So many “craft” whiskey labels are owned by big companies. Learn what truly counts as craft, how to read labels, and how to find bottles worth buying.
Introduction
If you’ve ever fallen for a “small‑batch” story only to find out the brand is part of a global portfolio, you’re not alone. Big‑owned “craft” isn’t automatically a bad thing—scale can bring quality and consistency—but if you want whiskey with real craft credentials, there are simple, practical ways to tell the difference.
What you’ll learn in a few minutes
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Why so many “craft” labels are owned by large companies
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What truly counts as a craft whiskey brand
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How to find good craft bottles online and in your local shop
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What tends to change (mash bills, processes, flavor) after a big‑company takeover
Why so many “craft” brands end up big‑owned
Whiskey is slow and expensive. Barrels tie up cash for years. Building stills and rickhouses is capital‑intensive. For small producers, partnering with (or selling to) Diageo
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Balcones Distilling (TX) — acquired (full) in 2022. American Single Malt pioneer from Waco. (www.diageo.com)
Constellation Brands
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High West Distillery (UT) — acquired (full) in 2016 for ~$160M. Brought Constellation into high‑end American craft whiskey. (Constellation Brands, Inc.)
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Nelson’s Green Brier / Belle Meade (TN) — majority stake in 2019 (via acquisition of the distillery business). (Constellation Brands, Inc.)
Bacardi Limited
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Angel’s Envy (KY) — acquired (full) in 2015; Bacardi’s entry into bourbon. (Bacardi Limited)
Moët Hennessy (LVMH)
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Woodinville Whiskey Co. (WA) — acquired (full) in 2017; founders stayed to run operations. (LVMH)
Pernod Ricard
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Rabbit Hole (KY) — majority stake in 2019 through Pernod’s New Brand Ventures unit. (pernod-ricard.com)
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Smooth Ambler (WV) — majority stake announced 2016 (completed 2017); partnership to scale the brand. (pernod-ricard.com)
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Firestone & Robertson / TX Whiskey (TX) — acquired (full) in 2019. (pernod-ricard.com)
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Jefferson’s Bourbon (KY) — came with Pernod’s 2019 acquisition of Castle Brands. (pernod-ricard.com)
Campari Group
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Wilderness Trail Distillery (KY) — 70% stake in 2022, with a path to 100% later. (camparigroup.com)
Heaven Hill Brands
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Widow Jane (NY) — via 2022 acquisition of Samson & Surrey. (Distillery Trail)
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FEW Spirits (IL) — via 2022 acquisition of Samson & Surrey. (thespiritsbusiness.com)
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Brenne (France‑made single malt brand) — also part of Samson & Surrey; included in the 2022 deal. (Beverage Information Group)
Rémy Cointreau
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Westland Distillery (WA) — acquired (full) 2017; a leading American Single Malt producer. (remy-cointreau.com)
Molson Coors / Coors Spirits Co.
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Blue Run Spirits (KY) — acquired (full) in 2023 as part of Molson Coors’ push into premium spirits. (ir.molsoncoors.com)
MGP Ingredients (Luxco)
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Penelope Bourbon (NJ/KY) — acquired (full) in 2023 (up to ~$215M deal structure). (mgpingredients.com)
Proximo Spirits
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Stranahan’s (CO) — acquired (full) in 2010; one of the earliest craft acquisitions. (Westword)
Tilray Brands (Tilray Spirits)
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Breckenridge Distillery (CO) — acquired (full) in 2021. (craftspiritsmag.com)
International / “Independent-to‑Major” Whisky
(useful context)
Rémy Cointreau
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Bruichladdich (Islay, Scotland) — acquired (full) 2012; revived as an independent in 2001 before sale. (remy-cointreau.com)
Edrington
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Wyoming Whiskey (WY, USA) — minority stake 2018, increased to 80% (majority) in 2023. (Whisky Advocate)
Brown‑Forman
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BenRiach Distillery Co. (Scotland) — acquired 2016 (GlenDronach, BenRiach, Glenglassaugh). Not “craft” in the U.S. sense, but an independent group bought by a global major. (investors.brown-forman.com)
William Grant & Sons
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Tuthilltown Spirits / Hudson Whiskey (NY) — brand rights in 2010; distillery acquired 2017. (WhiskyCast)
Notes & caveats
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“Craft” is a spectrum. Some of these brands began as outright micro‑distilleries; others were indie bottlers/blenders or small regional distilleries. After acquisition, many still distill in the original facilities and keep local teams, but brand strategy, distribution and sometimes mash bills / finishes / sourcing can evolve under new ownership.
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Stake vs. full buyout. I’ve labeled majority or full where applicable; minority investments aren’t included unless the investor later took control (e.g., Edrington → Wyoming Whiskey).
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