JT Meleck Distillers, Louisiana, with Proprietor Mike Fruge Part 1

“Our guest, Mike Fruge, and his brother Mark continue a proud Louisiana farming legacy that spans more than a century. The brothers were featured on the national television show Farms of America, which highlighted their innovative approach to rice and crawfish farming in South Louisiana.”“Born and raised in Branch, Louisiana, Mike is a fourth-generation rice and crawfish farmer who has dedicated his career to preserving and modernizing his family’s agricultural heritage. Mike and Mark work together operating Frugé Farms, a 4,000-acre rice and crawfish operation that continues their great-great-uncle John “JT” Meleck’s legacy of innovation. Mike also founded Frugé Seafood Company, a Dallas-based distributor supplying premium seafood to chefs and restaurants across Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma.”“In 2017, Mike launched his own venture—JT Meleck Distillers—named after his great-great-uncle John “JT” Meleck, who began growing rice in Acadia Parish in 1896. What started as an idea to turn Louisiana rice into something truly unique has grown into a celebrated craft distillery producing award-winning rice vodka and whiskey. From grain to glass, every bottle begins with rice grown on the family farm and is distilled, aged, and bottled in Louisiana—sharing the story of Mike’s roots, one sip at a time.”“A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in business with a minor in photography. He has been married to his wife, Courtney, for 37 years, and together they have three children and one granddaughter. When he’s not working, Mike enjoys hunting, flying, and spending time outdoors—staying grounded in the land and lifestyle that have shaped his life.”