Brown-Forman Corporation announced it has agreed to purchase The 86 Company, adding Fords Gin to its growing spirits portfolio.
“Fords Gin is a unique brand with terrific momentum in one of the fastest growing categories in spirits,” said Lawson Whiting, President and Chief Executive Officer, Brown-Forman. “We look forward to building Fords Gin into another iconic brand in our portfolio.”
“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,” said 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.”
A mix of nine botanicals, premium 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 notes of jasmine and grapefruit.
Fords Gin, created in unison with professional bartenders as a versatile spirit that could be used in any gin-based cocktail, is a collaboration between Simon Ford and 8th generation Master Distiller Charles Maxwell of Thames Distillers.
Simon Ford and The 86 Company team will remain a key part of the building and crafting of Fords Gin going forward.
The purchase will include the Fords Gin trademark and other assets of The 86 Company. The transaction is expected to close within 30 days.
