Edrington exits American whiskey with Wyoming sale
After investing in Wyoming Whiskey in 2018, Edrington has sold its 80% stake in the business to a local company led by one of the distillery’s co-founders.
WW Partners – led by Wyoming Whiskey co-founder, David DeFazio – has acquired all of Edrington’s stock in the distillery, returning full ownership to its home state.
The distillery was founded in 2006 by Brad and Kate Mead, together with partner DeFazio, and began distilling in 2009. It claims to be the state’s first legal distillery.
The owner of The Macallan invested in the Kirby-based distillery in 2018, intially acquiring a 35% stake, which was upped to 80% in 2023.
During their partnership, Edrington collaborated with the Wyoming Whiskey team to enhance and improve the distillery’s production processes.
Mike Zitelli, head of legal and corporate affairs for Edrington Americas, said: “It has been a pleasure working with the Mead family and David DeFazio on a brand steeped in heritage and authenticity.
“We wish Wyoming Whiskey every success under its new ownership and with its more focused, localised approach.”
The distillery’s portfolio includes Bourbon, rye, and American straight whiskeys, all made in Wyoming from non-GMO corn, wheat, rye, and barley grown in the Bighorn Basin.
DeFazio noted: “Moving forward, Wyoming Whiskey will recommit to its roots and return to the culture and constitution that made it the whiskey of the West and a staple of the Rocky Mountain whiskey category.
“We are proud to honour the contributions of our partners at Edrington and look forward to introducing the trade and consumers to a Wyoming Whiskey that represents the very best of what this brand has always been capable of.
“Our successes are a tribute to all of our past and present partners, and we look forward to forging new relationships at home and across our great country, and beyond.”
Ex-master blender returns after “hiatus”
Wyoming Whiskey also announced that Nancy Fraley will return to the company in her former role as master blender.
She left the business in September 2024, paving the way for Brendan Cook’s appointment. The Spirits Business has reached out to the company to clarify if Cook will remain with the distillery in any capacity.
Fraley commented on her return: “I am enormously excited about resuming my work with Wyoming Whiskey as their master blender after a nearly three-year hiatus. And I am particularly pleased to see the company come back home under the leadership of co-founder David DeFazio.
“Distilleries that are owned and operated by local people who are passionate about the liquid they create are the ones with whom I always prefer to work, and this absolutely informed my decision to come back.
“I look forward to resuming my close partnership with David and the production team at Wyoming Whiskey to take the brand to new heights.”
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