Brown-Forman today announced a definitive agreement to purchase The 86 Company, which upon completion will add Fords Gin, a premium-level spirit, to the Brown-Forman portfolio.
“Fords Gin is a unique brand with terrific momentum in one of the fastest growing categories in spirits,” says Lawson Whiting, president and CEO, Brown-Forman. “We look forward to building Fords Gin into another iconic brand in our portfolio.”
A mix of nine botanicals, Fords Gin starts with a traditional base of juniper and coriander seed balanced by citrus, florals and spices. Steeped for 15 hours before distillation, the botanicals deliver an aromatic, fresh and floral spirit with elegant of jasmine and grapefruit, the company says.
“Brown-Forman is a great partner to bring Fords Gin to more bartenders and consumers in the U.S. and around the world while keeping our commitment to producing a unique, high quality, mixable gin,” says Simon Ford, co-founder, The 86 Company. “We’re extremely thankful to all our supporters who have been championing the brand since the beginning and look forward to seeing what the future holds with our new collaborators.”
Fords Gin was created in unison with professional bartenders as a spirit that could be used in any gin-based cocktail. Fords Gin is a collaboration between Ford and eighth-generation Master Distiller Charles Maxwell of Thames Distillers.
Simon Ford and The 86 Company team will remain a part of the building and crafting of Fords Gin going forward, the company says.
The purchase will include the Fords Gin trademark and other assets of The 86 Company. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close within 30 days.
