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Oregon’s Eastside buys Big Bottom Distilling

Eastside Distilling has acquired a controlling stake in fellow Oregon-based spirits producer Big Bottom Distilling, which will continue to operate as a standalone business.

Big Bottom Distilling is based in Hillsboro, Oregon

The transaction was structured as an exchange of 84,286 Eastside shares for Big Bottom Distilling LLC units.

Big Bottom, maker of premium gin, whiskey, brandy, rum and vodka, will operate as a distinct entity under the Eastside umbrella, while the firm’s co-founder, Ted Pappas, and lead distiller, Travis Schoney, will remain in role.

Going forward, Big Bottom will produce spirits in collaboration with Eastside’s master distiller and EVP of operations, Melissa Heim.

“This is the ideal opportunity we have been seeking for Big Bottom Distilling,” said Pappas. “This relationship with Eastside will allow us to grow at a faster rate and get our products distributed to a broader market.

“This will also give us the opportunity to focus on our single malt whiskey production and establish our position in this category.

“We will continue on the path started in 2010 and retain the integrity, quality and identity that the company was founded on while integrating into the overall organisation.”

Big Bottom was initially founded as an independent spirits bottler in 2010, but moved into spirits distillation in 2014, releasing its first gin produced in-house shortly afterwards.

The firm’s portfolio is primarily distributed in Oregon, California and Illinois, but Eastside intends to ramp up Big Bottom’s footprint through its own distribution network across the US and Canada.

Big Bottom will collaborate with Eastside to expand production of its American Single Malt Whiskey, an expression that is made with Pacific Northwest barley and is fermented and distilled entirely on-site.

“Eastside is creating a great opportunity for craft businesses to maintain their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the craft spirits movement while expanding their consumer base,” said Heim.

“I look forward to working with Ted, Travis and the rest of their team to continue producing high quality, unique spirits that I know consumers inside and outside Oregon will continue to love.”

Earlier this year, Eastside Distilling purchased third party craft spirits producer and bottler Motherlode Craft Distillery, also based in Oregon.

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