An Era Concludes: The Transition of Savage & Cooke Distillery

The world of spirits continues to evolve, and one of its most notable figures, Dave Phinney, has recently made a monumental decision to sell his Savage & Cooke distillery located on Mare Island in Vallejo, California. Having gained fame through his ventures in the wine industry, particularly with luxury brands like The Prisoner and Orin Swift, Phinney’s move marks a significant transition not only for himself but for the whiskey landscape in California.

The historic Savage & Cooke Distillery on Mare Island, a hub of innovative spirits.

In a strategic acquisition announced recently, Derek Benham, CEO of Purple Brands, acquired the operations, bringing his ambitions for the Redwood Empire Whiskey brand to new heights. This acquisition is not merely a transfer of ownership; it’s a leap toward meeting increasing consumer demand for high-quality whiskey. The facility, which includes a barrel room, tasting room, speakeasy, and restaurant, has already been leveraged by the Redwood Empire team to bolster production, showcasing the brand’s upward trajectory.

“Demand for our offerings has far exceeded our production capacity for several years,” noted Aaron Webb, CEO of Purple Brands, highlighting the operational necessity behind the purchase.

A Legacy of Distilling in Co Tyrone

While the West Coast distilling scene is taking bold steps forward, another historic moment is happening halfway across the world. Today, Wild Atlantic Distillery in Aghyaran, County Tyrone, will launch the first legally distilled whiskey from this region, named ‘Islandmen.’ This marks a powerful revival of whiskey-making traditions that date back generations, following a gap since the last licensed distillation closed its doors almost a century ago.

The inaugural bottling of Islandmen marks a significant milestone for whiskey in County Tyrone.

Brothers Brian and Jim Nash, the artisans behind Wild Atlantic Distillery, are celebrating not just the spirit itself but the broader cultural significance of this momentous occasion. As they prepare to unveil approximately 350 bottles, nostalgia intertwines with innovation, honoring the legacy of illicit distilling that once thrived in the region.

“We are immensely proud to revive the rich tradition of Irish whiskey making in the north-west. Islandmen pays homage to the past, but we will be certain to raise a glass to the future,” stated Jim Nash.

This forthcoming event not only sparks enthusiasm within the local community but also draws attention from whiskey lovers across the globe, eager to witness the rebirth of a forgotten distilling heritage.

The Business of Spirits: Phinney’s Future Focus

Phinney’s sale of Savage & Cooke opens the door for him to refocus on his wine ventures, particularly two new projects: OLG and Painted Scars. With OLG’s recent successful debut in the market, boasting sales that quickly outpaced initial batches, he is keen to expand that brand further. Painted Scars, a rebranded line under his well-regarded Department 66, aims to hold its ground within the competitive wine sector.

Phinney’s departure from the spirits business highlights a growing trend where distillers occasionally pivot back to their roots in wine, a sentiment he himself echoed, saying, “what I learned most from being involved in spirits is just how much I love the wine business.”

Looking Ahead

As the whiskey landscape shifts with Phinney’s exit and Nash’s promising entrance, the industry appears primed for further innovation and expansion. The melding of tradition and modern techniques invites enthusiasts and new consumers to experience these spirits in exciting ways. Whether through Redwood Empire’s evolving offerings in California or the nostalgic resurgence of Irish whiskey in Tyrone, this is a vibrant time for distillation, one that promises to entice palates and ignite imaginations.

Redwood Empire Whiskey showcases California’s innovative spirit in whiskey production.

In summary, while Dave Phinney embarks on a renewed journey in the world of wine, the emergence of new distilleries like Wild Atlantic heralds exciting prospects in whiskey-making. Both scenarios remind us that in the world of spirits, change is the only constant, and the pursuit of excellence prevails.

Conclusion

As enthusiasts, producers, and aspiring distillers continue to explore what it means to craft a significant spirit, the legacies of those who have come before them will serve as pillars of inspiration. By embracing both innovation and tradition, the whiskey community will undoubtedly raise a glass to celebrate a future filled with rich flavors and deep heritage.