Diageo announced the acquisition of the US whisky company Balcones Distilling, which, from its headquarters in Waco, Texas, has a portfolio of super-premium brands, including Texas “1” American Single Malt, Lineage American Single Malt and Baby Blue Corn Whisky. The terms of the transaction, financed with Diageo's own resources, were not disclosed.
According to Claudia Schubert, president of Diageo North America, the operation is in line with the spirits company's strategy of "acquiring brands in fast-growing segments, such as premium whiskies, to achieve further growth in global markets ."
In this regard, Claudia Schubert acknowledges Balcones Distilling's innovative vocation and its ability to detect trends in whisky consumption, as well as the high complementarity of its portfolio with that of Diageo.
Balcones distilling
Founded in Waco, Texas, in 2008, Balcones Distilling is a celebrated player in the emerging whisky movement in Texas, according to a Diageo statement, with a diverse portfolio of super-premium whiskies.
Balcones “ embraces the intense heat of Texas, as well as its temperature fluctuations, to create whiskies with distinctive flavors .” The team also utilizes high-quality, often locally sourced, original ingredients, including Texas-grown malted barley and roasted blue corn.
The super-premium segment has recorded consistent volume growth in the United States in recent years, with an annual growth rate of 13,3% from 2016 to 2021. Within this segment, American Single Malt Whisky has been a driving force, with 18,2% growth during the same period.
