Black Button Distilling cuts jobs
New York’s Black Button Distilling will reduce its staffing numbers following its acquisition by Blackstar Company.
Blackstar Company invested in Black Button Distilling in September this year. The move followed news that the Rochester-based distillery had closed its tasting room.
At the time, its founder Jason Barrett told The Spirits Business that despite the closure, all four bottling lines were running at full capacity, with a second shift sometimes needed.
He added: “I’m happy that the distillery will remain open and our team will stay in place. I’ve known Kris [Comstock, president of Blackstar] for years and have the utmost respect for his ability to build brands. I feel that Black Button is in great hands.”
A spokesperson for the company said: “The craft distilling industry is evolving and the new owners of the Black Button have had to make difficult decisions regarding the Rochester distillery, including a necessary reduction in staff.
“Jason Barrett has stepped back in as a consultant to help plan for the future. The founder and owners remain committed to filling orders and supporting our retail partners as we strive to carry on the grain-to-glass legacy on which the Black Button brand was founded.”
Black Button isn’t the only US craft distillery facing hardship, with similar businesses plunging by a quarter in the 12 months to August 2025.
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