Diageo has acquired US craft distiller Balcones Distilling, a leading producer of American single malt whiskey.
The distillery, based in Waco, Texas, was founded in 2008 and has since created a diverse portfolio of whiskeys. Expressions such as Texas “1” American Single Malt, Lineage American Single Malt, and Baby Blue Corn Whisky have showcased the brands aim to embrace its terroir.
The distillery team have explored original grain choices for their mash bills including Texas-grown malted barley and roasted blue corn, and the distillery prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients and harnessing the arid climate and fluctuating temperatures in its home state to create bold whiskeys.
Claudia Schubert, president of Diageo North America, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Balcones Distilling into Diageo. The Balcones team are true innovators and pioneers in the emerging American single malt and Texas whiskey movements, and their super premium plus whiskies are highly complementary to our whiskey portfolio. This acquisition is in line with our strategy to acquire high-growth brands in fast growing segments, such as super premium whiskey, and we look forward to working with the Balcones team to support further growth for these world-class whiskies.”
Balcones Distilling chairman Greg Allen said: “Balcones started with an idea driven by an innovative spirit and passion to create something original and authentic in the heart of Texas. Now, we couldn’t be prouder to have created these award-winning American single malt and Texas whiskies, but also to have helped initiate an exciting new era of whiskey in Texas. We are thrilled that Diageo shares our belief in its potential and we look forward to seeing Diageo bring Balcones’ incredible whiskies to more consumers.”
The acquisition has been funded through existing cash resources.
Diageo's Noth American whisky portfolio already includes Bulleit Bourbon and Crown loyal Canadian whisky.
The distillery, based in Waco, Texas, was founded in 2008 and has since created a diverse portfolio of whiskeys. Expressions such as Texas “1” American Single Malt, Lineage American Single Malt, and Baby Blue Corn Whisky have showcased the brands aim to embrace its terroir.
The distillery team have explored original grain choices for their mash bills including Texas-grown malted barley and roasted blue corn, and the distillery prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients and harnessing the arid climate and fluctuating temperatures in its home state to create bold whiskeys.
Claudia Schubert, president of Diageo North America, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Balcones Distilling into Diageo. The Balcones team are true innovators and pioneers in the emerging American single malt and Texas whiskey movements, and their super premium plus whiskies are highly complementary to our whiskey portfolio. This acquisition is in line with our strategy to acquire high-growth brands in fast growing segments, such as super premium whiskey, and we look forward to working with the Balcones team to support further growth for these world-class whiskies.”
Balcones Distilling chairman Greg Allen said: “Balcones started with an idea driven by an innovative spirit and passion to create something original and authentic in the heart of Texas. Now, we couldn’t be prouder to have created these award-winning American single malt and Texas whiskies, but also to have helped initiate an exciting new era of whiskey in Texas. We are thrilled that Diageo shares our belief in its potential and we look forward to seeing Diageo bring Balcones’ incredible whiskies to more consumers.”
The acquisition has been funded through existing cash resources.
Diageo's Noth American whisky portfolio already includes Bulleit Bourbon and Crown loyal Canadian whisky.