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Dolph Lundgren Embraces American Citizenship and Vodka Production with Hard Cut Vodka
One of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, Dolph Lundgren, known for his portrayal of Ivan Drago in the classic film ‘Rocky IV’, is now making headlines not just for his acting career but for his latest venture in the spirits industry. Following a memorable date night with his future wife, Lundgren has turned his attention toward vodka production, launching his own brand named Hard Cut Vodka.
The 67-year-old former chemical engineering student has unveiled a 90-proof vodka made from high-quality Idaho potatoes and pristine water sourced from the Rocky Mountains. This bold new endeavor comes after years of success in Hollywood.
The Inspiration Behind Hard Cut Vodka
During an outing to a Santa Barbara bar, Lundgren and his fiancée Emma Krokdal sampled various vodkas. However, he found them lacking. “I didn’t really like them. I like it straight up over ice,” Lundgren told Fox News Digital. They both noticed a significant gap in the market and Krokdal playfully suggested he create his own vodka. Embracing the challenge, Lundgren set on a mission.
He soon realized that while many celebrities have ventured into tequila and whiskey, vodka presented an underexplored opportunity. “Vodka was a wide-open field,” he noted, expressing his desire to blend fun with a touch of action-movie intrigue into the drink.
Crafting the Perfect Vodka
With Krokdal by his side, Lundgren journeyed to Idaho, just a two-hour flight from their California base, in search of an ideal distillery. Here, they discovered locally grown Russet potatoes and the pristine snow-melt water, which came together to create a vodka celebrated for its strength and smoothness.
During the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2024, Hard Cut Vodka was awarded Double Gold, affirming its quality with flavor notes that include fennel, green apple, and a hint of butterscotch. Lundgren remarked on the unique qualities of the Idaho potato, which contributed a pleasant mouthfeel to the vodka. “It turned out the potato gave it a really nice mouthfeel,” he shared. “It belongs here, and it’s something I can stand behind.”
Emphasizing American Identity
Investing in America holds significant meaning for Lundgren. Officially becoming a U.S. citizen in 2024, he shared this pivotal moment with Krokdal, who also took part in a naturalization ceremony. “It’s been very important to invest in America,” Lundgren reflected. “All the good things in my life have come from America.”
His journey to citizenship has been long and personal. Lundgren moved to the U.S. decades ago for school and work, initially as a resident. “I lived in Spain for various reasons, but I always wanted to come back,” he confessed. After regaining his residency, he determined that becoming a citizen was the next logical step.
The Emotional Path to Citizenship
For Lundgren, standing before the American flag while swearing the oath of allegiance was a highly emotional experience. “This country has been my life,” he stated. He emphasized the difficulty and significance of achieving American citizenship, reflecting on the pride he feels in his decision.
“Everything good in my life has come from America,” he reiterated. In the midst of this announcement, he believes that the connection he has with the country shapes both his life and his career. He acknowledges the challenges he faced while navigating fame throughout his journey in the entertainment industry.
The Legacy of ‘Rocky IV’
From his breakout role in ‘Rocky IV’, which premiered nearly 40 years ago, Lundgren experienced a surge of fame that brought significant change to his life. Reflecting on that premiere, he recalls how being in the spotlight was overwhelming yet exhilarating. It marked a turning point that led to a prolific career with roles in blockbuster franchises like ‘The Expendables’, ‘Creed’, and ‘Aquaman’.
Despite the whirlwind of celebrity life, Lundgren values the relationships he has built along the way, notably his close friendship with Sylvester Stallone. Their dynamic, formed through years of collaboration, showcases a deep bond that’s rare in Hollywood.
A Bright Future Ahead
Lundgren’s foray into vodka production not only signifies a new chapter in his professional life but also reflects his commitment to his new homeland. By creating Hard Cut Vodka, he aims to offer a product that combines American craftsmanship with the spirit of Hollywood.
As he forges ahead in this endeavor, Lundgren remains proud of his journey and the contributions he is making to the American landscape, both as an actor and as a businessman. “I’m proud that I made it,” he concluded, highlighting the importance of authenticity as he brings his vodka to market.
As the vodka industry continues to grow, Lundgren’s Hard Cut Vodka stands out as a testament to his dedication, skill, and American success story.
