Edrington Announces Majority Shareholding in Wyoming Whiskey
Edrington, the ultra-premium spirits producer has announced that it has become the majority shareholder in Wyoming Whiskey.
Building on the 35% stake that Edrington took in the brand in 2018, and the success of the partnership, the Glasgow-headquartered business has increased its shareholding to 80% in a deal with Wyoming Whiskey’s founding shareholders, led by Kate Mead, Brad Mead and David DeFazio.
Wyoming Whiskey was born and bred on the Mead family ranch in Kirby, WY. It will continue to be made in Kirby and this deepening of the relationship sees Edrington welcoming the 37 employees working in Wyoming into the wider Edrington business.
Since joining the Edrington portfolio in 2018, Wyoming Whiskey has been part of the company’s Partnership Brands business unit, which has collaborated with colleagues in the US to build its reputation as a unique ultra-premium+ American Whiskey. During that time, the brand has grown volume and value in the US faster than the ultra-premium American Whiskey category, making it an excellent fit for Edrington’s strategy and values.
Jane Graham, Director of Partnership Brands, said: “With a compelling brand story, natural ultra-premium credentials stemming from its origins, and its inherent scarcity, Wyoming Whiskey is a great fit for Edrington’s ultra-premium strategy. Our majority shareholding gives Edrington the opportunity to get closer than ever to every aspect of Wyoming Whiskey and increase investment behind the brand.”
Founding shareholder Brad Mead said: “Our partnership with Edrington over the past five years has been extraordinarily productive. Edrington’s track record of creating iconic ultra-premium whiskeys and building authentic brands makes the company the perfect partner going forward. We’re excited about the future of Wyoming Whiskey and our continued association with Edrington.”
Suzy Smith, MD of Estate Brands at Edrington said she was delighted to be welcoming Wyoming Whiskey into her portfolio, alongside Highland Park and The Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.
Suzy commented: “After five years of growth and success as part of our Partnership Brands team, we are excited at the potential of Wyoming Whiskey and believe it will contribute to Edrington’s strategic vision and become a prestige American Whiskey brand under our stewardship. Wyoming Whiskey is a unique American Whiskey thanks to its craft and quality, born and bred on the Mead family ranch in Kirby, Wyoming.
Edrington CEO Scott McCroskie said that taking a majority shareholding in Wyoming Whiskey was a logical step for both Edrington and the brand, commenting: “The ultra-premium American Whiskey category is going through a period of rapid growth. This is an exciting opportunity to apply Edrington’s skills in crafting exceptional ultra-premium spirit brands to continue Wyoming Whiskey’s premiumisation journey.”
ENDS
About Wyoming Whiskey
Wyoming Whiskey is ‘Made of Wyoming’. At its distillery in Kirby, WY, we distil the finest corn, wheat, barley, rye and water from the Big Horn Basin to craft a spirit that carries with it the character of the region, and also of the Mead family, who first came to the state as ranchers in 1890. In the past decade, Wyoming Whiskey has earned recognition for its high-quality bourbon and rye whiskeys, including its Small Batch and Outryder expressions, as well as a range of sought-after limited editions, most notably the 10 Year Anniversary Edition and the National Parks series.
About Edrington
Edrington’s vision is to give more by crafting exceptional ultra-premium spirit brands. The Macallan is our central focus, supported by Highland Park and The Glenrothes in the fast-growing single malt category and Naked Malt in the blended malt category. Our portfolio is completed with Brugal premium rum from the Dominican Republic, The Famous Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky, and Wyoming Whiskey and Noble Oak in the American Whiskey category. Edrington also has a strategic partnership with No.3 London Dry Gin.
Edrington is headquartered in Scotland and employs over 3,000 people in its wholly owned and joint venture companies, with over half employed outside the UK. We own our route to market in 16 countries and distribute our brands to more than 100 countries around the world through joint ventures and third-party agreements.
Edrington’s principal shareholder is The Robertson Trust, which has donated £322 million to charitable causes in Scotland since 1961. Our business is underpinned by the Edrington values of giving, respect, integrity and excellence.
