San Francisco-based distiller and distributor Hotaling & Co is closing its Pier 50 distillery to give attention to its import enterprise.
Hotaling & Co produces Junipero gin and Previous Potrero whiskey, and in addition owns the Hirsch whiskey model.
It additionally imports and scales quite a few manufacturers within the US, together with spirits from Fiero Tequila, Hine Cognac, Taiwanese distillery Kavalan, Japanese distillery Nikka and Irish distillery Dingle.
The corporate known as the choice to finish its distilling operations “a strategic step” after it carried out a complete evaluation on its long-term technique and capital allocation priorities.
“The choice permits us to sharpen our give attention to our core strengths as a builder and importer of world-class tremendous spirits manufacturers and to align assets across the areas the place we’re greatest positioned to drive sustainable development,” it stated in an announcement.
“It permits us to focus assets the place we’ve got the strongest aggressive benefit — constructing and scaling tremendous spirits manufacturers by advertising and marketing excellence and industrial execution. It is a proactive strategic resolution designed to strengthen the enterprise for the longer term.”
Regardless of distillery operations winding down, the corporate maintained that Junipero and Previous Potrero will stay “essential components” of its portfolio with each manufacturers up by 9% and 10% respectively for the fiscal 12 months up to now by January.
“We are going to proceed to promote and help each manufacturers. Provide continuity stays a precedence. We’ve enough bulk and bottled stock in place and can proceed working with trusted Bay Space manufacturing companions to make sure constant high quality and seamless availability out there,” the corporate confirmed.
Previous Potrero will likely be produced with one in every of Hotaling & Co.’s longtime companions, “possible Corning & Co”, whereas Junipero’s associate has not been finalised.
Hirsch, in the meantime, will proceed to be produced in partnership with different distilleries.
“[Hirsch] whiskeys are expertly sourced and additional developed by Hotaling & Co, within the method of the unique A.H. Hirsch, who was acclaimed for his sourcing and number of exceptional whiskey,” the corporate stated.
Hotaling & Co didn’t present particular date for the closure however stated the ability would see a “structured wind-down plan” and that it’s open for one more enterprise to tackle the area and its distillery property.
“We’re open to discussions with events concerning the lease and/or tools as a part of a accountable transition course of,” it added.
Hotaling & Co used to function as Anchor Distilling Firm, however was pressured to rebrand after a trademark dispute in February 2018.
Hotaling & Co grasp distiller Bruce Joseph retired final 12 months after 45 years with the corporate; a tenure that started in 1980. Joseph created each Previous Potrero and Junipero manufacturers in 1996 and was stated to be a frontrunner within the US craft gin and whiskey actions.
The corporate will stay headquartered in San Francisco and its longstanding partnerships all through the Bay Space will proceed.
The corporate additionally stated its distributor community received’t be affected by the distillery’s closure, nor will its present gross sales plans and model help. “There are not any adjustments to cargo plans, industrial priorities, or model funding. We stay centered on delivering in opposition to our commitments and supporting our manufacturers out there,” it confirmed.
The Spirits Enterprise has reached out to Hotaling & Co to learn the way many roles on the distillery will likely be affected.
On Instagram, present head distiller Kevin Aslan confirmed he’s leaving the corporate.
His submit learn:” I’ll not be a part of Junipero, Previous Potrero or Hirsch after 27 February 2026. Anchor Distilling/Hotaling gave me 15 unbelievable years and I’m nothing however grateful to have represented these iconic manufacturers for thus lengthy.
“Please preserve supporting the manufacturers and Hotaling. Undecided what’s subsequent for me. Should you’re studying this, thanks to your help.”
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