Buying spree at Bacardi

Bermuda-based Bacardi, which bought New Zealand vodka brand 42Below in 2006, is adding further to its portfolio through acquisition.

Last week, it bought Angel’s Envy Bourbon and invested Compass Box Whisky Co through its John Dewar & Sons business.

Angel’s Share Brands and the associated Louisville Distilling Co are Barcadi’s first acquisition in the bourbon whiskey category, though Bacardi has been an investor since 2010.

Its latest investment is a minority stake in the London-based Compass Box, which produces several small batch Scotch whiskies including Hedonism, Peat Monster, The Spice Tree, Great King Street, Asyla and Oak Cross.

Compass Box was founded in 2000 by John Glaser, former global marketing director of UDV. The company recently announced the launch of Hedonism Quindecimus in celebration of its 15th anniversary.

Bacardi says Compass Box will continue to operate independently, retaining its unconventional and innovative philosophy, as well as its small batch production values.

“Bacardi has held a long-term belief in supporting innovative founders in emerging and growing businesses,” Bacardi says.

“Bacardi also has a well-known track record of maintaining the unique heritage of a brands origin. John [Glaser] continues to lead and run the business and it operates as a standalone company. In essence, it’s business as usual at Compass Box Whisky Co.”

Mr Glaser says Compass Box last year signed a new supply contract with John Dewar.

“They have extensive stocks of whisky in their inventories, many of which are makes that we can use to grow our brands in the future,” he says. 

“This minority shareholding does not alter the day-to-day management or operation of our business. It does not have any impact on the way we make our whiskies, the decisions we take or our mission to innovate, to explore, to push the boundaries of Scotch whisky forward.

Mr Glaser adds that the arrangement will not affect its existing supply contract with Diageo.

The acquisition enhances Bacardi’s footprint in Scotch whisky, which includes Dewar’s, William Lawson’s and the Last Great Malts of Scotland – Craigellachie, Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Royal Brackla and Deveron.