Diageo, one of the largest alcohol beverage companies in the world announced it has acquired Balcones Distilling, a Texas craft distiller. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded in Waco, Texas in 2008, Balcones is a producer of single malt whisky brands such as Texas “1” American Single Malt, Lineage American Single Malt and Baby Blue Corn Whisky. The brands are available across the United States and in 11 other countries including Great Britain, and the company sold the equivalent of 15,000 9-liter cases in 2021.
The distillery has built a broad base of customers and the tasting room and retail shop in Waco has become a tourist destination. About 55% of the distillery’s visitors in the last year have come from out of town.
Diageo, headquartered in London, England operates from 132 sites around the world and owns over 200 brands, with sales in more than 180 countries. Some of the top selling brands in the Diageo portfolio include Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray and Guinness.
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