December 21, 2010 / by J Smoke Wallin / Make A Comment / Filed under Brand Management, Distributors, News, Pelican Brands
NOTE: This deal has been a long time coming. My team believes in this brand fully. We are very excited to invest in Napa Smith, the Napa business community and build on our Napa based employment. Napa Valley needs investment. With unemployment hitting 10% in the valley, it is clear more business investment is needed. We are looking forward to building on the foundation the founders of Napa Smith built and adding our ideas to the mix along with our ability to sell to the trade. We are highly confident in the future of this business.
Napa, CA – December 21, 2010 – An investment group led by industry veteran, J. Smoke Wallin, is pleased to announce it has finalized the purchase of Napa Smith Brewery & Winery bringing it into the family of companies which includes Pelican Brands. Napa Smith Beer has developed a growing following in the Craft Beer category, is currently in 17 states, and will be available nationally by the summer of 2011. Earlier this year, Napa Smith appointed Pelican Brands as its exclusive sales representatives in the United States.
J. Smoke Wallin, Chairman & CEO of Pelican Brands and Napa Smith Holdings, said, “The craft beer business is the fastest growing category of beverage alcohol in America. Napa Smith has all the right attributes to become one of the few truly global brands of craft beer – amazing beer from one of the most respected names in the craft brewing industry, distinctive packaging, Napa terroir. These attributes combined with our Pelican Brands global distribution capability, experienced management team and our access to capital give us all the necessary elements to achieve great success.” Wallin continued, “This acquisition is a great strategic fit combined with Pelican Brands as we build a global sales and brand platform, of both owned and agency brands. We look forward to building Napa Smith into an iconic craft beer brand with President Steve Morgan and Master Brewer Don Barkley.”
Steve Morgan, President & COO of Napa Smith Holdings stated, “This is a very positive development for our business. In 2010 Napa Smith – through Pelican’s sales and distribution platform – has expanded into 17 states. With the capital, resources and relationships that Pelican brings to the mix, our beer will be available nationally by mid 2011. Napa has become known world-wide for great wines, and deservedly so. We are proud to hand-craft our beer here in Napa Valley with the same level of quality and attention to detail that built Napa’s global reputation.”
Don Barkley, Master Brewer said, “I’m doing what I love to do – brewing great beer. Smoke and the whole Pelican team are my kind of people. They appreciate the importance of brewing beer right. At the same time, they bring scale and resources that will help Napa Smith reach many more thirsty consumers, which is something I’m passionate about!”
About Napa Smith Brewery
Napa Smith Brewery is located at the southern gateway to Napa Valley, just south of the town of Napa. Napa Valley is internationally known as a destination for those individuals who seek the best that life has to offer. Napa Smith is proud to contribute to the Napa tradition of hard work, craftsmanship, and artistry with the introduction of its unique family of beers. It creates its beers using proprietary recipes developed by Master Brewer Don Barkley – a veteran of 30+ years in the craft brewing industry. Much of the Napa Smith’s growth has been fueled by its Signature Series of beers. Offered in 4-packs, 22 oz bottles, and draught, Organic IPA™ and Lost Dog Red Ale™ have attracted national interest from both distributors and chains. Napa Smith Amber Ale, Napa Smith Pale Ale, and Napa Smith Lost Dog Red Ale are all recipients of Gold Medals at the California State Fair. www.napasmithbrewery.com And on Facebook http://on.fb.me/fb7opr And follow us on Twitter @Napa_Smith
About Don Barkley, Master Brewer
Don Barkley is one of America’s most experienced craft brewers, having brewed professionally for 32 years. Don started brewing in 1978 at New Albion Brewery, America’s first new brewery since Prohibition. After 5 years there he moved to help found Mendocino Brewing Company, where he spent 25 years as Master Brewer. While at Mendocino Don became an icon in the craft beer industry, creating such legendary beers as Red Tail Ale and Eye of the Hawk. Don has now returned to his family’s home in Napa Valley – where they have lived for 6 generations – to craft the award-winning and rapidly growing beers of Napa Smith Brewery. Don has done his best work yet at Napa Smith – developing every beer in the portfolio including the savory Lost Dog Red Ale, the innovative Organic IPA, and a strong portfolio of 3 rotating seasonal beers.
About Pelican Brands
Pelican Brands manages a portfolio of owned and agency premiere import & craft beers, artisanal spirits and fine wines. Pelican Brands’ team and partners have extensive experience in the global beverage and consumer packaged goods industries. Pelican Brands is headquartered in Carmel, IN, offices in the United Kingdom and Napa, CA and a sales team covering the U.S. market and select international markets. www.pelican-brands.com And on Facebook http://on.fb.me/afmdBU And follow us on Twitter @pelicanbrands
October 4, 2010 / by J Smoke Wallin / Make A Comment / Filed under 2010 Event, Brand Management, Distributors, Pelican Brands, The Paddington Corporation
Really pleased to share this announcement – a deal I’ve worked on for well over a year coming together. Paddington Corp – one of my companies has partnered with 3 Amigos Tequila and appointed Pelican Brands as importer. More on this soon. It will be huge!
Smoke
FOR RELEASE Monday 4 October 2010
Media contact:
Megan Hochstetler
001-317-574-6407
The Paddington Corporation Announces A Joint Venture with 3 Amigos Tequila To Market Their Award Winning, 100% Agave, Hand Crafted, 3 Amigos Family of Tequilas
Paddington Also Announces The Appointment of Pelican Brands As The Exclusive U.S.
Importer Of 3 Amigos Tequila
Indianapolis, IN USA – October 4, 2010 –
The Paddington Corporation today announced the formation of a JV with the Gonzalez family to market 3 Amigos Tequila globally. In addition, Paddington announced the appointment of Pelican Brands as the exclusive US importer for 3 Amigos.
Known as “Your Arizona Family Tequila,” 3 Amigos Tequila was founded by Arizona resident Santiago Gonzalez and his family in 2007. The tequila is made from agave grown for generations at his family’s farm in Mexico. The tequila is hand crafted and distilled and bottled in Mexico before being brought to the United States for distribution.
Santiago Gonzalez, CEO of 3 Amigos Tequila stated, “This is an exciting day for the our family, business and for the community. The Paddington Corporation has tremendous resources as a marketer of distilled spirits. Together with Pelican Brands, we have a national sales platform. This will allow our family to continue to focus on growing the best Agave on our farms and making the best tequila while we grow 3 Amigos.”
J. Smoke Wallin, Chairman of The Paddington Corporation and Chairman & CEO of Pelican Brands said, “Partnering with the Gonzalez family enables us to turn 3 Amigos into a national tequila brand rapidly. We were amazed with the incredible quality of 3 Amigos tequila and quickly decided we could grow it tremendously. With Paddington Corporation as Brand Manager and Pelican Brands as importer and national sales manager, we have the perfect combination to make this roll out happen in record time.”
3 Amigos be available at fine bars and retail stores with a national rollout in 2011.
About The Paddington Corporation
The Paddington Corporation has a rich history in the branded spirits business. Today’s Paddington Corporation is a brand marketer, incubator and instigator. Its first brand of this century is 3 Amigos 100% agave hand crafted tequila. www.paddingtonbrands.com
About 3 Amigos Tequila
Tequila 3 Amigos is your local Arizona family tequila. Tequila 3 Amigos originated in Tepatitlan, Jalisco, Mexico. Tepatitlan is located in the region of Los Altos de Jalisco (highlands of the state of Jalisco). Los Altos red rich soil, incline land produces the finest Agave Azul Tequilana Weber. Tequila 3 Amigos is a young company with deep roots going back generations involving growing and maintaining blue agaves for some of the finest tequila companies. Tequila 3 Amigos came into the market with the experience and confidence that they can do better. Tequila 3 Amigos holds a high standard of making a quality tequila – “Quality is our Signature”, taking pride in exercising the best agricultural practices by growing and maintaining their blue agave organically, and harvesting their own agave at its prime ripeness, producing a tequila of the finest quality embodied with flavor and aromas pleasurable to any palate. Tequila 3 Amigos offers 4 tequilas to cater to every taste. 3 Amigos Blanco is double distilled, highlighting the true taste bouquet of blue agave and natural aromas. 3 Amigos Reposado is rested in charred white oak barrels for eleven months, allowing the blue agave flavor to come through, along with the oak of the 11-month resting period. 3 Amigos Anejo is aged in oak barrels for two years, leaving a smooth, flavorful, and distinct taste of agave and wood, with a vanilla and caramel finish. 3 Amigos Organic Blanco is the newest addition, providing an ultra smooth tequila that embraces the true flavor of ripe and pure organic blue agave. http://3amigostequila.com/html/casa.html
About Pelican Brands
Pelican Brands was formed to nurture and build brands in the global beverage alcohol space. Our portfolio includes incredible hand crafted wines, spirits and beer including Thailand’s #1 export, Singha Beer. Pelican Brands’ team and partners have extensive experience in the global beverage and consumer packaged goods industries. www.pelican-brands.com Pelican Brands is headquartered in Carmel, IN, and offices in the United Kingdom with a
September 19, 2010 / by J Smoke Wallin / Make A Comment / Filed under Brand Management, Distributors, News, Pelican Brands
I’m pleased to share the following announcement. Napa Smith beer is on fire in our march to a national roll-out. We love this brand and believe it has a very strong future.
FOR RELEASE Monday 20 September 2010
Media contact:
Megan Hochstetler
001-317-574-6407
Pelican Brands Announces Acquisition Of Napa Smith Brewery
Napa, CA & Carmel, IN USA – September 17, 2010 – Pelican Brands is pleased to announce it has entered into an exclusive purchase agreement to acquire the Napa Smith Brewery & Winery. The purchase includes seven acres of land and 50,000 sq.ft. of production, warehousing and office space. Earlier this year, Napa Smith appointed Pelican Brands as its exclusive sales representatives in the United States.
J. Smoke Wallin, Chairman & CEO of Pelican Brands said, “The craft beer business is the fastest growing category of beverages in America. Much of the new demand is being met by small local brewers. It is our belief that while a few will become regional brands, a very select few will become national brands. Napa Smith has all the right brand attributes – amazing beer from one of the most respected names in the craft brewing industry, distinctive packaging, and Napa terroir – to become one of those few select national brands.” Wallin continued, “This acquisition is a perfect strategic fit for Pelican Brands in building a global sales and brand platform of both owned and agency brands. The Pelican team looks forward to building Napa Smith into an iconic craft beer brand with President Steve Morgan and Master Brewer Don Barkley.”
Steve Morgan, President of Napa Smith stated, “This is an exciting day for the Napa Smith business and for the community. In the past ninety days, Napa Smith through Pelican’s platform has expanded into eight new states. Before the end of the year, we will add additional states making Napa Smith available from the Pacific all the way to the Atlantic. Napa Smith will be available nationwide by mid 2011. Pelican Brands will provide the growth capital needed for further expansion. Napa’s winemakers made the Napa Valley into a global name and destination. We are proud to continue this tradition by bringing beer – brewed with the same level of quality and attention to detail – to discerning consumers everywhere.”
Don Barkley, Master Brewer said, “I’m doing what I love to do – brewing great beer. Smoke and the whole Pelican team are my kind of people. They appreciate the importance of brewing beer right. At the same time, they bring scale and resources that will help Napa Smith reach many more thirsty consumers, something I’m passionate about!”
About Napa Smith Brewery
Napa Smith Brewery is located at the southern gateway to Napa Valley, just south of the town of Napa. Napa Valley is internationally known as a destination for those individuals who seek the best that life has to offer. Napa Smith is proud to contribute to the Napa tradition of hard work, craftsmanship, and artistry with the introduction of its unique family of beers. It creates its beers using proprietary recipes developed by Master Brewer Don Barkley – a veteran of 30+ years in the craft brewing industry. Much of the Napa’s growth has been fueled by its Signature Series of beers. Offered in 4-packs, 22 oz bottles, and draught, Organic IPA and Lost Dog Red Ale have attracted national interest from both distributors and chains. Napa Smith Amber Ale, Napa Smith Pale Ale, and Napa Smith Lost Dog Red Ale are all recipients of gold medals at the California State Fair. www.napasmithbrewery.com
About Pelican Brands
Pelican Brands was formed to nurture and build brands in the global beverage alcohol space. Our portfolio includes incredible hand crafted wines, spirits and beer including Thailand’s #1 export, Singha Beer. Pelican Brands’ team and partners have extensive experience in the global beverage and consumer packaged goods industries. www.pelican-brands.com Pelican Brands is headquartered in Carmel, IN, and offices in the United Kingdom with a sales team covering the U.S. market.
