Ultimate Dolph

Rocky IV star Dolph Lundgren is making his first foray into the spirits world with Hard Cut Vodka, debuting first in California.

Hard Cut is made from Idaho potatoes and Rocky Mountain water, and takes its name from the filmmaking term ‘hard cut’, in which a shot cuts from one to the next. It was co-founded by Lundgren and his wife, Emma Krokdal.

“My wife Emma and I enjoy vodka on the rocks, and after trying dozens of brands, we decided we needed to create the perfect liquid for a vodka world gone soft,” Lundgren said.

The couple worked with bartender Philip Duff on the creation of the spirit, with Duff now serving as director of vodka for the brand.

CEO Steve Luttmann said: “We’re not here to follow the herd. We set out to craft a spirit that truly stands apart, delivering strong character and a refined finish. Strong, smooth, and doesn’t take itself too seriously – just like Dolph.”

Hard Cut’s higher starch content provides a fuller body and texture, which Dolph was seeking for occasions when sipping and making cocktails. The vodka shows notes of crisp green apple, with hints of fennel bulb, roasted potato, and butterscotch.

Hard Cut is bottled at 45% ABV and priced at US$26 for a 700ml bottle.

The vodka launches in California today (18 March), with expansion to additional states coming throughout 2025. The brand has partnered with Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits as its distribution partner in the US.

In addition to the Rocky series, Lundgren is known for appearing in Masters of the Universe, The Expendables, and, more recently, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.

Vodka was the highest selling spirit in the US by both volume and value in 2024, moving 74.1 million cases with a worth of US$7.2 billion.