Bacardi Limited is moving into the bourbon market.
The Bermuda-based family-owned company, which is the world’s largest privately held spirits company, has acquired Louisville-based Angel’s Share Brand and its subsidiary, Louisville Distilling Co, the makers of Angel’s Envy Port Finished Bourbon. Terms of the transaction, which closed on March 27, were not disclosed.
“We have a clear strategy aligned to meet consumer needs in premium spirits and are building an even stronger portfolio through innovation and acquisition. The purchase of Angel’s Share Brands and the Angel’s Envy portfolio further reinforces our commitment to growing the super-premium spirits sector,” said Mike Dolan, Bacardi Limited CEO, in a release announcing the acquisition.
Angel’s Envy will run as a standalone operation, with no changes planned for its employee base, production, distribution, commercial and marketing activities. The company has a 2016 opening planned for a new distillery and brand experience center in downtown Louisville.
Angel’s Envy, which is among the fastest growing super-premium bourbons in the country, is hand-blended in small batches of 8 to 12 barrels. Each batch, or “expression,” is allowed to develop naturally, creating nuances in the bourbon from year-to-year. Angel Envy’s flagship expression of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is finished in port wine barrels and has earned the highest-ever rating for a bourbon from Wine Enthusiast. The company also offers two additional expressions: Angel’s Envy Finished Rye and Angel’s Envy Cask Strength.
Bacardi Limited’s brand portfolio includes Bacardi Rum, Grey Goose Vodka, Bewar’s Blended Scotch whisky and Bombay Sapphire gin. Its brands are manufactured at 29 facilities and sold in more than 160 countries.
For more information, check online at www.angelsenvy.com.