Richard Black - BourbonSphere

New Life for Dallas Dhu

Speyside’s Dallas Dhu has been a historic site since it closed in 1983, left intact the way workers left it on the final day of… Read More

Speyside’s Dallas Dhu has been a historic site since it closed in 1983, left intact the way workers left it on the final day of production. Now, there are plans in place to revive the venerable distillery, which is owned by Historic Environments Scotland. HES has signed a deal with Murray McDavid owner Aceo Limited to resume production at Dallas Dhu while maintaining it as a historic site. We’ll talk with ACEO managing director Edward Odim on this week’s WhiskyCast about the challenges — and the responsibilities — in taking on the revival of Dallas Dhu. In the news, the Black Bourbon Society has launched a boycott of Molson Coors products, while Pernod Ricard is bringing all of its U.S. brands under one umbrella.

Episode 1065: July 14, 2024

Image courtesy Aceo Limited.

Pernod Ricard Forms North American Distillers Unit

Pernod Ricard, the number-two spirits company, is creating a new unit to manage its North American Whiskey brands and production. Veteran Pernod Ricard executive Richard… Read More

Pernod Ricard, the number-two spirits company, is creating a new unit to manage its North American Whiskey brands and production. Veteran Pernod Ricard executive Richard Black will head up the new company, to be called North American Distillers.

The company will exist within Pernod Ricard much as the Chivas Brothers and Irish Distillers units operate, with responsibility for both production and marketing of the Pernod Ricard North American portfolio. Until now, Jefferson’s Bourbon, Smooth Ambler, Rabbit Hole, Skrewball, and TX Whiskey had operated independently of each other within Pernod Ricard USA’s umbrella.

In a statement announcing the move, Black said “American whiskey is a dynamic spirits category, and our portfolio shows immense potential for future growth. Our investments made in Jefferson’s, Rabbit Hole, Smooth Ambler, Skrewball and TX, underscore our ambitious commitment. My mission is to harness this potential and drive a singular focus on these brands and our operations, driving us towards our goals and creating a top-tier marketing and sustainable operations team on the back of our peoples’ deep-rooted expertise.”

Rabbit Hole founder Kaveh Zamanian will transition to a new role overseeing liquid strategy for the entire group as part of the move.

WhiskyCast has requested an interview with Richard Black, and this story will be updated with additional information.