US private-equity firm InvestBev has partnered with an unnamed “leading global asset manager” to inject up to $100m in Kentucky Bourbon barrels.
In a statement, the Chicago-headquartered firm said the move was in line with its plan of “identifying attractive assets” in spirits, as well as “capitalising on long-term appreciation”.
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Through the partnership, the parties will look to acquire Bourbon barrels that are less than five years old and hold them until they mature.
“This partnership and this capital should signal to the broader spirits community the confidence global investors have in the sector, beyond legacy industry players,” said Brian Rosen, founder and general partner at InvestBev.
“We believe in the strength of the Bourbon market and see this as an opportunity to further support the ecosystem while generating significant value together with our partners.”
The announcement comes amid ongoing trade tensions, including the European Commission’s plan to impose a 50% tariff on American whiskey from 1 April.
The move is part of a broader response to US tariffs on steel and aluminium, potentially affecting other US spirits such as gin.
Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on US-made spirits also loom, contingent on US policy decisions.
Although the 25% tariffs on Canadian products are paused until 2 April, earlier threats led Canadian provinces to remove US spirits from shelves.
Beyond private-equity investments, InvestBev also runs a $100m credit programme to support the Bourbon community, offering liquidity and financial aid to distilleries, brand owners, and investors.
In January, InvestBev finalised an “eight-figure” barrel financing deal with Saga Spirits Group, also known as TKC Distilling Company.
The agreement with Saga Spirits will enable the acquisition of whiskey barrels to help the group with the launch of its whiskey brand, True Story.
In August, InvestBev provided financial support to Sèchey, a US-based non-alcoholic brand and marketplace.
The investment was expected to “enhance” the no- and low-alcoholic drinks business’ “market presence and innovation in the non-alcoholic beverage space”, a statement said at the time.
