Castle Brands Announces Investment in Kentucky Artisan Distillery

Castle Brands Inc., a developer and international marketer of premium and super-premium branded spirits announced that it has purchased approximately 20% of Copperhead Distillery Company, which owns and operates the Kentucky Artisan Distillery.  The investment is part of a wide-reaching agreement to build a new warehouse to store Jefferson’s bourbons, provide distilling capabilities using special mash-bills made from locally grown grains, and create a visitor center and store to enhance the consumer experience for the Jefferson’s brand.

Castle Brand’s investment will be used to purchase land near the current distillery and for the construction of a new warehouse and tasting facility in Crestwood, Kentucky. The warehouse will have the capacity to store up to 10,000 barrels, with room for expansion, and will facilitate the continued growth of Jefferson’s wood finishes and barrel-aged cocktails.

A Jefferson’s visitor center which includes a store, showcases the Jefferson’s brand and is already open to visitors. John Glover, Chief Operating Officer of Castle Brands, said «Kentucky Artisan Distillery is the perfect partner for Jefferson’s bourbon.  It is the brainchild of Steve Thompson, former President of Brown Forman Distillery Company.   They specialize in «Estate grown and distilled» small batch production of very high quality bourbon and rye.  Steve not only has a lifetime of experience making the highest quality spirits, but has built a flexible, scalable distillery that can add great value to the Jefferson’s brand.»

Stephen Thompson, President and General Manager of Kentucky Artisan Distillery, stated «We are excited to partner with Castle Brands to further develop the super-premium Jefferson’s portfolio.  We look forward to working with Castle Brands for many years to come and welcoming friends to the new Jefferson’s visitor center.»

Castle Brands (NYSE MKT: ROX) is a developer and international marketer of premium and super-premium beverage alcohol brands including: Gosling’s Rum®, Jefferson’s®, Jefferson’s Presidential Select™, Jefferson’s Reserve® and Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea® Bourbon, Jefferson’s Chef’s Collaboration and Jefferson’s The Manhattan: Barrel Finished Cocktail, Jefferson’s® Rye Whiskey, Knappogue Castle Whiskey®, Knappogue Twin Wood, Knappogue Castle 1951, Clontarf® Irish Whiskey, Pallini® Limoncello, Boru® Vodka and Brady’s® Irish Cream.