KISS’ Gene Simmons launches new Wisconsin-made vodka

This weekend, a new vodka distilled at Monroe’s Minhas Distillery was launched in a blaze of glory.

MoneyBag Vodka is owned by fire-breathing KISS bassist and co-frontman Gene Simmons, who is also set to become one of Milwaukee’s newest restaurateurs.

Rock & Brews, a restaurant Simmons owns with bandmate Paul Stanley, will open at the Menomonee Valley casino soon.

On Saturday, Simmons visited Minhas Distillery & Craft Brewery – located south of Madison – during its Oktoberfest celebration to launch the new premium spirit.

“Whether it’s for family, friends or 20,000 fans at a concert, I’ve always wanted to create a versatile and approachable drink that encourages everyone to celebrate life and its good times,” said Simmons, who founded the brand with Brandon Marek and Harlo Entertainment.

“Thankfully, we found the perfect partner in Minhas Distillery, the country’s second-oldest brewery and distillery, with whom we spent months developing the MoneyBag recipe and designing a distinctive, eye-catching bottle.”

The vodka is dressed to kill in a Simmons-designed decanter, which is shaped like a money bag, natch.

“We are so excited to be working with the legendary rock star and business tycoon to share this super-premium vodka with Gene’s army of fans and other discerning consumers,” said Minhas Distillery founder Ravinder Minhas.

MoneyBag retails for $49.99 and will begin to appear at retail in January in the Midwest, New York and California first.

Surely it will be hotter than hell.