Sezerac, a US spirits brand, has acquired The Last Drop Distillers, a global producer of exclusive spirits.

Financial details of the transaction have not been divulged by either company.

The existing Last Drop Distillers team will continue to run the business autonomously.

"This acquisition marks the next stage of The Last Drop Distillers story that will see us take the brand into the next phase."

Sazerac president and CEO Mark Brown said: “We are very excited to be partnering with such industry legends as Tom and James.

“Equally, we are looking forward to working alongside their daughters Rebecca and Beanie as well as the rest of The Last Drop Distillers team in bringing some of the rarest spirits available to the global consumer market.

“As a family owned company we fully appreciate the value of a small, engaged and passionate team in a venture such as The Last Drop Distillers and look forward to continuing the excellent progress the business has made since its inception.”

Sazerac has a broad portfolio which includes a range of global spirits brands. With the acquisition of the new company, it  plans to extend its portfolio into the super-premium, craft market, as well as expand its European footprint.

The Last Drop Distillers was established in 2008 by James Espey and Tom Jago, who created spirits brands including Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, and The Classic Malts.

The Last Drop Distillers co-founder and chairman James Espey said: “This acquisition marks the next stage of The Last Drop Distillers story that will see us take the brand into the next phase, while retaining and building on our core values of exclusivity, craft and excellence.

“The existing team of passionate and experienced spirits pioneers will continue to steer the direction of the brand, while the investment allows us to grow our international footprint and broaden our opportunities to search for the rarest spirits in the world.”

Sazerac added that the Last Drop Distillers' existing Asian distribution arrangements will not be affected by the sale.

Image: Sezerac has acquired The Last Drop Distillers. Photo: courtesy of The Last Drop Distillers Limited.