A New Chapter for Dry Fly Distilling: Caymus Vineyards Acquires Majority Stake

As a whisky enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for exciting developments in the world of spirits. Recently, I came across the news that Dry Fly Distilling, a Spokane-based distillery, has sold a majority stake to Caymus Vineyards, a renowned California-based winery. This partnership has the potential to elevate Dry Fly to new heights, and I’m eager to explore what this means for the future of the distillery.

The Dry Fly Distilling tasting room in downtown Spokane

For those unfamiliar with Dry Fly, the distillery was founded in 2007 by Don Poffenroth and has since expanded its product line to include a range of whiskies available in 35 states. The partnership with Caymus Vineyards, which was founded in 1972 by Chuck Wagner and his late parents, marks a significant milestone in Dry Fly’s history.

According to the press release, the partnership will help Dry Fly increase its national footprint, and Caymus Vineyards officials will join the Dry Fly board. This collaboration has been years in the making, with Charlie Wagner, son of Chuck Wagner, and Don Poffenroth having worked together on various projects, including finishing whiskey in the same barrels used to make Caymus Vineyards’ cabernet sauvignon.

Caymus Vineyards wine barrels

In a statement, Charlie Wagner expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying, “Assuming a bigger stake in the company speaks to my excitement over Dry Fly’s vision, passion, and expertise, and its ability to make products that truly stand out in the market.”

The partnership is not just about expanding Dry Fly’s reach; it’s also about sharing knowledge and expertise. As Patrick Donovan, the new president of Dry Fly, noted, “This industry is tough. This is a partnership that will elevate us to higher levels.”

The Dry Fly Distilling team

As a whisky enthusiast, I’m eager to see how this partnership will impact Dry Fly’s products and overall direction. With Caymus Vineyards’ expertise in the wine industry and Dry Fly’s passion for crafting exceptional whiskies, this collaboration has the potential to yield some truly remarkable spirits.

Caymus Vineyards wine

In conclusion, the acquisition of a majority stake in Dry Fly Distilling by Caymus Vineyards marks an exciting new chapter in the distillery’s history. As a whisky enthusiast, I’m looking forward to seeing how this partnership will shape the future of Dry Fly and the world of whisky as a whole.

The Dry Fly Distilling logo