Constellation Buys Stake In Popular Northern Virginia Distillery

Catoctin Creek Distilling, a distillery operating in Loudoun County, Virginia, announced Friday that Constellation Brands acquired a minority stake in their company. This investment provides the company with new capital to grow
production, marketing, and to provide more jobs in Virginia.

Catoctin Creek is a craft distillery producing the well-appreciated Roundstone Rye whisky, among other products.

“We created Catoctin Creek to produce award-winning 100% rye single-barrel whisky entirely from grain to glass,” remarked Becky Harris, the president and chief distiller of Catoctin Creek. “In order to expand our production and
portfolio, we needed the right partner for the next level of growth. Constellation has a strong commitment to this category, and with their expertise and support, we look forward to bringing our Virginia whisky to the world with
the same team and exceptional product quality.”

“As we continue to invest in and explore the high-end craft whisky segment, we are excited to partner with Catoctin Creek – producers of authentic and award-winning products that provide us with deeper knowledge of emerging
opportunities,” said Ben Dollard, chief growth officer, Constellation Brands. “Working with passionate entrepreneurs like Becky and Scott Harris allows Constellation Brands to support and accelerate their growth while staying at the forefront of the evolving alcoholic beverage landscape.”

“We are excited about our future in craft spirits,” remarked Scott Harris, founder and general manager of the distillery. “When we started, our core mission was to produce the finest rye whisky possible. Constellation understands that core mission, and shares our business values.”

The core management team for Catoctin Creek, Scott and Becky Harris (who founded the distillery in 2009), will remain the same. The company expects to begin expansion in early 2017, and will continue to operate out of its 120 W. Main St., Purcellville location.

Constellation Brands is Fortune 500 company and a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Italy. Insofar as the whiskey business is concerned, Constellation attracted attention late last year in acquiring popular bottler and craft distiller High West, based in Utah and buying into Bardstown Bourbon Company.