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Moët Hennessy acquires Woodinville Whiskey Company

LVMH’s wine and spirits division Moët Hennessy has made its first foray into the American whiskey category with the purchase of Washington-based Woodinville Whiskey Company (WWC) for an undisclosed sum.

Moët Hennessy has acquired Washington-based Woodinville Whiskey Company

Said to be Washington state’s largest craft distillery, WWC was founded in 2010 by longtime friends Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile – who will continue to oversee operations at the Woodinville-based after the transaction has been completed.

“We are convinced that Woodinville fits very well within the Moët Hennessy portfolio,” said Christophe Navarre, president and CEO of Moët Hennessy.

“Orlin and Brett have done a great job to establish Woodinville Whiskey as an iconic brand in Washington state with significant potential for expanded distribution through our US and international networks.

“While we are no strangers to whiskey, with our Glenmorangie and Ardbeg single malts, we have much to learn from Orlin and Brett about American distilling and look forward to this important new partnership.”

The distillery, which counts Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Woodinville Straight Rye Whiskey as its flagship products, creates its spirits using grains sourced from the Omlin Family farm in Quincy, Washington.

Its whiskies are matured for at least five years in barrel warehouses based in Quincy, Washington, climatic conditions facilitate the aging process.

Initially launching a Microbarreled Bourbon and Rye, the company expanded its portfolio with a 5-year-old straight Bourbon in 2015, and a 5-year-old straight Rye in 2016.

Sorensen added: “We are very proud about what we have accomplished since founding Woodinville Whiskey Company just a few years ago. As we considered the many strategic opportunities before us, it was clear that being part of the Moët Hennessy portfolio and distribution network will allow us to reach our goals much more quickly.

“Brett and I are thrilled to continue leading the business and to be part of the accelerated growth we expect to achieve as part of Moët Hennessy, and its parent LVMH, the world’s leading luxury goods company.”

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