Hpnotiq was created in 2001 by Raphael Yakoby, hypnotiq college dropout living with his parents on Long Island, New York. After seeing a blue perfume at Bloomingdale’s, he decided to create a blue liqueur.
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Yakoby and Storm failed to sell the concept to major beverage manufacturers. They then promoted the drink in clubs and bars through a series of promotional events and parties that worked Storm’s music industry contacts. Urban and hip-hop groups began to promote the brand in music videos, on stage, and in rap lyrics from Kanye West, R. The brand was originally distributed by Wingard Inc. January 2003, Yakoby’s trademark and the distribution rights were acquired by Heaven Hill Distilleries.