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Blackwater Distillery sells Irish whiskey Velvet Cap

Premium spirits accelerator RoCo Brands has acquired Irish whiskey Velvet Cap from Blackwater Distillery for an undisclosed sum.

Blackwater
Blackwater Distillery will support RoCo Brands with Velvet Cap’s new product development

Velvet Cap was established in 1880 in Dungarvan, County Waterford by Thomas Power & Co, and reclaimed in 2020 by Irish whiskey maker Blackwater Distillery.

The triple-casked whiskey has two single malts in its range, Bordeaux Cask 5 Year Old and Peated Sherry Cask, both of which were awarded Gold medals at The Spirits Business’s Irish Whiskey Masters 2022.

RoCo Brands said the acquisition was a strategic move to tap into the global demand for Irish whiskey, described as ‘one of the fastest-growing spirits categories in the world’.

According to a recent Bord Bia report, exports of Irish whiskey rose by 13% in value last year with growth across all markets except the UK.

RoCo Brands will look to build Velvet Cap both domestically and internationally.

Nigel Truphet, managing director, RoCo Brands, said: “This acquisition aligns with our mission to preserve and enhance brands that showcase authenticity and craftsmanship. Velvet Cap’s reputation for quality and its deep-rooted Irish heritage make it a perfect addition to our exciting portfolio.”

RoCo Brands has one other spirit in its portfolio, Dangerous Don Mezcal, with a super-premium Indian gin and a Japanese whisky also coming to the lineup soon.

Blackwater will remain a close partner following the deal by supporting RoCo Brands with Velvet Cap’s new product development, bottling and order fulfillments.

Peter Mulryan, founder and CEO of Blackwater Distillery, added: “We are proud of what we’ve achieved with Velvet Cap, and we’re confident that RoCo Brands is the ideal partner to take the brand to new heights.

“Their expertise in premium spirits will ensure Velvet Cap continues to thrive and grow in the competitive Irish whiskey landscape.”

Based in County Waterford, Blackwater Distillery produces single malt Irish whiskey, gin and vodka.

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