The Last Drop Distillers Limited has been acquired by Sazerac – one of New Orleans’ oldest family-owned, privately-held companies.

The investment that will be injected into the craft spirits brand through the acquisition will accelerate its growth plans whilst also allowing the existing Last Drop Distillers board team to continue to run the business autonomously, with the small, personal operation remaining intact.

The Sazerac Company portfolio includes a range of global spirits brands; this acquisition will allow the company to extend its portfolio into the super premium, craft market as well as expand its European footprint.

The Last Drop Distillers is a family-run company which discovers and bottles some of the most exclusive spirits in the world. Spirits pioneers James Espey and Tom Jago founded the company in 2008 after long and successful careers in the industry. Between them they created some of the world’s best-loved spirits brands, including Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, The Classic Malts, and with Malibu and Baileys Irish Cream, two of the most original and successful new drinks categories in the world.

The Last Drop Distillers story is now at an important stage. Having established its brand and business model, the company is looking towards accelerated growth as global demand for luxury goods continues to rise. This was recently acknowledged by the appointment of the former CEO of Morrison Bowmore Distillers, Mike Keiller, as a Board Director.

James Espey, co-founder and chairman of The Last Drop Distillers said: “This acquisition marks the next stage of The Last Drop Distillers story that will see us take the brand to the next level while retaining and building 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 widen our opportunities to search for the rarest spirits in the world.”