MGP Acquires New Columbia Distillers

The Indiana-based distilling company MGP Ingredients, known for providing sourced spirits as well as a recent expansion into house brands, has acquired New Columbia Distillers.

Located in Washington, D.C, New Columbia Distillers makes and markets Green Hat Gin, and operates a distillery with retail tasting room, bar and gin garden in Northeast Washington, D.C.

The distillery and its retail operations will continue to run with the current management team. Its range of Green Hat Gin styles will phase into MGP’s expanding distribution and portfolio of brands.

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“We are thrilled to add New Columbia Distillers and Green Hat Gin to the MGP Brands portfolio,” says MGP president and CEO Gus Griffin. “As the largest producer of distilled gin in the U.S., we have a depth of expertise and commitment to the category that makes this a very exciting complement to our vodka, bourbon and rye whiskey range. We look forward to growing our brand strategy with gin, while also developing a direct-to-consumer experience in the vibrant Washington metropolitan market.”

Says Michael Lowe, co-founder of New Columbia Distillers, “We are honored to be a part of the MGP team and help them realize the full potential of Green Hat Gin. MGP shares our vision to celebrate authentic, quality-made spirits with the resources to support our existing customers while also expanding our reach to new markets. We look forward to working with them to ensure the success of this next chapter of our brand story.”

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As part of the team integration, John Uselton, co-founder of New Columbia Distillers with Lowe, will join MGP Brands as a regional sales director, supporting the continued success of Green Hat Gin in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. markets. He will also focus on the continued growth of the MGP Brands portfolio in the region.

The distillery and retail operations will remain in place, and Lowe will serve in an advisory capacity.

New Columbia Distillers was founded in 2011 in the Ivy City neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

Green Hat Gin is named for local bootlegger, George Cassiday, who was known for his signature green fedora.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

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