Vintage Wine Estates acquired the brand and inventory of Distillery No. 209. Terms weren’t disclosed.
The No. 209 portfolio includes the flagship No. 209 Gin, which has won numerous awards and accolades, along with a range of hand-crafted, wine-barrel finished gins and kosher-for-Passover spirits.
“My father had an eye for well-crafted items with a unique story and spirits were no exception,” commented Samantha Rudd, who upon her father’s passing, has assumed his role as Board member and partner at Vintage Wine Estates. “I am proud to have Vintage Wine Estates carry on the legacy of Distillery No. 209, which was one of his favorite and most personal passion projects.”
The No. 209 story began in 1882 when William Sheffler purchased the rights to a California pot still patent and journeyed from New York to St. Helena in the Napa Valley to establish his distillery. No. 209 refers to the original distillery license number. In 1999, Leslie Rudd became steward of the estate where the distillery was located and spearheaded its historic preservation. To accommodate the needs of a modern distillery, a new production facility was subsequently built on Pier 50 in San Francisco, coincidentally the birthplace of the gin martini.
Founding Master Distiller Arne Hillesland, known as the “Ginerator,” will continue to make No. 209 Gin in the hands-on tradition, with the consistency and highest level of quality the brand is known for.
“My long-time mentor, partner and friend became steward of Distillery No. 209 almost 20 years ago, preserving its heritage and bringing a craft spirits experience to a new generation,” said Pat Roney, CEO of Vintage Wine Estates. “I can think of no better tribute to his vision than to carry it forward.”