About Waterdog Spirits

For 20 years (good grief!), Zeppa Studios has been designing and producing unique and whimsical animal themed giftware and accessories featuring original artwork by studio founder, M. K. Zeppa. M. K., (short for Melissa Kaye) a dog and horse fancier since birth, graduated Phi Beta Kappa with Honors from Wellesley College and holds an MFA from Pratt Institute. Starting Zeppa Studios was the perfect way to blend her love of animals and art and still make a living.

Several years ago while sipping a Martini, M. K.'s un-manageable partner, Kerry Schmelzer, had the idea to extend the Studio's offerings to a broader market and the Black Lab™ Vodka idea was born. M. K., inspired by her first Lab, Killingworth After Midnight, JH (aka "Gator"), created the original artwork that graces the Black Lab™ Vodka bottle. Then a long search began for vodka worthy to fill such a bottle.

Finally, after numerous taste tests, the team settled on a blend from a domestic distiller who had won the prestigious Gold Medal from the Beverage Tasting Institute in 2008. Black Lab™ Vodka, the premium vodka produced in small litters, was born!

Black Lab™ Vodka is soley owned and marketed by Waterdog Spirits, LLC.  No banks, no partners, no federal government.