Macallan owner Edrington in Wyoming Whiskey deal

Glasgow-based drinks giant Edrington — owner of Scotch whisky brands The Macallan, Highland Park and The Famous Grouse — said on Thursday it has formed a strategic partnership with Wyoming Whiskey.

Wyoming Whiskey will become part of Edrington Americas’ portfolio which includes The Macallan, Highland Park, The Glenrothes, Brugal, The Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark, Snow Leopard vodka and Tequila Partida.

“The addition of Wyoming Whiskey allows Edrington to expand its portfolio of premium spirits into the American Whiskey category,” said Edrington.

“As a result of this strategic partnership, Wyoming Whiskey will immediately join Edrington Americas’ nationwide distribution network.

“Edrington Americas will assume all sales, marketing and distribution of Wyoming Whiskey products.”

Created in the Rocky Mountain West, Wyoming Whiskey is a company founded and operated out of Kirby, Wyoming, by fourth generation cattle ranchers Brad and Kate Mead and their son Sam.

All whiskey production will continue in Kirby, using Wyoming grains and water from the mile-deep, limestone aquifer.

Brad Mead, founder and president of Wyoming Whiskey, said: “I’ve long admired Edrington’s portfolio and its ethos of giving more.

“To see Wyoming Whiskey alongside The Macallan, Highland Park, and the entire line-up at Edrington Americas’ headquarters in New York is just fantastic, but I know we’ve earned it.

“With Edrington, Wyoming Whiskey will be offered opportunities that we could not have achieved on our own.

“This partnership will allow our brand to grow without the practical limitations that we faced as a standalone distiller.

“It’s an exciting time for us.”

Edrington CEO Ian Curle said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with the Mead family to bring Wyoming Whiskey into the Edrington portfolio.

“This deal is a further step towards becoming the world’s leading premium spirits company and adds to a brilliant year in which we opened our award-winning distillery and brand home for The Macallan.”

Chris Spalding, president & CEO of Edrington Americas said: “American Whiskey is one of the fastest growing premium spirit categories in the USA, itself the largest premium spirits market in the world.

“Wyoming Whiskey holds its own against the nation’s finest.

“The brand has been acclaimed by national spirits experts who can attest that world class whiskey is being made out on the Wyoming frontier.

“We are proud to be playing our part in helping more consumers discover the quality of this outstanding American Whiskey.”

Edrington employs around 3,000 people in its companies and joint venture operations worldwide.

Edrington’s principal shareholder is The Robertson Trust.

In June, Edrington said its core revenues rose 7% to £706.7 million and profit before tax rose 3% to £194.7 million in the year ended March 31, 2018.