‘Yellowstone’ Star Kelly Reilly Joins Leadership Team of California-Based Wine and Whiskey Brand

(Photo: Ammunition Wines and Whiskey)

On Wednesday, Ammunition Wines & Whiskey, a California-based alcohol brand founded by Andy Wahl and Bill Kerr in 2014, announced the addition of actress Kelly Reilly to its leadership team. Reilly will reportedly take on the position of “creative visionary” and brand storyteller by way of a marketing campaign celebrating the brand’s legacy.

Apart from playing Beth Dutton in Paramount TV’s “Yellowstone,” the English actress is known for her roles in “True Detective,” “Sherlock Holmes” and “Pride & Prejudice.”

The centerpiece of the new partnership is “Soil to Spirit,” a campaign that aims to spotlight the voices of women within the whiskey industry. According to Ammunition, over 36% of whiskey drinkers are women — a fact that goes woefully overlooked in both the leadership and messaging of the industry’s biggest names. Ammunition cites a statistic from Seven Fifty Daily illustrating the disparity; reportedly, the world’s leading whiskey brands posted 228% more images of men than women on social media throughout 2020.

Though the exact details of the “Soil to Spirit” campaign have yet to be announced, it’s said to explore the craftsmanship, heritage and adventurous spirit behind the brand’s portfolio.

“I have always harboured a deep respect for the land and our natural resources,” Reilly remarked in a news release. “I was immediately drawn to Ammunition’s commitment to create a stand-out product with a brand identity rooted in the spirit of the American West. I’m thrilled to partner with Ammunition and contribute my experiences and perspectives.”

Ammunition has previously inked collaborations with NASCAR racer Anthony Alfredo and country music singer Jessie G. In addition to its flagship Bourbon and Rye expressions, the brand sells wines in Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir varieties, both are which are produced in Sonoma County, California.

Though this may be Reilly’s first time partnering with a brand, she’s far from the only “Yellowstone” alum to dip their toes into the liquor industry. In August, actor Cole Hauser collaborated with Spirit of Gallo CCO Britt West for the launch of Lazy K Bar, an eight-year-old bourbon described as an homage to the “heritage and grit of the pioneers that built Montana.” Fans of the show can also pick up Lone River’s limited-edition ranch water cocktails released alongside cast member Lainey Wilson.

“When Bill and I decided to bring Ammunition to market, we set out to offer a brand that was accessible and unpretentious, discerning in its ingredients, and which championed the authentic, pioneering spirit of the American West,” founder and master blender Andy Wahl added. “We hadn’t planned to invite anyone else to the party, and then we met a kindred spirit and like mind in Kelly Reilly. Her passion for the American West and creative vision make her the ideal partner as we continue to grow our business and share our story with the world.”

For more information on Ammunition Wines & Whiskey, find the brand’s website here.