Barrell Craft Spirits® Appoints Chris Riesbeck as its Chief Commercial Officer

Barrell Craft Spirits® Appoints Chris Riesbeck as its Chief Commercial Officer

Louisville, KY (February 21, 2023) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013, has hired Chris Riesbeck as its Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, Chris will assume responsibility for developing commercial strategies, achieving the company’s revenue goals, and overseeing the route-to-market (distributor) strategy in addition to all operational aspects of sales activities. He will also join the BCS Executive Team, reporting directly to Founder Joe Beatrice.

With expertise in sales and distilled spirits, Chris most recently served as Vice President of Sales for Westland Distillery in Seattle where he built and oversaw the Commercial strategy for all Global markets. Previously, he spent five and a half years with Classic Imports in Boston and before that nearly four years with Slocum & Sons in Connecticut, in various roles.

“I’ve known Chris for several years and have been highly impressed with his strategic thinking, management style and overall track record,” said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice. “Given his background and proficiency within both sales and distilled spirits, he’s tailor-made for this critical role.”

Chris earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy (Bioethics) with a minor in Economics from The College of Wooster and a PgD in Brewing & Distilling Sciences from Heriot-Watt University.

For more information, follow Barrell Craft Spirits® on FacebookLinkedIn, and Instagram or visit barrellbourbon.com.

Barrell Craft Spirits®

Louisville-based Barrell Craft Spirits® is the original, pre-eminent independent blender of unique, aged, cask strength whiskey and rum. Recognized for our blending expertise since 2013, we skillfully design, produce, and launch leading, unique products that surprise and delight whiskey aficionados and novices alike.

Barrell Craft Spirits®, Barrell®, Barrell Bourbon® and Barrell Rye® are registered trademarks owned by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC.

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Grain & Barrel Spirits Announces Partnership with PGA TOUR Pro Kevin Kisner

Grain & Barrel Spirits Announces Partnership with PGA TOUR Pro Kevin Kisner

Kisner to Broaden Awareness of Chicken Chock Whiskey

CHARLESTON, SC (January 31 , 2023)- Grain & Barrel Spirits has announced a multi-year partnership with Aiken, SC native and PGA TOUR Pro Golfer Kevin Kisner. Grain & Barrel is a producer of world-class spirits and iconic brands including Kentucky-based Chicken Cock Whiskey and SC-based Dixie Vodka, two of Kevin’s favorites, which led to the partnership coming together.

Chicken Cock Whiskey is looking forward to supporting Kisner through all of his outdoor pursuits, whether it be during the golf season, or hunting and fishing in the off season. The Chicken Cock Whiskey logo will be displayed on Kisner’s shirt sleeve for the full PGA TOUR schedule, as well as the Masters, U.S. Open and PGA Championship. Viewers can get a first look at his branded shirt at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am February 2-5, held annually in Pebble Beach, California as part of the PGA TOUR.

Kisner, a PGA TOUR winner and Presidents Cup Team participant, is currently ranked #31 in the world. His confidence, bold attitude and prestige mirror Chicken Cock Whiskey’s celebrated reputation. Known as “The Famous Old Brand,” Chicken Cock Whiskey originated in Paris, Kentucky in 1856 and prospered for nearly a century, through prohibition, until it disappeared from the market in the 1950’s. In 2012, Grain & Barrel Spirits Founder Matti Anttila came across the legendary brand while researching the early days of distillation and decided to bring it back to its former glory.

“I’m thrilled to work with Grain & Barrel, especially since they were founded in my home state of South Carolina,” shares Kisner. “Their support for the Kisner Foundation really means a lot and I’ll be proud to wear the Chicken Cock logo this season. Chicken Cock, like golf, has a long, rich history I admire. Whether it’s golf or good whiskey, this ain’t no hobby for me!”

“Partnering with a South Carolina native to activate our brand carries so much meaning to us,” says Anttila. “The fact that we get to work with a golfer like Kevin, whose values align so closely with our brand’s values, is truly a gift. We’re looking forward to expanding Grain & Barrel’s reach by connecting golf aficionados with whiskey and vodka lovers.”

Grain & Barrel looks forward to supporting the Kevin & Brittany Kisner Foundation at a variety of charity events throughout the year. The nonprofit, run by Kevin and his wife, benefits children in the Central Savannah River area by providing them with opportunities to build strong foundations for success.

ABOUT GRAIN & BARREL SPIRITS

Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Grain & Barrel Spirits develops and scales craft spirits that connect the best artisans to consumers worldwide. The company’s core brands include: Chicken Cock Whiskey, the famous heritage whiskey brand established in Paris, Kentucky, in 1856; Dixie Vodka, the leading premium homegrown vodka produced in Charleston; High Goal Luxury Gin, a small batch, ultra-premium gin produced in Charleston; Elvis Whiskey, Elvis Presley-inspired whiskeys; Tequila Eterno Verano, a range of ultra-premium tequilas made for adventurous souls; and Virgil Kane Lowcountry Whiskey, chef driven, flavor forward whiskeys inspired by and created in Charleston. Grain & Barrel has been named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America three years in a row.