Beam Suntory announced that it had gained a majority stake in the UK’s Sipsmith Gin distillery this week. The deal was struck to help the distillery with “ambitious export plans” using Beam Suntory’s global network.
Sipsmith announced the news on Twitter last FridayCurrently, Hippocampus Metropolitan Distillery is responsible for the distribution of Sipsmith Gin in Australia. While it is expected that Beam Suntory will take over local distribution in due course, Hippocampus said that it hadn’t been advised of any changes at this stage and that the existing agreement still “has some time to run.”
One of the founders of Hippocampus, Howard Cearns, said the announcement was “a rewarding one for the founders’ efforts and no doubt Beam Suntory will benefit in the long term from such a great brand.”
Galsworthy said in the announcement that he and Fairfax “will remain fully involved in the business” and will continue to manage the operations in London.
He added, “We have found the perfect partners to take Sipsmith to all four corners of the globe, and do so whilst retaining our quality gin, astonishing team and Chiswick distillery in London.”
Sipsmith has experienced strong growth since it was founded in 2009. The distillery is primarily known for its flagship London Dry Gin, as well as some of its more innovative releases, including V.J.O.P. (Very Junipery Over Proof Gin) and Sloe Gin.
