Sazerac acquires Lough Gill Distillery owner Hazelwood Demesne

US spirits producer Sazerac has announced the acquisition of Hazelwood Demesne, owner of the Lough Gill Distillery in Sligo, Ireland.

Sazerac – which produces premium brands such as Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Paddy Irish Whiskey, Michael Collins Irish Whiskey, Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon and Southern Comfort – will turn the Lough Gill Distillery into a “world-class” whisky facility. 

The spirits producer will also increase the distillery’s capacity by adding warehousing space and expanding production and bottling lines. Sazerac will continue to develop and distribute Hazelwood Demesne’s single malt Irish whiskey brand, Athrú. 

The deal will see all current distillery members remain within the business and more jobs are expected to be created after the expansion.

Lough Gill Distillery founder, David Raethorne, said: “The acquisition will enable Lough Gill Distillery to fully develop as a world-class visitor destination and will have significant long-term economic and tourism benefits for [Sligo County Council], which, for me, was always a personal goal…This acquisition will ensure that Hazelwood House will be enjoyed and appreciated by generations to come, another key objective of the project.”

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.