Edrington buys minority stake in Wyoming Whiskey

Scottish spirits group Edrington has entered the American whiskey category with the purchase of a minority stake in Wyoming Whiskey.

Edrington moves into American whiskey with the acquisition of a minority stake in Wyoming Whiskey

Effectively immediately, Wyoming Whiskey has joined Edrington’s spirits portfolio, which includes The Macallan, Highland Park, The Glenrothes, The Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark, and Brugal Rum.

Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

The Macallan producer will take over all sales, marketing and distribution of Wyoming Whiskey’s range.

Wyoming whiskey was founded by fourth generation cattle ranchers Brad and Kate Mead and their son Sam.

Production of Wyoming Whiskey will continue in Kirby, using local grains and water from the limestone aquifer.

Wyoming Whiskey’s portfolio includes its Small Batch Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbon, Barrel Strength Bourbon, Outryder Straight American Whiskey, Private Stock Bourbon and Double Cask Sherry-finished Bourbon.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with the Mead family to bring Wyoming Whiskey into the Edrington portfolio,” said Ian Curle, chief executive of Edrington.

“This deal is a further step towards becoming the world’s leading premium spirits company and adds to a brilliant year in which we opened our award-winning distillery and brand home for The Macallan.”

Chris Spalding, president and CEO Edrington Americas, said: “We are excited that Wyoming Whiskey is joining Edrington Americas’ award-winning portfolio. American whiskey is one of the fastest-growing premium spirit categories in the USA, itself the largest premium spirits market in the world.”

Brad Mead, founder and president of Wyoming Whiskey, added: “I’ve long admired Edrington’s portfolio and its ethos of giving more. To see Wyoming Whiskey alongside The Macallan, Highland Park, and the entire line-up at Edrington Americas’ headquarters in New York is just fantastic, but I know we’ve earned it.

“With Edrington, Wyoming Whiskey will be offered opportunities that we could not have achieved on our own. This partnership will allow our brand to grow without the practical limitations that we faced as a standalone distiller. It’s an exciting time for us.”

Edrington purchased The Glenrothes single malt brand back from Berry Bros & Rudd last year.

Earlier this year, the Scottish firm put its Cutty Sark and Glenturret Scotch whisky brands up for sale in a drive to hone the group’s premium focus.