Redwood Empire Whiskey has acquired Savage & Cooke Distillery on Mare Island, California, positioning the craft producer for significant expansion amid surging demand for its whiskey portfolio. Derek Benham, owner of Redwood Empire Whiskey, announced the acquisition on December 20, highlighting the move as crucial for meeting production needs while creating a premier visitor destination.
“Our goal has always been to produce exceptional spirits, and with this new distillery, we’re positioning ourselves to do just that on a larger scale,” Benham said.
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The acquisition includes two historic brick buildings on Mare Island, a former Naval base north of San Francisco. The facility features a Vendome pot column hybrid still, barrel room, tasting room, speakeasy bar, eatery, and private event space.
Redwood Empire Production Growth Drives Expansion
The expansion comes as Redwood Empire reports staggering growth, with 2024 volumes reaching 55,000 9L cases, representing a 30% increase. Founded in 2014, the company produces several sought-after expressions, including Pipe Dream Bourbon, Bottled in Bond Grizzly Beast Bourbon, and Emerald Giant Rye.
“This acquisition solidifies Redwood Empire’s position as a serious American Whiskey player,” said Aaron Webb, Chief Executive Officer of Purple Brands, Redwood Empire’s parent company. “Demand for our offerings has far exceeded our production capacity for several years. This move solves that challenge, but it’s not just about expansion—it’s about preserving our tradition of excellence while pushing the boundaries of what we can create.”
Enhanced Visitor Experience
The distillery will soon offer comprehensive visitor experiences, including tours, tastings, dining options, and exclusive access to limited barrel selections. Operations are expected to transition fully by January 2025, with current tours, tastings, and private event bookings continuing throughout the transition period.
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Historic Mare Island Legacy
The Mare Island facility brings significant historical value to Redwood Empire’s operations. Established in 1854 as the first United States Navy base on the Pacific Coast, Mare Island has been transformed in recent years into a hub for artisanal production.
Portfolio Expansion Plans
Redwood Empire’s current lineup includes their flagship Pipe Dream Bourbon, alongside specialty releases like Screaming Titan Wheated Bourbon and their exclusive Haystack Needle barrel programs. The increased production capacity at Mare Island will enable the company to expand its experimental whiskey programs while maintaining a consistent supply of its core expressions.
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