Introducing Gambit No. 6: A 6-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Featuring Six Distinct Barrel Finishes from Visionary Master Distiller Chip Tate

Second Release from Tate since joining Foley Family Wines & Spirits
Following Debut of Heralded Ampersand Collection

SANTA ROSA, CA (March 30, 2026) – Today, Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) announced the launch of Gambit No. 6, a 6-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon featuring six distinct barrel finishes, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Apple Brandy, Muscatel, Oloroso Sherry, and Tokaji. Gambit No. 6 is the second spirits release from Chip Tate since he joined FFWS as Master Distiller for Innovation in January 2024.

Best known as the founder of Balcones and for pushing boundaries, Tate crafted Gambit (a strategic move in chess) to reflect his calculated risk in expanding the frontiers of barrel finishing. Originally envisioning a double wine barrel-finished bourbon, he found that employing four additional, carefully selected barrel finishes offered unique structure, palate, and finish – with the Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon giving the whiskey a rich, fine wine vinous character; the Oloroso and Muscatel contributing ripe fruit notes with hints of raisin; and the Apple Brandy delivering fruity aromas that tie the grape varietals together.

“The nuance of barrel finishing has piqued my interest since I started in the whiskey business more than 20 years ago, and access to these barrels opens a world of possibilities,” said Tate. “Gambit No. 6 is a testament to the depths of innovation, flavor, and craftsmanship we can achieve in whiskey making at Foley, building on more than 30 years of heritage as a family-owned, fine wine and luxury estates company.”

Gambit No. 6 starts with a classic 6-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon featuring a mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. To create the blend, roughly 15 percent of the whiskey was finished for 19 months in Cabernet Sauvignon American Oak barrels sourced from Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery’s PreVail Wines. A secondary portion of the whiskey – approximately 85 percent – was finished for three months in Chardonnay French Oak casks also sourced from Ferrari-Carano. Then, the bourbon finished in Chardonnay casks was divided between the Oloroso Sherry, Muscatel, Apple Brandy, and Tokaji barrels, and aged for an additional 12 to 16 months.

The barrels were housed at the Minden Mill Distillery near Lake Tahoe, NV, where Tate checked on their progress throughout the finishing process. Once each of the barrels reached its maximum potential, Tate blended them together to create Gambit No. 6. The result is a 92-proof, rich and dry, non-chill-filtered whiskey that reveals itself in layers of baking spice on the nose and a balanced palate with hints of cacao, sweet tobacco, and ripe fruit notes. Recommended served neat or on the rocks, Gambit No. 6 also makes a flavorful Old Fashioned cocktail.

Gambit No. 6 Old Fashioned

  • 2 oz. Gambit No. 6
  • ¼ oz. Amaretto
  • ¼ oz. Simple Syrup
  • 4 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
  • 3 Drops of Saline (a mixture of 80% water & 20% salt)

Instructions: Add ingredients to a mixing glass with ice, stir, and strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry.

In November 2025, Tate and FFWS released their first collaboration called Ampersand, a collection of groundbreaking small batch spirits, including Ampersand Malus (51% American Rye Whiskey & 49% Calvados); Ampersand Vinea (75% American Rye Whiskey & 25% grain spirit aged in XO Cognac casks); and Ampersand Opimus (15-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon aged in Tokaji casks).

The introduction of both Gambit No. 6 and Ampersand highlights FFWS’s unique position as a producer of artisanal spirits of exceptional craftsmanship, complementing its portfolio of ultra-premium and luxury wines. Confirming his commitment to lean into his blending, barrel selecting, and technical distillation strengths in 2026, Tate teased, “We’re just getting started, as I am also spending time in Mexico working on developing new distillation techniques for our agave projects.”

With an SRP of $69.99, Gambit No. 6 is available at retail locations in California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, Texas, Washington, and online at www.gambit6.com where legally permitted to ship. For more information, visit www.gambit6.com and follow the brand on Instagram.

Media images may be found HERE.

About Foley Family Wines & Spirits

Established by Bill Foley in 1996, Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) is a portfolio of highly acclaimed wines and spirits from some of the world’s greatest estates. The company owns more than 24 wineries and a distillery, each with its own distinct style, legacy, and hospitality approach. FFWS has expanded its portfolio significantly since its founding, now including such storied brands as Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Sebastiani, Roth, Banshee, Ferrari-Carano, Chateau St. Jean, Lancaster, and Sonoma Coast Vineyards in Sonoma; Merus, Silverado, Foley Johnson and Swanson in Napa Valley; Lincourt, Firestone, and Foley Estates in Southern California; Chalone Vineyard and Cosentino in central California; and Four Graces and Acrobat in Oregon. FFWS’s imported wines include Lucien Albrecht in France, Nieto Senetiner in Argentina, and 14 wine brands spanning three of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winegrowing regions: Marlborough, Central Otago, and Martinborough. The growing global spirits portfolio includes domestic brands Minden Mill Whiskeys, High Ground Estate Vodka, Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Evil Bean Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, and Ampersand. International spirits include New Zealand’s Lighthouse Gin, El Mexicano Tequila, the Loch Lomond Group portfolio of Scotch and spirits, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey, and Killowen Distillery. FFWS also imports SABÉ canned cocktails and Tequio Tequila cocktails. To learn more about Foley Family Wines & Spirits, visit ffws.com.

Contacts:

Sarah Bessette, Raptor Communications

sarah.bessette@raptorcommunications.com 401-787-2212

Foley Family Wines & Spirits: communications@FFWS.com

Foley Family Wines & Spirits Announces Recipients of the 2026 Women in Wine Scholarship Fund and Donation to the CMS – A Women’s Sommelier Symposium

Scholarships awarded in partnership with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas at Ferrari-Carano During Sonoma Symposium

Santa Rosa, CA (March 27, 2026) – On March 24, 2026, Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS), in partnership with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, awarded 11 $1,000 scholarships to female sommeliers at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery during the fourth annual CMS-A Women’s Sommelier Symposium. The Foley Family Wines & Spirits Women in Wine Scholarship Fund was launched at the 2025 symposium at Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma.

On Tuesday, the $11,000 fund was distributed among 11 female sommeliers selected to attend the Symposium. The annual mentoring experience supports female Advanced and Master Sommelier candidates by providing education, mentorship, and industry connections. Participants engage in interactive workshops, panel discussions, and immersive vineyard visits.

This year’s scholarship recipients include:

  1. Marissa Kipp, Vancouver, WA, Marq Wine Group
  2. Madison Fraser, San Francisco, CA, GiGi’s
  3. Fabiola Hashem, Honolulu, HI, Fujiokas Fine Wines
  4. Kristin  Galvin, Cleveland, OH, Lola’s Bistro
  5. Coral Peña, San Juan, PR, Academia de Sommelier de Puerto Rico
  6. Beibei  Hou, Toronto, ON, Estiatorio, Milos
  7. Eun Hee Kwon, New York, NY, Saga
  8. Nato Bajelidze, South Glen Falls, NY The Erlowest
  9. Alba Arrona, Ciudad de México, MX, ExploraVid
  10. Kaleigh Brook, Walla Walla, WA, Tavern Ancestrale and the Walla Walla Valley Wine Academy
  11. Bo Young Northcutt, Stateline, NV, Caesar’s Republic Lake Tahoe

Master Sommelier attendees included:

  • Rebecca Fineman, San Francisco, CA, Ungrafted
  • Jennifer Huether, Las Vegas, NV, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits
  • Emily Wines, Chicago, IL, Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants
  • Julie Dalton, Houston, TX, The Post Oak Hotel
  • Gillian Balance, Napa, CA, Treasury Wine Estates

As a sponsor of the 2026 Women’s Sommelier Symposium March 22-25, FFWS also hosted a workshop at Ferrari-Carano with the winery’s two female winemakers Rebecka Deike and Natalie West. Women make up 50% of the Foley Family Wines & Spirits winemaking team, led by Mari Wells Coyle, VP, Winemaking, far surpassing the industry average of 14%1.

“At Foley Family Wines & Spirits, we strive to create a culture that cultivates inclusive leadership and inspires women,” noted Alexandra O’Gorman, VP, Community Relations at FFWS. “Our goal is to ensure women have equal voices, opportunities to lead, and the ability to make a meaningful impact.”

“Watching the look of shock on these women’s faces turn into amazement and gratitude was thrilling. The scholarship funding to support their studies is so meaningful, but perhaps even more powerful is the care and belief in their future that this gift represents,” added Julie Cohen Theobald, Executive Director, Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas.  “We are incredibly grateful to the Foley Family for this gift of financial support and encouragement.”

Media images may be found here: Brand Portal – Foley Family Wines & Spirits

  1. California Wine Institute

About Foley Family Wines & Spirits

Established by Bill Foley in 1996, Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) is a portfolio of highly acclaimed wines and spirits from some of the world’s greatest estates. The company owns more than 24 wineries and a distillery, each with its distinct style, legacy, and approach to hospitality. FFWS has expanded its portfolio significantly since its founding, now including such storied brands as Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Sebastiani, Roth, Banshee, Ferrari-Carano, Chateau St. Jean, Lancaster, and Sonoma Coast Vineyards in Sonoma; Merus, Silverado, Foley Johnson and Swanson in Napa Valley; Lincourt, Firestone, and Foley Estates in Southern California; Chalone Vineyard and Cosentino in central California; and Four Graces and Acrobat in Oregon. FFWS’s import wines include Lucien Albrecht in France, Nieto Senetiner in Argentina, and 14 wine brands spanning three of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winegrowing regions: Marlborough, Central Otago, and Martinborough. The growing global spirits portfolio includes domestic brands Minden Mill Whiskeys, High Ground Estate Vodka, Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Evil Bean Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Ampersand, and SABÉ canned cocktails. International spirits include New Zealand’s Lighthouse Gin, El Mexicano Tequila, the Loch Lomond Group portfolio of Scotch and spirits, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Killowen Distillery. FFWS also imports SABÉ canned cocktails and Tequio Tequila cocktails. To learn more about Foley Family Wines & Spirits, visit ffws.com.

Media Contact: Nora Feeley, SVP Communications & Events Nfeeley@FFWS.com, Communications@FFWS.com

Raise a Glass to Man’s Best Friend: Bar Dog Wine Partners with Best Friends Animal Society to Save Shelter Pets with ‘Make Your Dog Famous’ Campaign

Personalize your next bottle of Bar Dog with a custom photo of your pup for National Puppy Day

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (March 23, 2026) – This National Puppy Day, Bar Dog Wine is turning happy hour into a helping hand for shelter pets. The canine-inspired wine brand today announced its new role as the Official Wine Partner of Best Friends Animal Society, kicking off the partnership with the “Make Your Dog Famous” campaign.

With approximately 65.1 million dog-owning households in the U.S., Bar Dog Wine is launching this national initiative and putting its mission where its label is: for every bottle sold, the brand will donate $1 to Best Friends Animal Society, contributing up to $100,000 annually to support animal lifesaving advocacy and adoption programs across the country.

“Bar Dog Wine embraces the belief that wines crafted with care from sustainable estate vineyards don’t have to be posh or pricey,” says Jason Daniel, Chief Marketing Officer of Foley Family Wines & Spirits. “Partnering with Best Friends Animal Society allows us to support our shared passion for saving pets with a wine that pairs best with purpose.”

Celebrate Your Pup with the “Make Your Dog Famous” Campaign

In honor of National Puppy Day, Bar Dog is inviting wine lovers and pet parents to join the movement through the limited time “Make Your Dog Famous” activation. Consumers can upload a photo of their dog and create a personalized Bar Dog-branded keepsake label featuring their pup — a fun memento for personal use – by downloading the label or having the label shipped to them. During the campaign period, they can also enter their label into an online contest. One lucky winner’s dog
will be selected from ten finalists chosen by consumers and will be featured on the label of the next release of the Bar Dog Sauvignon Blanc. The submission period ends April 10, and online voting runs 4/20/26-5/1/26. The winner will be announced 5/4 to kick off national pet month. Full contest details are on the Bar Dog website at bardogwine.com

Consumers can participate by:

  • Purchasing Bar Dog Wine: Every bottle sold triggers a $1 donation (up to $100,000) to Best Friends’ no-kill initiatives until 12/31/2026. Uploading a dog photo to create a custom Bar Dog label during the campaign period triggers an additional $1 donation (through 5/4).
  • Joining the Digital Celebration: Share their pet’s journey online for a chance to see their pup in the spotlight.
  • Supporting Local Shelters: Raise awareness for the thousands of adoptable pets currently waiting for their “forever homes” in U.S. shelters.

Why This Partnership Matters

Millennials remain the largest wine-drinking cohort in the US1, and legal-drinking-age Gen Z consumers are an increasingly engaged segment, with their share of wine drinkers growing from 9% to 14%2.
This campaign will resonate with this social media savvy generation, with 74% of pet owners sharing pictures of their pets online.

By connecting the “Make Your Dog Famous” campaign with a direct contribution to Best Friends Animal Society, Bar Dog Wine is engaging this growing base of socially conscious consumers. While shelter save rates have improved significantly over the last decade, the mission requires ongoing community and corporate support.

“Best Friends is proud to partner with Bar Dog Wine to celebrate the incredible bond between people and their dogs,” added Candi Maciel, Director, Corporate Partnerships, Best Friends Animal Society. “Together, we’re helping more homeless pets find loving homes and advancing our shared goal to ‘Save Them All’.”

As the Official Wine Partner, Bar Dog Wine’s contributions will directly fund Best Friends Animal Society’s essential work, including national adoption events, shelter support services, and public education.

For more information on the partnership and how to get involved, visit BarDogWine.com/Giving-Back. For official contest rules visit (Campaign runs 3/23-12/31, 2026). For images please visit the media image site: Bar Dog Images

  1. 2025 U.S. Wine Consumer Benchmark Segmentation Study
  2. The Wine Market Council (WMC) survey of nearly 5,000 U.S. adults over the age of 21,

About Foley Family Wines & Spirits
Established by Bill Foley in 1996, Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) is a portfolio of highly acclaimed wines and spirits from some of the world’s greatest estates. The company owns more than 24 wineries and a distillery, each with its distinct style, legacy, and approach to hospitality. FFWS has expanded its portfolio significantly since its founding, now including such storied brands as Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Sebastiani, Roth, Banshee, Ferrari-Carano, Chateau St. Jean, Lancaster, and Sonoma Coast Vineyards in Sonoma; Merus, Silverado, Foley Johnson and Swanson in Napa Valley; Lincourt, Firestone, and Foley Estates in Southern California; Chalone Vineyard and Cosentino in central California; and Four Graces and Acrobat in Oregon. FFWS’s imported wines include Lucien Albrecht in France, Nieto Senetiner in Argentina, and 14 wine brands spanning three of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winegrowing regions: Marlborough, Central Otago, and Martinborough. The growing global spirits portfolio includes domestic brands Minden Mill Whiskeys, High Ground Estate Vodka, Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Evil Bean Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Ampersand, and SABÉ canned cocktails. International spirits include New Zealand’s Lighthouse Gin, El Mexicano Tequila, the Loch Lomond Group portfolio of Scotch and spirits, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey, and Killowen Distillery. FFWS also imports SABÉ canned cocktails and Tequio Tequila cocktails. To learn more about Foley Family Wines & Spirits, visit ffws.com

Media Contacts:

J/PR
ffw@jpublicrelations.com

Nora Feeley,
SVP, Communications, FFWS
communications@ffws.com

Announcing Ampersand – Three Small Batch Expressions of Unexpected Blends and Distinct Finishes Crafted by American Whiskey Icon Chip Tate

Santa Rosa, CA., November 18, 2025 – Today, Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) announced a collection of unexpected spirits, crafted by visionary whiskey veteran Chip Tate. Ampersand is the highly anticipated, first release from Tate since he joined Foley Family Wines & Spirits as Master Distiller for Innovation in January 2024. Tate has created a portfolio of rare, small batch spirits that lean heavily into his deep knowledge of barrels and their impact on aging, finishing, and flavor profiles.

Designed with the connoisseur in mind, Ampersand includes three distinct expressions – Malus, Vinea, and Opimus – each inspired by the concept of combining complementary spirits to create an unexpected taste experience. Tate’s vision is to offer something to premium spirits enthusiasts who want to explore complex flavors that go beyond category conventions. These spirits are:

  • Ampersand Malus ($59 SRP for a 750 ml bottle): 51% American Rye Whiskey, 49% Calvados
  • Ampersand Vinea ($59 SRP for a 750 ml bottle): 75% American Rye Whiskey, 25% Grain spirit aged in XO Cognac casks
  • Ampersand Opimus ($150 SRP for a 750 ml bottle): 15-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon Finished in Tokaji barrels

Tate, who rose to prominence after founding Texas-based Balcones Distilling and was twice named Whisky Icon*, continues to push boundaries with the release of these expressions. “The Ampersand collection includes unexpected combinations that create something far more intriguing than their individual parts. The result for each distinct expression is a complex yet harmonious flavor,” said Tate.

Ampersand Malus (Latin word for the genus of apple trees) is a 92 proof, non-chill filtered blend of 51% 8-year-old American rye whiskey and 49% 8-year-old Calvados, a French apple brandy crafted from fruit grown in Normandy. Malus serves as an homage to America’s earliest distilling traditions, as both rye and apple brandy were among the first spirits distilled on American soil. Tate selected Calvados as part of the Malus blend as it is an underrepresented spirit with an appellation specific to the Normandy Region of France. Made from no less than 40 different types of apples and pears, the fruit is picked when it has reached optimal maturity, distilled in traditional Calvados copper stills, and aged in French oak barrels. With Calvados bringing a fruit-forward combination of apples and pear, coupled with the spiciness of the rye whiskey, Malus’ rich fruit and spicy aromas lend themselves to the dark toffee and apple notes on the palate enhanced by a long, dry finish. An initial run of 6,000 bottles of Malus was produced.

Ampersand Vinea (Latin for ‘vine’) is a 92 proof and non-chill filtered blend of 75% 8-year-old rye whiskey and 25% 9+- year-old grain spirit made from 100% corn and aged in XO Cognac casks chosen by Tate. Leveraging his blending expertise, Tate selected the rye whiskey to lighten up and round out the tannic properties of the grain spirit, resulting in a finished product that is balanced and robust. Inspired by the traditions of blended scotch, Vinea is a classic blend of grape and grain where the depth and complexity of the French oak from the XO Cognac complements the peppery rye spice and sweetness of the American oak. 8,500 bottles of Vinea were produced.

Ampersand Opimus (Latin for ‘rich or abundant’) is crafted for the collector from 15-year-old Kentucky bourbon finished in Tokaji casks from the Tokaj region in northeastern Hungary, known for its sweet dessert wines. This 117-proof cask strength whiskey is rich with layers of dark caramel, toasted oak and dried fig, evolving into orchard fruits, floral honey, and subtle acidity from the Tokaji influence. The palate is long and warm, as the spice and oak persist, while honey, dried apricot, and orange zest leave a sweet, wine finish. 11,500 bottles of Opimus were produced.

“Chip is a visionary talent, and his reputation for flavor and whiskey innovation manifests in Ampersand Spirits. The spirits in these three blends were chosen with spirits enthusiasts in mind who are looking for something new and unconventional to push them out of their comfort zones,” added Jason Daniel, Foley’s CMO. “From a category perspective, American Rye Whiskey in the $35+ range is experiencing double digit growth, and as the globalization of taste trend continues, the U.S. is the now the second largest export market for Calvados,” Daniel continued.

The Ampersand collection has already received numerous awards from prestigious spirits and whiskey competitions, including Double Gold Medals for Malus at 2025 TAG Global Spirits Awards and the 2025 Concours d’Spirits, a Platinum Award for Vinea at the 2025 TAG Global Spirits Awards, and a Best in Show/97 Points for Opimus at the 2025 Global Whisky Challenge, North America, among several others.

The introduction of Ampersand showcases Foley Family Wines & Spirits’ unique position of creating artisan spirits of exceptional craftsmanship to complement its portfolio of ultra-premium and luxury wines. Confirming his commitment to lean into his blending, barrel selecting, and technical distillation strengths in 2026, Tate teased, “We’re just getting started, as I am also spending time in Mexico working on developing new distillation techniques for my agave projects.”

Ampersand is available at retailers in most states and online, where permitted, at ampersandspirits.com.

Media images may be found here: Foley Family Wine & Spirits Brand Portal

About Foley Family Wines & Spirits
Established by Bill Foley in 1996, Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) is a portfolio of highly acclaimed wines and spirits from some of the world’s greatest estates. The company owns more than 24 wineries and a distillery, each with its distinct style, legacy, and approach to hospitality. FFWS has expanded its portfolio significantly since its founding, now including such storied brands as Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Sebastiani, Roth, Banshee, Ferrari-Carano, Chateau St. Jean, Lancaster, and Sonoma Coast Vineyards in Sonoma; Merus, Silverado, Foley Johnson and Swanson in Napa Valley; Lincourt, Firestone, and Foley Estates in Southern California; Chalone Vineyard and Cosentino in central California; and Four Graces and Acrobat in Oregon. FFWS’s import wines include Lucien Albrecht in France, Nieto Senetiner in Argentina, and 14 wine brands spanning three of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winegrowing regions: Marlborough, Central Otago, and Martinborough. The growing global spirits portfolio includes domestic brands Minden Mill Whiskeys, High Ground Estate Vodka, Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Evil Bean Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Ampersand, and SABÉ canned cocktails. International spirits include New Zealand’s Lighthouse Gin, El Mexicano Tequila, the Loch Lomond Group portfolio of Scotch and spirits, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Killowen Distillery. FFWS also imports SABÉ canned cocktails and Tequio Tequila cocktails. To learn more about Foley Family Wines & Spirits, visit ffws.com.

*Whisky Magazine

Contact:
Sarah Bessette
Raptor Communications
sarah.bessette@raptorcommunications.com
401-787-2212

Foley Family Wines & Spirits
communications@FFWS.com

Foley Family Wines & Spirits Announces Addition Of Tequio Tequila Cocktails To Global Spirits Portfolio

Santa Rosa, CA., October 6, 2025 – Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) announced today the addition of Tequio Tequila Cocktails to its global portfolio of spirits. Tequio is made with Tequila El Mexicano 100% agave tequila. Tequio Tequila Cocktails range from 5-6.9% ABV, and are gluten-free, with zero sugar and zero carbs.

The portfolio includes:

  • Tequio Blanco Tequila Soda – 5% ABV ($19.99/4-pack SRP)
    100% Agave Tequila Blanco, Sparkling Water and a hint of Lime
  • Tequio Reposado Tequila Soda – 5% ABV ($19.99/4-pack SRP)
    100% Agave Tequila Reposado, Sparkling Water and a hint of Lime
  • Tequio Paloma – 6.9% ABV **Launching late 2025** ($19.99/4-pack SRP)
    100% Agave Tequila Blanco, Sparkling Water, Grapefruit and a hint of Lime

“Similar to the Tequila category, consumers are seeking transparency on what they are drinking and Tequio’s clean, low calorie offering aligns with young LDA drinking trends,” noted Jason Daniel, Chief Marketing Officer of Foley Family Wines & Spirits. “Sitting at the intersection of Tequila and RTDs, the two fastest growing segments, Tequio joins our portfolio alongside our SABÉ branded cocktail-strength, high ABV canned cocktails. Both are highly differentiated brands playing in the most resonant and growth-driving segments of the RTD category.”

RTDs and Tequila are credited for creating growth in the US spirits industry according to the recent Distilled Spirits Council of the US (DISCUS) economic briefing1. Tequila is the only growing traditional Spirits category 2, performing +4% faster than Total Spirits 3.The Total RTD category is growing +26%, and Tequila-based RTDs are up +16%, continuing to dominate the subsegment of spirits-based RTDs 4.

Tequio is made with Tequila El Mexicano, which joined the FFWS portfolio in April 2024, and is crafted in the Highlands of Arandas at Hacienda El Mexicano (NOM 1588) by the third-generation Bañuelos family, the original founders of Tequila CAZADORES®.

“We’re thrilled to join the Foley family portfolio, a partnership that feels like a natural extension of our long-standing relationship with Tequila El Mexicano and a powerful step forward for Tequio,” noted Tequio co-founder Louis-Pascal Walsh. “Foley’s vision and commitment to quality make them the perfect partner to share Tequio’s 100% agave tequila cocktails with consumers nationwide,” added co-founder Flick Mooradian.

“The Foley team is looking forward to partnering with Louis and Flick and see strong opportunities with Tequio as it quickly outpaces major players in the category,” said Shawn Schiffer, president, Foley Family Wines & Spirits. “With the support of Foley’s sales and marketing teams paired with our distribution network, we are confident we can unlock Tequio’s full potential.”

FFWS is the exclusive agent to import, sell and distribute Tequio Tequila Cocktails in the US, Canada, Mexico, South America, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Tequio is rolling out nationally and is available in 4-pack 355ml cans at retail (SRP $19.99) and online at: Shop Our Cocktails | TEQUIO. The Tequio Paloma is being launched this quarter as part of the brand’s expansion into FFWS. The Tequila El Mexicano US portfolio is available nationally at retail or online at: Home – Tequila El Mexicano. Images of Tequio Tequila Cocktails are available here: Brand Portal – Foley Family Wines & Spirits.

1) Tequila and RTDs keep US spirits industry afloat – The Spirits Business
2) <750ml – Total US MULO + Conv + Liq, 52 Weeks Ending 9/7/2025
3) (Excludes Premixed Cocktails, Seltzers and Non Alc) Total US MULO + Conv + Liq, 52 Weeks Ending 9/7/2025
4) Spirit-based RTDs continue to be a bright spot for the US market – IWSR

About Foley Family Wines & Spirits
Established by Bill Foley in 1996, Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) is a portfolio of highly acclaimed wines and spirits from some of the world’s greatest estates. The company owns more than 24 wineries and a distillery, each with its distinct style, legacy, and approach to hospitality. FFWS has expanded its portfolio significantly since its founding, now including such storied brands as Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Sebastiani, Roth, Banshee, Ferrari-Carano, Chateau St. Jean, Lancaster, and Sonoma Coast Vineyards in Sonoma; Merus, Silverado, Foley Johnson and Swanson in Napa Valley; Lincourt, Firestone, and Foley Estates in Southern California; Chalone Vineyard and Cosentino in central California; and Four Graces and Acrobat in Oregon. FFWS’s import wines include Lucien Albrecht in France, Nieto Senetiner in Argentina, and 14 wine brands spanning three of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winegrowing regions: Marlborough, Central Otago, and Martinborough. The growing global spirits portfolio includes domestic brands Minden Mill Whiskeys, High Ground Estate Vodka, Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Evil Bean Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, and Ampersand. International spirits include New Zealand’s Lighthouse Gin, El Mexicano Tequila, the Loch Lomond Group portfolio of Scotch and spirits, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Killowen Distillery. FFWS also imports SABÉ canned cocktails and Tequio Tequila cocktails. To learn more about Foley Family Wines & Spirits, visit FFWS.com.

About Tequio
Founded by childhood friends Louis-Pascal Walsh and Frederick “Flick” Mooradian in Venice, California, Tequio offers a line of tequila-forward canned cocktails crafted with 100% agave tequila. Produced in Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico in partnership with the Bañuelos family and Tequila El Mexicano® (NOM 1588), Tequio is committed to honoring the heritage of tequila while introducing a modern, premium approach to the ready-to-drink (RTD) category. Tequio’s cocktails are designed to highlight the bold, authentic character of tequila itself rather than masking it with sweet, heavy fruit flavors. The growing lineup includes Blanco Tequila Soda, Reposado Tequila Soda, and Paloma varieties, with additional SKUs in development. Tequio is building a strong presence in chain retail and premium independents, with expansion plans for key national markets. To learn more about Tequio Tequila Cocktails, visit www.drinktequio.com.

Media Contacts: Communications@FFWS.com
Nora Feeley, SVP, Communications & Events, Anna Miranda, Sr. Manager, Public Relations

 

 

Foley Family Wines & Spirits Appoints Bj Vorderer Appointed As Chief Sales Officer

Santa Rosa, CA., October 2, 2025 – Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) announced that BJ Vorderer has been appointed Chief Sales Officer. Vorderer will be responsible for leading Foley Family Wines & Spirits’ global wholesale sales strategy and distributor relationships. He has more than 25 years of industry experience leading sales teams at leading distributors and global strategic suppliers.

“I am excited to join FFWS as they continue to build momentum in the marketplace with great brands, a strong sales team, and engaged business partners,” Vorderer commented. “With Foley’s entrepreneurial and agile mindset, I am confident we will pass new milestones together.”

In his most recent role as EVP/Managing Director in the American Liberty Division of the Pernod Ricard Portfolio for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (SGWS), Vorderer managed Pernod Ricard’s priority wine and spirits portfolio. He recently led the company’s two plus year contract negotiation with SGWS in addition to leading execution and planning in the US market.

Previously, Vorderer held key internal positions of increasing responsibility at Pernod Ricard USA, leading the growth of various business units within the company. Vorderer’s additional industry experience includes stints at Shaw Ross International Importers and Union Beverage Company.

“BJ’s experience with our distributor partner, SGWS, will be instrumental as we continue to grow the scale, scope and footprint of our global wine and spirits portfolio,” noted Shawn Schiffer, president of FFWS. “In his new role, BJ will help us accelerate the momentum of our priority brands in key segments.”

Vorderer received his BA from Loyola University. He resides in Naperville, IL.

Additionally, Samantha Burris has been appointed VP, National Sales Manager of the FFWS Horizon division. She joins FFWS from Sovereign Brands. She will report to Vorderer and also resides in the Chicago area.

Images can be found here: Images | Foley Family Wines & Spirits.

About Foley Family Wines & Spirits
Established by Bill Foley in 1996, Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) is a portfolio of highly acclaimed wines and spirits from some of the world’s greatest estates. The company owns more than 24 wineries and a distillery, each with its distinct style, legacy, and approach to hospitality. FFWS has expanded its portfolio significantly since its founding, now including such storied brands as Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Sebastiani, Roth, Banshee, Ferrari-Carano, Chateau St. Jean, Lancaster, and Sonoma Coast Vineyards in Sonoma; Merus, Silverado, Foley Johnson and Swanson in Napa Valley; Lincourt, Firestone, and Foley Estates in Southern California; Chalone Vineyard and Cosentino in central California; and Four Graces and Acrobat in Oregon. FFWS’s import wines include Lucien Albrecht in France, Nieto Senetiner in Argentina, and 14 wine brands spanning three of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winegrowing regions: Marlborough, Central Otago, and Martinborough. The growing global spirits portfolio includes domestic brands Minden Mill Whiskeys, High Ground Estate Vodka, Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Evil Bean Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Ampersand, and SABÉ and Tequio canned cocktails. International spirits include New Zealand’s Lighthouse Gin, Tequila El Mexicano, the Loch Lomond Group portfolio of Scotch and spirits, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Killowen Distillery. To learn more about Foley Family Wines & Spirits, visit ffws.com.

Avril Lavigne Partners With Banshee Wines To Launch “Complicated” Pinot Noir, Marking Her First Official Wine Release

Santa Rosa, CA., September 16, 2025 – Eight-time GRAMMY®-nominated diamond-certified global superstar Avril Lavigne is officially launching her first wine, Complicated, a limited-edition small batch Pinot Noir created in collaboration with Banshee Wines, one of the fastest-growing premium wines in the U.S. and part of the Family-owned Foley Family Wines &amp; Spirits (FFWS) portfolio. Paying tribute to her RIAA 3x platinum-certified 2002 breakout single “Complicated” on the heels of her highly successful North American Greatest Hits Tour, Complicated is a light, velvety Pinot Noir layered with bright notes of cherry and raspberry, crafted to embody the confidence, complexity, and creativity that define both Avril and Banshee. The wine will be available for $30 exclusively on the Banshee website and, while supplies last, for tasting and purchase at the Banshee tasting room.

Building on their successful partnership launched in 2024, this collaboration with Banshee Wines is an ode to the past and a toast to the future, reflecting Avril’s continued evolution and expansion into new creative ventures.

To celebrate the launch of Avril and Banshee’s Complicated Pinot Noir, Banshee is offering a limited run of 50 “Sip and Spin” kits that may be added to a wine purchase. Each kit includes a record player and Avril’s Let Go album on vinyl, featuring her chart-topping hit, “Complicated”¹. This special pairing invites fans to savor the wine while experiencing the music that inspired it, creating a moment of connection between taste and sound.

“Over the last two years on my Greatest Hits Tour, I was rocking out with the Banshee bar set up backstage every night, ready for the afterparty, so teaming up on our own wine just felt right. I hope that everyone can crack open a bottle with their best friends, blast the music that started it all for me, and enjoy the moment. Life can be complicated, but a good glass of wine doesn’t have to be,” said Avril Lavigne.

“The Complicated collaboration fuses Avril’s unmistakable artistry and rock ‘n’ roll spirit with our winemaking craft, giving fans a new way to connect with her music. It also highlights why Banshee has become one of the fastest-growing U.S. wines and a top 15 California Ultra-Premium brand, recognized with the coveted Impact Hot Prospect award for five consecutive years,” said Jason Daniel, Chief Marketing Officer of FFWS.

Avril, who broke barriers early in her career, has long been a trailblazer for representation and equality in music. In her honor, Banshee will make a $10,000 donation to benefit songwriting camps for She Is The Music, an organization dedicated to creating more opportunities for women in the music industry. This partnership gives fans a tangible way to support a cause deeply meaningful to both Avril and Banshee, while also serving as a powerful opportunity to unite purpose and product in an authentic, impactful way.

For more information about the partnership and to purchase the wine while supplies last, visit www.bansheewines.com

* Circana Total US Food: 52 Weeks Ending 7/13/25
¹Limit 1 Per Customer

About Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne has made history, smashed records, and consistently blazed a trail of her own as an uncompromising force in music and culture. Beyond selling 50 million albums worldwide with 12.5 million units sold in the U.S. alone, she has notched eight GRAMMY® Award nominations, won 10 JUNO Awards, was appointed to the Order of Canada (2024), and is a Canada Walk of Fame (2023) and Hollywood Walk of Fame (2022) recipient. In June 2024, Avril released her first-ever Greatest Hits album featuring 20 career-spanning fan-favorites from her record-smashing catalog. In support, Avril completed a 29-night run of sold-out shows on her North American headline Avril Lavigne: The Greatest Hits Tour, as well as performed show-stopping sets oversees including her critically acclaimed Glastonbury debut. Due to phenomenal demand, the Greatest Hits tour was extended with 2025 dates and saw another successful run. Avril’s impressive catalog includes the diamond-certified (Canada) and septuple platinum (U.S.) album Let Go [2002], quintuple-platinum (Canada) and triple-platinum (U.S.) Under My Skin [2004], double-platinum The Best Damn Thing [2007], gold-selling Goodbye Lullaby [2011], gold-selling Avril Lavigne [2013], Head Above Water [2019], and Love Sux [2022] that debuted in the top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart and amassed over 12 million streams in its first week alone. As such, she remains one of the Soundscan-era’s top-selling artists releasing albums in the U.S.'' and “the third best-selling Canadian female artist of all-time.” She earned a spot in the Top 10 of Billboard’s “Best of the 2000s'' chart and holds a Guinness World Record as the youngest female solo artist to top the UK chart while “Girlfriend” emerged as the first music video to reach 100 million views on YouTube.

For tour dates and all other information, please visit www.avrillavigne.com.

About Banshee Wines
Banshee Wines was born in 2009 at a bar in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco with just eight barrels of the now coveted Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. The winery soon found its home in the heart of Healdsburg, driven by a mission to create wines that embody the best of California. Bill Foley acquired the Alexander Valley-based vineyard in 2018, continuing the legacy of producing wines with the complexity and quality of the highest caliber. The wine is crafted by winemaker Jake Lachowitzer with a commitment to authenticity and a winemaking approach that focuses on minimal intervention and sustainable practices, allowing the true character of each vineyard to shine. In November 2023, after outgrowing its Healdsburg location, Banshee moved into an expansive new winery and tasting room in Alexander Valley.

For more information, visit bansheewines.com and follow @bansheewines on Instagram.

About Foley Family Wines & Spirits
Established by Bill Foley in 1996, Foley Family Wines &amp; Spirits (FFWS) is a portfolio of highly acclaimed wines and spirits from some of the world’s greatest estates. The company owns more than 24 wineries and a distillery, each with its distinct style, legacy, and approach to hospitality. FFWS has expanded its portfolio significantly since its founding, now including such storied brands as Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Sebastiani, Roth, Banshee, Ferrari-Carano, Chateau St. Jean, Lancaster, and Sonoma Coast Vineyards in Sonoma; Merus, Silverado, Foley Johnson and Swanson in Napa Valley; Lincourt, Firestone, and Foley Estates in Southern California; Chalone Vineyard and Cosentino in central California; and Four Graces and Acrobat in Oregon. FFWS’s import wines include Lucien Albrecht in France, Nieto Senetiner in Argentina, and 14 wine brands spanning three of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winegrowing regions: Marlborough, Central Otago, and Martinborough. The growing global spirits portfolio includes domestic brands Minden Mill Whiskeys, High Ground Estate Vodka, Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Evil Bean Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, and Ampersand. International spirits include New Zealand’s Lighthouse Gin, El Mexicano Tequila, the Loch Lomond Group portfolio of Scotch and spirits, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Killowen Distillery. FFWS also imports SABÉ canned cocktails.

To learn more about Foley Family Wines & Spirits, visit FFWS.com.

Media Contacts:

Avril Lavigne
Kristen Foster | Kristen.Foster@fullcov.com
Avery Robinson | Avery.Robinson@fullcov.com

Banshee Wines
Nora Feeley
SVP, Communications, FFWS
Communications@ffws.com

FlyteVu
Sharon Okaah
sharon.okaah@flytevu.com

 

 

Jay Gifford Appointed Managing Director, International

Santa Rosa, CA., July 30, 2025 – Global wine and spirits company, Foley Family Wines & Spirits announced today that Jay Gifford has been appointed to the newly created position of managing director, international. Gifford will be based in Canterbury.

In his new role, Gifford will lead sales for Foley’s US wine and spirits portfolio in all markets outside of the US, as the company continues to expand its global presence. Gifford joins Foley from WX Brands/Grupo Peñaflor, as head of UK & Nordics, where he helped drive the growth of the company’s brand portfolio including Bread & Butter and Trapiche. Bread & Butter is the fourth largest selling US wine brand in the UK (and largest brand by volume &gt;£10), with Trapiche is the second biggest Argentinian brand 1 . Gifford also held sales leadership roles at Accolade Wines (Vinarchy), InterContinental Brands, Constellation Brands and Molson Coors.

“I am delighted to join the Foley Family Wines & Spirits team and looking forward to showcasing the breadth of outstanding wineries, winemakers and brands, in addition to the company’s proven capability to deliver high quality wines and spirits at great prices,” noted Gifford. “International markets have an appetite for US wines at a variety of price points – particularly in the UK in the premium $15+ per bottle price range (UK £12 equivalent) which is Foley’s sweet spot.”

In 2024, the US exported $1.25 billion worth of wine, with the UK ($20.8 million), leading in volume, with a 16% increase 2 . “There is significant potential, especially for California wines as exports are expected to continue their upward trend, driven by a commitment to quality with a focus on premium wines and sustainable practices,” added president of Foley Family Wines & Spirits, Shawn Schiffer. “We are excited for Jay to grow Foley’s presence in the UK and other key international markets.”

>Already a familiar name internationally, Bill Foley is the Founder and General Partner of Black Knight Football Club (BKFC), a global multi-club operator of football clubs. In December 2022, Foley led BKFC’s acquisition of 100% of AFC Bournemouth of the English Premier League, representing the first acquisition in BKFC’s broader multi-club strategy. The club, based on the southern coast of England, was founded in 1899 and plays its home matches at Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth where Foley owns a home. Under Foley’s leadership, Bournemouth experienced the best Premier League season in its history during the 2023-24 campaign. BKFC was awarded an expansion franchise in the Australian A-Leagues, Auckland FC, which achieved early success winning the Premiership in the 2024-25 regular season. Foley is also the majority shareholder in publicly traded Auckland-based Foley Wines, a collection of iconic wineries and brands from New Zealand’s most acclaimed wine regions. Foley Wines wholly owns Martinborough Vineyard, Te Kairanga and the Lighthouse Gin brand in Martinborough, Grove Mill and Vavasour in Marlborough, and Mt Difficulty in Central Otago.

For images of Jay Gifford and Bill Foley, visit Images | Foley Family Wines &amp; Spirits

About Foley Family Wines & Spirits
Established by Bill Foley in 1996, Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) is a portfolio of highly acclaimed wines and spirits from some of the world’s greatest estates. The company owns more than 24 wineries and a distillery, each with its distinct style, legacy, and approach to hospitality. FFWS has expanded its portfolio significantly since its founding, now including such storied brands as Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Sebastiani, Roth, Banshee, Ferrari-Carano, Chateau St. Jean, Lancaster, and Sonoma Coast Vineyards in Sonoma; Merus, Silverado, Foley Johnson and Swanson in Napa Valley; Lincourt, Firestone, and Foley Estates in Southern California; Chalone Vineyard and Cosentino in central California; and Four Graces and Acrobat in Oregon. FFWS’s import wines include Lucien Albrecht in France, Nieto Senetiner in Argentina, and 14 wine brands spanning three of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winegrowing regions: Marlborough, Central Otago, and Martinborough. The growing global spirits portfolio includes domestic brands Minden Mill Whiskeys, High Ground Estate Vodka, Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Evil Bean Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Ampersand, and SABÉ canned cocktails. International spirits include New Zealand’s Lighthouse Gin, El Mexicano Tequila, the Loch Lomond Group portfolio of Scotch and spirits, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Killowen Distillery. To learn more about Foley Family Wines & Spirits, visit ffws.com.

*Nielsen MAT 19.4.25
** Wine Exports by Country 2024

Media Contact:
Communications@FFWS.com

 

Minden Mill Unveils Single Estate Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey From The High Desert

Minden, NV., July 21, 2025 – Minden Mill Distilling announces the nationwide release of its Single Estate Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey – a flavorful expression that aims to take American rye in a new direction with a focus on balance over spice. A true representation of Nevada’s high desert terroir, the 94-proof, non-chill filtered four-year-old whiskey is crafted with grains harvested from local fields carefully cultivated and overseen by Minden Mill, and distilled at the state-of-the-art estate distillery, which was recently named Nevada Distillery of the Year by the New York International Spirits Competition.

Master Distiller Joe O’Sullivan produces Minden Mill Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey using a distinctive mash bill of 80% rye, 10% soft white wheat and 10% estate-malted barley. Minden Mill’s Rye reflects the high-desert environment-where dramatic temperature swings and a tight 90-day growing season deliver a rye with an earthy, nutty flavor profile and natural depth. The distillate is cut with snowmelt-fed water sourced from the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe.

As a member of the Estate Whiskey Alliance and a licensed Nevada Estate Distillery, Minden Mill is among a select few U.S. distilleries committed to full grain traceability and oversight at every stage of production that happens on its 1,200-acre estate. The distillery exceeds both the Nevada state and Estate Whiskey Alliance standards by sourcing 100% of the grains from within five miles of the distillery from land under Minden Mill’s control. With every step-milling, fermentation, distillation, maturation, and bottling-taking place on-site, the distillery is an innovator in expressing American whiskey terroir, particularly in the often-overlooked rye category.

“Very few producers own the full process from grain to glass, and that’s where Minden Mill Rye starts to stand apart. We don’t just distill the whiskey – we grow it,” says Master Distiller O’Sullivan. “Unlike most rye whiskeys, you won’t find any spice bombs here. It’s far more savory and balanced than most people expect. This mash bill was designed to highlight the candied orange peel character that is our house style.”

Minden Mill Nevada Straight Rye is distilled through a combination of a single Headframe continuous stripping still and a state-of-the-art Christian CARL hybrid still, both housed in a former 100+ year-old creamery onsite. The whiskey is aged in a combination of Seguin Moreau New American and French oak barrels with a #3 char in traditional wooden rickhouses calibrated to mimic the temperature and humidity of Kentucky’s Nelson County, ensuring a consistent, gradual maturation. The result is a rye whiskey that balances bold oak influence with mature complexity.

Minden Mill’s Nevada Straight Rye enters the market amid a significant rye resurgence – projected to continue its upward trajectory at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.2%* from 2025 to 2030. Premium American rye whiskeys priced at $35 and above are growing +11%* which is +14% faster than both total whiskey and total rye whiskey indicating a substantial increase in consumer demand for craft-driven spirits from regional U.S. markets.

Tasting Notes:
Minden Mill Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey offers aromas of bright orange peel and toasted spice, dancing with warm vanilla. On the palate, succulent cherry syrup and crème brûlée enter the conversation, mingling with orange zest, baking spices and soft, subdued oak. The finish is long and lingering, replete with candied fruit, warm graham cracker, and a pleasant minerality balanced by spice and sweetness.

Minden Mill Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey is available nationally with an SRP of $45 and online at mindenmill.com. The Minden Mill single estate whiskey portfolio also includes an American Single Malt Whiskey and a Nevada Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Images can be found Images | Foley Family Wines & Spirits (ffws.com).

Awards:
Minden Mill was crowned 2025 Nevada Distillery of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition, awarded Best Straight Rye Whiskey/99 Points at the Craft Distillers Spirits Competition (2024) and a Platinum Medal/96 Points at the San Diego International Spirits Competition (2025), as well as a Platinum Medal at the 2025 Ascot Awards.

*source: Mordor Intelligence, “Rye Market Size, Growth, Trends & Industry Report Analysis, 2025”
*source: US MULO + Conv + Liq, 52 Weeks Ending 6/15/25

About Foley Family Wines & Spirits
Established by Bill Foley in 1996, Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) is a portfolio of highly acclaimed wines and spirits from some of the world’s greatest estates. The company owns more than 24 wineries and a distillery, each with its distinct style, legacy, and approach to hospitality. FFWS has expanded its portfolio significantly since its founding, now including such storied brands as Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Sebastiani, Roth, Banshee, Ferrari-Carano, Chateau St. Jean, and Lancaster in Sonoma; Merus, Silverado, and Foley Johnson in Napa Valley; Lincourt, Firestone, and Foley Estates in Southern California; Chalone Vineyard in Monterey County; and Four Graces and Acrobat in Oregon. FFWS’s import wines include Lucien Albrecht in France, Nieto Senetiner in Argentina, and 14 wine brands spanning three of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winegrowing regions: Marlborough, Central Otago, and Martinborough. The growing global spirits portfolio includes Minden Mill Whiskeys, High Ground Estate Vodka, Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Evil Bean Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, New Zealand’s Lighthouse Gin, El Mexicano Tequila, the Loch Lomond Group portfolio of Scotch and spirits, and Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Killowen Distillery. To learn more about Foley Family Wines & Spirits, visit ffws.com/spirits

Media Contacts:
Erin Smolinski
Erin.Smolinski@raptorcommunications.com
Or: Communications@FFWS.com

 

Two Stacks Shines Spotlight on Often-Overlooked Irish Whiskey Category with Single Grain Double Barrel Release

Santa Rosa, Calif., June 24, 2025 – Whiskey innovator Two Stacks is looking to give a traditionally second-fiddle Irish whiskey its well-deserved spot center stage with Two Stacks Single Grain Double Barrel, the latest offering now available nationwide through importer Foley Family Wines & Spirits. This is the first Two Stacks offering in the Irish Grain Whiskey category and it has already been awarded Best Single Grain: NAS (Ireland) and Best Single Grain &lt;21Years (Ireland) at the World Whiskies Awards and a Gold Medal at the Ascot Awards. It is available in both a 700 ml bottle and the unique 100 ml Dram in a Can.

As one of only three recognized whiskey bonders in Ireland when there used to be hundreds before the 1930s, Two Stacks is constantly on the hunt for traditional Irish whiskeys that will offer something beyond the ordinary, delving deep into heritage and lore. Two Stacks Single Grain Double Barrel exceptionally showcases the versatility and unexpected refinement of Irish Grain Whiskey, a very traditional style of whiskey most often used as a blending component. Here, the precise blending and double barrel aging allows this flavorful whiskey to step into the spotlight with exceptional character and value.
“I think a lot of folks in Ireland thought we were mad when we told them we were coming out with an Irish Grain Whiskey,” said Two Stacks Co-Founder Liam Brogan. “We were confident with the right blend and aging/finishing we could produce something rather sophisticated and unexpected that honored the legacy of this workhorse stalwart in Irish whiskey history.”
While not as historically entrenched as the famed Single Pot Still whiskeys of the 18th and 19th centuries, the single grain style gained momentum with the advent of column stills in the mid-1800s. However, it wasn’t until the establishment of Cooley Distillery in 1987 and The Great Northern Distillery in 2015 (both founded by John Teeling, David Hynes, and Jim Finn) that the style truly came into its own in modern Ireland. The whiskey from those distilleries is blended and bonded for this bottling.
Two Stacks Single Grain Double Barrel starts with a mashbill of 94% maize and 6% Irish malted barley. The technical file for Irish Grain Whiskey requires that it is produced with malted barley (not exceeding 30%) and includes un-malted cereal grains, in this case corn. The small, but impactful, inclusion of 6% Irish malted barley brings subtle richness, enhancing the creamy, honeyed sweetness of the maize.
The distillate is first aged for 3-5 years in former bourbon barrels, followed by 1-3 years in Oloroso sherry casks, both in a traditional Irish rickhouse on the Cooley Peninsula. The dual maturation imparts layered notes of vanilla, coconut, dried fruits, and baking spices—resulting in an 86-proof whiskey that is light, elegant and nuanced.
Two Stacks was founded in 2020 by three friends, Shane McCarthy, Liam Brogan and Donal McLynn, whose friendship began over 15 years ago, rooted in a shared love of Irish hospitality and a deep passion for Irish history & culture. Their singular goal of changing the narrative on Irish Whiskey would be achieved by reaching into Ireland’s deep whiskey roots and putting real people back into the fine art of Irish Whiskey making to create complex, sophisticated blends capable of challenging any Whiskey in the world.
In addition to a 700 ml sustainable bottle made from 100% recycled glass ($44.99 MSRP), Single Grain Double Barrel is also available in a ground-breaking 100 ml Dram in a Can ($6.99 MSRP). Both products may also be purchased online https://twostackswhiskey.com/. The recyclable aluminum can provides added convenience for those wanting to enjoy a high-quality whiskey on the go. With the new embossed bottles, Two Stacks was one of the first spirit brands in the world to use 80% recycled glass, along with all-natural cork and recycled plastic seals.
Tasting Notes
Two Stacks Single Grain Double Barrel is a light, floral & elegant single-grain whiskey with notes of baked pear and almond, mingled with orange and citrus. An incredibly easy drinking whiskey with lots of delicate character from the Oloroso sherry shining through on the palate that culminates in a gentle sweetness for an overall luxurious whiskey experience.
Follow Two Stacks Irish Whiskey on Instagram and Facebook.
About Two Stacks Irish Whiskey
Two Stacks is part of a new and adventurous chapter in Irish whiskey, inspired by the traditions of old and the contemporary brands of new. Founded in 2020 by three friends, Shane McCarthy, Liam Brogan and Donal McLynn, Two Stacks works with some of Ireland’s leading distilleries to select the finest spirit for flavor-forward blended and single malt whiskeys. As one of the only independent bonders and blenders on the island of Ireland, with a purpose-built 100% solar-powered production warehouse, Two Stacks is breaking boundaries to create innovative and daring whiskey expressions for new and seasoned whiskey drinkers alike. www.twostackswhiskey.com
About Foley Family Wines & Spirits
Established by Bill Foley in 1996, Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) is a portfolio of highly acclaimed wines and spirits from some of the world’s greatest estates. The company owns more than 24 wineries and a distillery, each with its distinct style, legacy, and approach to hospitality. FFWS has expanded its portfolio significantly since its founding, now including such storied brands as Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Sebastiani, Roth, Banshee, Ferrari-Carano, Chateau St. Jean, and Lancaster in Sonoma; Merus, Silverado, and Foley Johnson in Napa Valley; Lincourt, Firestone, and Foley Estates in Southern California; Chalone Vineyard in Monterey County; Four Graces and Acrobat in Oregon; and Three Rivers in Washington. FFWS’s import wines include Lucien Albrecht in France, Nieto Senetiner in Argentina, and 14 wine brands spanning three of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winegrowing regions: Marlborough, Central Otago, and Martinborough. The growing global spirits portfolio includes Minden Mill Whiskeys, High Ground Estate Vodka, Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Evil Bean Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, New Zealand’s Lighthouse Gin, El Mexicano Tequila, the Loch Lomond Group portfolio of Scotch and spirits, and Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Killowen Distillery.
To learn more about Foley Family Wines &amp; Spirits, visit ffws.com/spirits
200 Concourse Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA, 95403; 707-708-7600; www.FFWS.com
Contact:
Sarah Bessette
Raptor Communications
sarahbessetteri@gmail.com
401-787-2212
Or Communications@FFWS.com