Overview
Global leader in luxury wines and spirits Moët Hennessy, a division of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, acquired a minority stake in WhistlePig Whiskey – one of the leading farm-to-bottle rye whiskeys in North America – and announced a partnership to expand and accelerate distribution into select markets around the world. Founded in 2007 on an old dairy farm in New England, WhistlePig has become the #1 distiller and most decorated rye whiskey in the United States, earning the “Best in Show Whiskey” title from the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
“We are convinced that WhistlePig fits well within Moët Hennessy's portfolio. This rye whiskey house has done a remarkable job distinguishing itself among the emblematic and iconic craft distilleries in the United States with an ultra-premium standing in terms of identity, quality and price positioning,” says Philippe Schaus, President & CEO of Moët Hennessy. “We are looking forward to the opportunity for our team to bring the WhistlePig brand and product portfolio to many of our most valued customers around the world.” (excerpt from joint press release)
WhistlePig marks Moët Hennessy’s first route-to-market partnership and its second U.S. whiskey investment, following its acquisition of Washington-based Woodinville Whiskey in 2017 (read about it here: newsroom-news-385).
As in the Woodinville acquisition, Barack Ferrazzano once again served as lead counsel to Moët Hennessy. The Firm’s team was led by Corporate & Securities and Luxury Groups chair Daniel L. Dominguez, along with Kait E. Kelly and founder Peter J. Barack. Intellectual Property Group co-chair Scott J. Slavick and Thomas M. Gniot assisted with intellectual property matters, and Tax & Business Planning Group co-chair Michael J. Towne and Megan E. Toal provided guidance with respect to the tax aspects of the transaction.
To read more about this deal, visit:
- The Whiskey Wash (December 2020): https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-styles/american-whiskey/whistlepig-gets-minority-investment-from-moet-hennessy/
- The Drink Business (December 2020): https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2020/12/moet-hennessy-invests-in-whistlepig-rye-whiskey/
- Business Wire (December 2020): https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201216005832/en/Mo%C3%ABt-Hennessy-WhistlePig-Announce-International-Partnership