By Wendy Osher

Ocean Vodka plans to open a new organic farm and solar powered distillery on 80-acres in Kula later this year. The company boasts that the product will be the only vodka in the world made with the sun and ocean.

The state-of-the-art farm and distillery is scheduled to open to the public in April of 2013. Company officials say the facility highlights a commitment to social and environmentally conscious business practices.

According to company officials, the facility’s solar panels will generate 100% of the power for operations. Sugar cane grown for the product will be organically farmed on volcanic soils, and will be hand harvested for processing.

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In addition to an organic farm, the facility will also feature a new visitor’s center, a craft distillery, and a martini garden.

Company officials say the martini garden that highlights fresh, local ingredients such as Kula lavender, local citrus, passion fruit, pineapple and strawberries. The craft distillery will serve to educate guests on organic farming, conservation, and the green manufacturing of spirits.

“Our new organic farm and craft distillery is the natural progression of the success of the brand,” said Shay Smith, founder, president and CEO of Ocean Vodka.

“We’ve always found inspiration from our home island of Maui, and we look forward to hosting many visitors in years to come. We hope guests come to learn about the art of craft distilling, and the way we work with 100% organic sugar cane and the richest mineral water source in the world, our deep ocean,” said Smith.

The farm and distillery will also be available for individual and group tours and private events.