Historic Scotch Whisky Group Touches Down in America With NYC Distillery Acquisition

(Photo: Loch Lomond Group)

On Wednesday, the Loch Lomond Group expanded its aspirations across the pond with the acquisition of the Brooklyn-based New York Distilling Company. It’s the first American whiskey brand brought under the umbrella of the historic Scotch whisky company, which has been distilling single malt spirits since 1814.

In its finer details, the move represents something of a full-circle moment. NYDC is best known for its range of Jaywalk Ryes, all of which are distilled using a Horton heirloom rye brought to the Americas from Europe during the 17th century — incidentally, around the same time the original Loch Lomond distillery was founded. The Brooklyn spirits maker also produces a variety of gins alongside a pre-mixed Rock & Rye cocktail.

Colin Matthews, CEO of Loch Lomond Group, says that his organization plans to “supercharge” NYDC’s growth with investments in its facility and products.

Established in 2011 by Tom Potter and Allen Katz, NYDC recently moved its distilling operations from Williamsburg to Bushwick. Though Brooklyn may not be known as a liquor hotspot on the same level as Scotland or Jalisco, Potter and Katz’s brand finds itself in good company. The New York City borough has provided fertile ground for numerous up-and-coming distilleries over the past decade, including a handful of heavy hitters like Widow Jane and Kings County. Travel to the waterfront and you’ll find a bevy of names including Fort Hamilton, Barrow’s Intense and Standard Wormwood.

In a news release, Potter and Katz said they were eager to introduce their spirits portfolio to an international audience.

“We are excited to work with Colin and the Loch Lomond Group team to help us further grow our fantastic brands around the world. Loch Lomond Group has a strong track record of success, winning multiple major awards over many years for its whisky brands of Loch Lomond Whiskies, Glen Scotia, Littlemill and High Commissioner and with sales in over 120 countries around the world, we can’t wait to introduce NYDC’s brands to many of the key whiskey markets over the next period.”

The acquisition is the latest in a period of rapid growth for the scotch whisky distiller. In February, Loch Lomond began construction on a multi-million-dollar facility and visitor center situated on the banks of its namesake Loch Lomond lake. Located in Luss, Dumbartonshire, the distillery is slated to open sometime this summer.