Bacardi grows its American and Scotch whisky portfolio through acquisition

By Erin Smith

Published: 01 April, 2015

Bacardi Limited has made two major moves into the whisky category this week with the acquisition of American bourbon brand Angel's Envy and the purchase of a stake in the Compass Box Whisky Co.

Bacardi Limited Bacardi LimitedBacardi Limited

Bacardi Limited has made two major moves into the whisky category this week with the acquisition of American bourbon brand Angel's Envy and the purchase of a stake in the Compass Box Whisky Co.

"Bacardi has a long-history of successful acquisitions of cutting-edge brands. Bacardi looks for the gems of innovation in the spirits world to complement our premium and super-premium brands, and Angel's Envy is a natural fit for our portfolio," said Barry Kabalkin, vice chairman of Bacardi Limited.

Bacardi, which is the largest privately held spirits company in the world, acquired Kentucky-based Angel's Share Brands, the Louisville Distilling Co. a subsidiary and its Angel's Envy brand. The deal, which was announced on Monday 30 March, marks the first acquisition for Bacardi in the bourbon whiskey category. However, Bacardi had been an investor in the bourbon brand since 2010.

The terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

Angle's Envy has been acquired by Bacardi Limited

Bacardi additionally confirmed yesterday it had purchased a minority stake in the London-based Compass Box Whisky Co, according to drinks publication Just-Drinks.

The company produces small batch artisan Scotch whiskies under The Peat Monster, Asyla, Oak Cross, The Spice Tree and Hendonism brands.

The Compass Box Whisky brands packaging has helped to make several of the brands stand out on shelf in high end on-trade and independent retailers. The label designs like the Hendonism Quindecimus, the Peat Monster Cask Strength Magnums and the Flaming Heart brand designs had moved away from more traditional whisky label designs, but have gained recognition in the trade with design awards, including winning Golds in Harpers 2014 Design Awards.

The investment further broadens Bacardi's footprint in the Scotch whiskey category. The company currently owns several Scotch whisky brands such as Dewar's William Lawson, Aberfeldy, Glan Deveron and Royal Brackla.