Bottoms Up? Eric Trump Tries to Reanimate His Dad's Notoriously Failed Vodka Brand

In a move that has raised more than a few eyebrows, Eric Trump recently announced the resurrection of Trump Vodka, a brand once championed by his father, Donald Trump, and equally notorious for its spectacular and swift demise. Nearly two decades after it first hit shelves and then promptly vanished, this spirits venture is poised for an unlikely comeback, sparking curiosity and a touch of cynicism.

Originally launched with much fanfare in 2005, Trump Vodka was envisioned as a premium, luxury spirit.

Donald Trump himself boldly declared, 'I don’t drink, but if I did, it would be Trump Vodka.' He famously predicted its success, claiming it would outsell Absolut. The marketing touted it as the 'World's Finest Super Premium Vodka,' a spirit embodying the Trump brand's perceived excellence.

Despite the grand pronouncements, the reality of Trump Vodka was starkly different.

By 2011, a mere six years after its debut, the brand was effectively defunct. Production ceased, and the licensing agreement with its manufacturer, Drinks Americas, was quietly terminated. The 'success' Trump had boasted about dissolved, leaving behind a legacy of unsold bottles and an 'ignominious end' for what was supposed to be a market-dominating liquor.

The brand’s last public gasp came during a 2011 bankruptcy filing for a separate entity, where it was mentioned as a defunct asset.

It never achieved the widespread distribution or the luxury market penetration its name implied. Instead of conquering the liquor industry, Trump Vodka joined a growing list of Donald Trump's business ventures that struggled to live up to their lofty promises.

Now, Eric Trump is attempting to breathe new life into this failed enterprise.

The timing of this revival is particularly noteworthy, coming on the heels of his father facing substantial financial penalties and a court-ordered bond in a civil fraud case. While not explicitly stated, the re-launch has led to speculation that it could be an effort to generate funds, perhaps even to assist with the former president's mounting legal debts, or simply another foray into capitalizing on the Trump brand's loyal following.

Whether this second act for Trump Vodka will fare any better than its first remains to be seen.

The brand carries with it the baggage of its past failures, and Eric Trump faces the challenge of convincing consumers to invest in a product that once notoriously flopped. It’s a bold gamble, resurrecting a ghost from the Trump business graveyard, and the world will be watching to see if this time, the vodka can truly raise a glass to success.