now stocking it at the club.”
Mr Scoullar said it has also been meaningful to get support from a well known local brand like Ritchies Liquor Deniliquin.
“The manager, Ash Reece, has been awesome, with Ritchies Liquor Deniliquin also now stocking our products.”
Ms Reece said they were pleased to support the business because of its local connections.
“It is very nice to support local products as a local supplier. We enjoy supporting local producers,” she said.