Grain & Barrel Spirits, the Charlotte, South Carolina distributors of high end spirits like the recently revived Chicken Cock Whiskey, is set to add another brand to their portfolio. The company recently announced a partnership with Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey, a whiskey brand started in 2014 by renowned chefs David Szlam and Ryan Meany and also based in Charlotte.
Virgil Kane has been making some small waves since their arrival, netting gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2016, 2017, and 2018 for their debut release, Virgil Kaine Ginger Infused Bourbon. Along the way, they’ve expanded their remit with releases like their limited Electric Owl 9 Year Sour Mash Whiskey and their Roundhouse Double Barrel Whiskey.
According to Grain & Barrel Spirits founder and CEO Matti Christian Anttila, the idea of this partnership is to help Virgil Kaine grow and to get more of their whiskey on the shelves of retailers around the world.
“Virgil Kaine fits naturally into the Grain & Barrel portfolio: similar to our other brands, it highlights American craftsmanship and takes a very flavor-driven approach to product development,” Anttila said, in a prepared statement. “Virgil Kaine Ginger is not just a delicious product beloved by consumers and bartenders, but also a great starting point for what will be exciting innovation as we expand Virgil Kaine nationally in 2021.”
Grain & Barrel’s work will also take some of the burden off of the folks at Virgil Kaine when it comes to marketing and promoting their whiskey.
“With Grain & Barrel at the helm of distribution,” added Szlam, “we at Virgil Kaine can focus on what we do best: making delicious whiskeys.”
Right now, Grain & Barrel’s work begins with Virgil Kaine Ginger Infused Bourbon. The 40% ABV bourbon is blended with ginger grown at Spade & Clover Farms, a five-acre farm located on Johns Island in South Carolina that has been providing produce to restaurants and customers in the Charleston area since 2013.
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