Bacardi-Martini Australia has announced that its newly created Angel’s Envy Whiskey Specialist role will be fulfilled by Kayla Grigoriou, current Grey Goose Brand Ambassador. Grigoriou is scheduled to start the new position in the coming months ahead of the Australian off-premise launch of Angel’s Envy. Prior to this, she will be spending time familiarising herself with the brand and its stories via a trip to its headquarters and distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.
“Focusing on and championing the premium bourbon space in Australia is an incredible opportunity,” said Kayla Grigoriou.
“Having visited the distillery, I am eager to share Angel’s Envy’s unique story and exceptional quality with Australian whiskey enthusiasts.”
The new role represents a renewed focus on American spirits that has already been seen across the wider industry. This includes Pernod Ricard unveiling its new North American Distillers global brand company last month.
According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, US distilled spirits exports into Australia are currently on the rise, reaching $132 million in November 2023 up 7.3% on the year prior. The DISCUS Council largely credits this to the dynamic nature of Australia’s spirits market, which makes it willing to trial and experiment with new brands and styles.
Bacardi-Martini acquired Angel’s Envy, one of the fastest-growing super-premium bourbons in the USA, in 2015. Following a successful on-premise launch in Australia in 2020, the brand is now preparing to launch to Australian consumers over the coming months.
Before joining Bacardi-Martini Australia in 2022, Grigoriou launched her own spirits company Needle and Spirits. This follows on from time spent working for family businesses Portia Valley Wines and Delinquente Wine Co, along with studying law.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kayla Grigoriou as our Angel’s Envy Whiskey Specialist,” said Luiz Schmidt, Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand.
“Her expertise and passion for premium spirits are critical as we elevate the super-premium American whiskey category in Australia. With the strong preference for bourbon among Australian consumers, Kayla’s appointment is strategically timed and pivotal to our expansion efforts.
“Under Kayla’s leadership, we are confident the brand will become a significant growth driver and a favourite among Australian whiskey enthusiasts.”
Angel’s Envy is one of two American whiskey brands owned by Bacardi-Martini international. The other, Stillhouse, is owned by Bacardi USA and is currently not imported into Australia.
“I’m so thrilled to continue my journey with the Bacardi-Martini team, taking on this new role is a dream come true,” said Grigoriou.
“I look forward to this new challenge and the journey ahead as we bring this remarkable bourbon to the forefront of the market.”
