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Marussia Beverages buys Watershed Distillery
Mamont Vodka owner Marussia Beverages has acquired Ohio-based Watershed Distillery for an undisclosed sum.
Founded in the city of Columbus in 2010, Watershed Distillery will join the Marussia Beverages USA portfolio.
Watershed Distillery claims to be the producer of the number-one-selling Ohio-made Bourbon and gin ranges. Since its founding, the brand has focused on growing in its home market, in addition to expanding to six other states.
“In Marussia Beverages we see the same entrepreneurial spirit that has driven our growth here at Watershed Distillery,” said Watershed Distillery co-founder and CEO Greg Lehman, who will continue to oversee all operations.
“Working with John Horn [CEO of Marussia Beverages USA] and the executive team at Marussia has been energising and exciting. As we plan to grow our footprint here in Central Ohio and throughout the country, we see potential opportunities for our current team, future employees, and the Columbus region.”
Watershed is said to be one of the two original distilleries in Columbus post-Prohibition.
Lehman has been key in influencing Ohio liquor legislation as part of his work with the state’s Distillers Guild, helping to guide bills that have increased craft distilling production limits, and allowed distillers to open on-site bars and restaurants, and sell their own spirits on the premises.
Watershed currently occupies 35,000 square feet, operates two copper stills, and a bar and restaurant. It employs more than 70 people, mostly in Central Ohio.
All production will remain in Columbus and there are plans to expand in Central Ohio.
Lehman said the acquisition “allows us to stay a part of the community that built us, continuing to grow here and share Ohio-made spirits with people near and far”.
Horn added: “Watershed Distillery embodies the same core values and DNA that are at the heart of Marussia Beverages.
“It starts with family, community, entrepreneurship, a passion for exploration and discovery, and the desire to connect with consumers to deliver high quality, premium brands.
“Built with these same values, Greg and his incredible team have done and will continue to do amazing things, and in concert with our great team, will build upon these values in Ohio and beyond.”
In April 2020, Marussia Beverages acquired a controlling stake in Siberia’s oldest operating distillery, Itkulsky.