Pernod Ricard snaps up small US bourbon distillery

Pernod Ricard North America has snapped up a small US distillery after completing its acquisition of Bourbon and spirit producer Smooth Ambler.

The move will see the company, an affiliate of Pernod Ricard USA, take a majority share in the West Virginia-based distillery, although the sum was not disclosed. It was signed by Pernod Ricard North America’s subsidiary, New York-based NBV Investments Inc. itself a subsidiary of Austin Nichols & Co, affiliate of Pernod Ricard USA LLC.

Smooth Ambler was founded in 2009 and produces a range of bourbons and spirits, including Smooth Ambler Contradiction Bourbon, and Old Scout Single Barrel Bourbon, as well as independent bottling of ‘artisan merchant Bottled products’.

Speaking when the deal was first announced in December, Pernod Ricard chairman and CEO Alexandre Ricard said the investment illustrated Pernod’s strategy of partnering with rising entrepreneurs sharing the same passion for authentic, high-quality brands.

“It represents a strong opportunity to enter the fast-growing, high-end bourbon market extending even more our fantastic portfolio of genuine brands in our number 1 market,” he said.

John Little, Smooth Ambler’s co-founder and head distiller, who will continue to head up Smooth Ambler as CEO, said the investment would allow it to boost production and expand the team while maintaining its commitment to quality

“The investment from NBVI will enable us to introduce our premium craft spirits to many more consumers,” he said.