November 7, 2023 – This would qualify as a high concept: Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong are debuting a limited edition vodka in a bottle that converts into a water pipe.
(BTW, to keep the federales at bay, Edible won’t be using the word for water pipe that rhymes with Chong.)
The vodka—inspired in part by the legendary Cheech and Chong movie Up in Smoke—is being made in partnership with Scotts Valley spirits house UBlendIt, which has enjoyed a cinematic rise all its own (more on that in a minute).
The vodka is called Judge’s Water, a nod to the courtroom scene in the 1978 cult classic where Anthony Stoner (played by Chong) swigs what he thinks is water then spit-sprays it out.
“It’s f**kin vodka, man!” Stoner blurts.
The Judge’s Water arrives in a collectible-grade package starring a fifth of vodka, a branded BIC Lighter, a glass-cutting drill bit, a glass slide and two liquid-tight rubber seals.
“This is the ultimate luxury party package,” reads a draft press release EMB obtained, “perfect for starting and sustaining the party.”
For UBlendIt, the branding reflects a return to its origins. As Edible reported in 2021, the startup earned traction early on by partnering with bars and restaurants to craft spirits with customized flavor profiles and house branding.
Since then, UBlendIt has built an impressive resume of adult beverages while dramatically expanding production, as I reported with a follow-up titled, “Found Treasure: Ublendit 2.0’s Seltzers, Tequila and Surreal Expansion.”
Commentary comes woven into Judge’s Water brand: The justice pictured on the label has moisture in her eyes.
“Those tears symbolize the deep-rooted injustices in the American legal system, when it comes to cannabis-related offenses,” the release continues. “It’s a humorous yet thought-provoking design that unites laughter, artistry, and a commitment to shedding light on these critical issues, all while poking fun at the irony of a judge sipping a cocktail while casting judgment.”
Marin elaborates.
“This is all about making a difference, one bottle at a time,” he says. “You know, we’ve always been about pushing boundaries, but with this project, it’s more than just a collectible or novelty—it’s about supporting real change.”
Chong adds that they’re partnering with Last Prisoner Project and donating a portion of the proceeds from each bottle to help folks who “have been unjustly locked up for cannabis-related issues.”
“To help make a real difference,” Chong says.
Marin adds a less serious element, keeping with the playful spirit of the spirit.
“Who hasn’t ever looked at a really cool bottle and thought ‘Hey, I bet I could smoke some good stuff out of this…’ ?” he asks. “Right?”
Judge’s Water Vodka is expected to be available for shipping before the holidays. More at reservebar.com
About the author
Mark C. Anderson, Edible Monterey Bay's managing editor, appears on "Friday Found Treasures" via KRML 94.7 every week, a little after 12pm noon. Reach him via mark@ediblemontereybay.com.
