I’m from the South. And I’m pretty proud of that fact. I’m currently living in San Francisco, partly due to the influence of the Dixie Chick’s “Wide Open Spaces,” but that’s a whole other story. Back to the point – this is about two of my southern loves: Sweet Tea Vodka and Robert Hodgin.

First off, I was introduced to Sweet Tea Vodka after my parents moved to Wadmalaw Island, SC (not far from where I grew up in Mt. Pleasant, SC). Their friends own the Firefly distillery, which got off the ground after successfully making muscadine wine. I can’t say too much for the wine (what can I say, I’ve become a Napa wine snob), but I do love me some the sweet tea vodka. I can’t think of a better combination.

And then comes Robert, the more important part of this equation. I’ve been a barbarian for two years now. When I first interviewed here, I walked in to a room with Rick Webb, Keith Butters and Stephanie Smeriglio. I was pretty nervous to say the least. I was doing everything in my power to impress these folks. Then Robert came in the room mid-interview, laid down on the couch and introduced himself. He was only there for a minute, but I think I put him to ease when he found out that I went to UNC-Chapel Hill. Robert’s from Fayetteville, NC and spent a little bit of time in Chapel Hill. That may have been just a small bond to get us off on the right foot, but I’d like to think we’ve become friends over the past two years I’ve worked here. Now Robert is moving on.

And it’s a big deal that he’s leaving. In honor of his departure, the SF gathered last week for a little toast. I felt it was only right to open the bottle of Sweet Tea Vodka that has been sitting on my desk for over a year. It was the perfect occasion.

Robert – the SF office will miss you (although we expect you to be a frequent visitor)!