US group Next Century Spirits (NCS) has scooped up rum producer Blue Chair Bay Rum.
The move, NCS said was “key” as it looks to grow “its presence into the premium rum category”.
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Launched in 2013 by US songwriter Kenny Chesney, Blue Chair Bay Rum brand has sold “millions of cases to date”.
The North Carolina-based company bought the brand from Chesney’s company, Fishbowl Spirits, with Chesney becoming “one of NCS’s largest percentage owners”.
Financial details of the transaction and the size of Chesney’s stake were not disclosed.
However, Chesney will continue to “infuse his vision” in the company, and is to “play an integral role moving forward”.
NCS co-CEO Anthony Moniello said: “Kenny created something special – a great tasting rum with a rich story.
“At NCS, we’re building a team of fast-moving entrepreneurs and a portfolio of bold, unique brands for the next generation of spirits drinkers. Adding Kenny and Blue Chair Bay to our vision is another incredible step forward,” Moniello added.
In a statement to Just Drinks, NCS said that Blue Chair Bay Rum is a “premium brand” because the rum is made with “high-quality sugarcane molasses and all natural ingredients”.
The “authentic” Caribbean rum comes in a variety of flavours, including Spiced, White, Coconut, and several rum cream variations.
“Blue Chair Bay Rum flavours are well-balanced and award-winning,” the statement read.
The rum is distilled in Puerto Rico and bottled in Tennessee.
In an interview with Just Drinks in April 2024, the company’s chairperson Matthew Bronfman hinted at the company’s plans to “introduce two new celebrity brands in 2025”.
When asked about the sales figures for 2024 compared to 2023, NCS told Just Drinks that after “record high sales and continuous growth” for nine consecutive years, Blue Chair Bay experienced “some regression” over the past two years, “in line with industry trends”.
Founded in 2018 by Joel Pawlak and Scott Bolin, NCS offers private label solutions, co-packing, and bulk supply services.
It also offers a portfolio of brands including Bear Fight Whiskey, created with the American actor Seth MacFarlane, and Caddy Clubhouse Cocktails, a range of vodka-based RTDs which it launched with Australian golfer Greg Norman.
Last year, the group also acquired six brands from Southwest Spirits & Wine, including Nue vodka, The Other 49 Bourbon, George Ocean rum and Calamity gin.
