This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
Edrington ups stake in Wyoming Whiskey
The Macallan owner Edrington has become the majority shareholder of Wyoming Whiskey after increasing its stake to 80%.
In September 2018, Glasgow-headquartered Edrington entered the American whiskey category with the purchase of a 35% stake in Wyoming Whiskey.
Since joining the Edrington portfolio in 2018, the American whiskey maker has been part of the company’s Partnership Brands subsidiary.
Through the business unit, Edrington collaborated with colleagues in the US to build the brand’s reputation as an ultra-premium-plus American whiskey.
During that time, Edrington said the brand has grown by volume and value in the US faster than the overall ultra-premium American whiskey category.
The ultra-premium American whiskey category is experiencing a “period of rapid growth”, said Edrington CEO Scott McCroskie, and the deal would allow the company to continue the brand’s premiumisation journey.
Jane Graham, director of Partnership Brands, said Wyoming Whiskey was a “great fit for Edrington’s super-premium strategy”, with its “compelling brand story, natural ultra-premium credentials stemming from its origins, and its inherent scarcity”.
“Our majority shareholding gives Edrington the opportunity to get closer than ever to every aspect of Wyoming Whiskey and increase investment behind the brand,” Graham said.
The American whiskey brand was founded in the town of Kirby, Wyoming, by fourth-generation cattle ranchers Brad and Kate Mead, and David DeFazio.
The distillery produces rye whiskey and Bourbon, including the Small Batch and Outryder expressions.
The deal will see the distillery’s 37 employees in Wyoming join the wider Edrington business.
Suzy Smith, managing director of estate brands at Edrington, added: “After five years of growth and success as part of our Partnership Brands team, we are excited at the potential of Wyoming Whiskey and believe it will contribute to Edrington’s strategic vision and become a prestige American whiskey brand under our stewardship.”
Last month, Edrington purchased a 50% stake in Spanish producer Grupo Estévez to have exclusive supply of its Sherry casks for The Macallan.