Rare Character goes national with Helmsman
Whiskey maker Rare Character has teamed up with Helmsman Imports to transform its Pride of Anderson County series into a national single barrel programme.
Previously only available via an online lottery, the Pride of Anderson County series will now be accessible across the US.
“Pride of Anderson County started as 40 barrels we pulled from the rickhouses of one of the best distillers in the world, the best of the best,” said Peter Nevenglosky, co-founder of Rare Character Whiskey Company.
“Taking a single barrel programme like this national is unforgiving, because every barrel is its own release. Helmsman knows that work cold. They let us stay focused on the barrels while they carry everything between the rickhouse and the shelf.”
The first release under the expanded programme is a single cask Kentucky straight Bourbon that was aged for nine and a half years. It is bottled at its cask strength of 58.4% ABV.
The Bourbon is available in all current Rare Character markets, with the release capped at 40 barrels.
New York-based Helmsman Imports handles the compliance, logistics, and financial operations that enable the multi-market release, helping Rare Character to transition from a limited release to national distribution.
Helmsman ensures compliance with state regulations by integrating posting calendars and deadlines into each launch and coordinating all elements to ensure timely market entry.
The single barrel programme will continue twice yearly.
Jeff Diego, founder and CEO of Helmsman Imports, commented: “Rare Character has proven its quality release after release and built a real following in whiskey culture. People chase these bottles.
“When a brand that good decides to go national, the liquid was never the question. It is whether the operation behind it can carry the weight. Pablo, Peter, and their team stay focused on the whiskey. We handle everything between the rickhouse and the retail shelf.”
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