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MGP buys New Columbia Distillers
Third-party spirits producer MGP Ingredients has acquired American gin and whiskey maker New Columbia Distillers for an undisclosed sum.
New Columbia Distillers produces the Green Hat Gin brand
Founded in 2011, grain-to-glass producer New Columbia Distillers is based in northeast Washington DC. It was thought to be the first distillery licensed in the state after Prohibition. The site in the Ivy City neighbourhood also features a tasting room, bar and gin garden.
Following the deal, New Columbia’s Green Hat Gin range will be “phased into expanded distribution” as it joins MGP’s portfolio. Green Hat Gin is named after local bootlegger, George Cassiday, who was known for his signature green fedora.
“We are thrilled to add New Columbia Distillers and Green Hat Gin to the MGP brands portfolio,” said MGP president and CEO Gus Griffin.
“As the largest producer of distilled gin in the US, we have a depth of expertise and commitment to the category that makes this a very exciting complement to our vodka, Bourbon and rye whiskey range.
“We look forward to growing our brand strategy with gin, while also developing a direct-to-consumer experience in the vibrant Washington metropolitan market.”
The New Columbia site and its retail operations will continue to be operated by the current managing team.
John Uselton, co-founder of New Columbia Distillers, with Michael Lowe, will join MGP Brands as a regional sales director.
Uselton will support the “continued success” of Green Hat Gin in the Maryland and Washington DC markets, and will focus on the continued growth of the MGP Brands portfolio in the region.
“We are honoured to be a part of the MGP team and help them realise the full potential of Green Hat Gin,” said Lowe, who will serve as an advisor.
“MGP shares our vision to celebrate authentic, quality-made spirits with the resources to support our existing customers while also expanding our reach to new markets.
“We look forward to working with them to ensure the success of this next chapter of our brand story.”
In November last year, MGP Ingredients reported a decline in sales during its 2019 third quarter.