Edrington – parent company of The Macallan, The Famous Grouse and Brugal – has become the majority shareholder in Wyoming Whiskey.
Building on the 35% stake that it took in the brand in 2018, Glasgow-headquartered Edrington has now increased its shareholding to 80% in a deal with Wyoming Whiskey’s founding shareholders, led by Kate Mead, Brad Mead and David DeFazio.
The brand was born and bred on the Mead family ranch in Kirby, Wyoming, and Edrington stressed that it will continue to be made in Kirby, with the 37 employees working in Wyoming welcomed into the wider 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.
Partnership Brands director Jane Graham 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.”
MD of Estate Brands at Edrington, Suzy Smith, said she was delighted to be welcoming Wyoming Whiskey into her portfolio alongside Highland Park and The Glenrothes Single Malt: “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.”
