Firestone & Robertson Distilling

Investment Overview

F&R was initially capitalized in 2011 and launched its first brand, TX Blended Whiskey, in 2012. At the time, the Blended Whiskey was already the top selling Texas-based whiskey and was named “Best American Craft Whiskey” at the 2013 San Francisco Spirits Competition, considered the most prestigious spirits competition in the world. In 2016, F&R released its new product that was aging, TX Straight Bourbon. Whiskey Ranch, F&R’s new distillery, officially opened in 2017. The new distillery, one of the largest west of the Mississippi River, exponentially increased F&R’s production capabilities and serves as a venue for corporate events, weddings and other gatherings.

After six years partnering with the F&R team and fulfilling most of our initial investment goals, it became evident that the next step in the company’s evolution was significant investment in people and infrastructure to support a national sales strategy. We faced the strategic decision of whether to make these investments ourselves or partner with an industry participant who already had this infrastructure and expertise in place. Over the years, F&R was approached by multiple strategic buyers interested in acquiring the company, and this interest accelerated when Whiskey Ranch opened. F&R engaged Nomura Securities to run a limited process with potential strategic partners. Ultimately, Pernod Ricard, the world’s second largest spirits company, successfully acquired the company.