US-based alcoholic beverages firm Constellation Brands has acquired a minority stake in craft distillery Catoctin Creek Distilling Company.

Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

Catoctin Creek intends to utilise the new capital investment to increase production. The expansion is expected to commence early this year.

"We created Catoctin Creek to produce award-winning 100% rye single-barrel whisky entirely from grain to glass."

Catoctin Creek president and chief distiller Becky Harris said: "We created Catoctin Creek to produce award-winning 100% rye single-barrel whisky entirely from grain to glass. In order to expand our production and portfolio, we needed the right partner for the next level of growth.

"Constellation has a strong commitment to this category, and with their expertise and support, we look forward to bringing our Virginia whisky to the world with the same team and exceptional product quality."

Founded in 2009 by Scott and Becky Harris, Catoctin Creek produces spirits such as rye whisky and gin from organic sources, and brandy from Virginia wines.

Post transaction, the core management team of the distillery will be retained.

Constellation Brands chief growth officer Ben Dollard said: "As we continue to invest in and explore the high-end craft whisky segment, we are excited to partner with Catoctin Creek, producers of authentic and award-winning products that provide us with deeper knowledge of emerging opportunities."

Founded in 1945, Constellation Brands is the producer and marketer of 100 brands across beer, wine and spirits categories, and operates out of the US, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy.

The firm currently owns 40 facilities and employs 8,000 people.

Image: Constellation Brands headquarters in New York, US. Photo: courtesy of DanielPenfield/Wikipedia.