Beam Inc. today announced that the 2 Gingers brand will be joining its Irish Whiskey portfolio, and Kieran Folliard, the brand’s founder and Irish American business entrepreneur, will become Beam’s Chief Irish Whiskey Ambassador in the U.S.
“Earlier this year, we entered the fast growing Irish Whiskey category with the acquisition of our flagship Kilbeggan brand,” said Chris Bauder, General Manager Whiskey for Beam Inc. “And now we’re taking another step forward to expand our Irish Whiskey business in the U.S. with the addition of Kieran Folliard and 2 GINGERS to our Beam Irish Whiskey family. We couldn’t be more pleased to have Kieran and his fast growing 2 GINGERS brand on board.”
“2 GINGERS’ history combined with Beam’s resources as the second largest spirits company in the U.S. can create brand recognition that would take a small company like ours decades longer to achieve on its own,” said Kieran Folliard. “I am excited to partner with Beam to grow 2 GINGERS and the entire Beam Irish Whiskey portfolio across the U.S.”
Kieran Folliard is a 25-year resident of Minnesota, where he grew his former Irish pub business into one of the largest Irish Whiskey accounts in the world. Six months after selling his on-premise establishments in 2011, Folliard introduced 2 GINGERS, a premium twice-distilled Irish Whiskey made by Beam’s Kilbeggan Distilling Company, into the market in January 2012. In less than one year, the brand has already become the fastest growing Irish Whiskey in Minnesota.
In his new role as Chief Operating Officer of 2 GINGERS and Chief Ambassador of Kilbeggan Distilling Company, Kieran Folliard will travel throughout the country to market, promote and drive growth for Beam’s entire Irish Whiskey portfolio, including 2 GINGERS. In addition, Folliard will be taking an active role in the development of the experience between the American customer base and the Kilbeggan Distillery and Visitor Center in County Westmeath, Ireland.
2 GINGERS is named for Kieran’s red-haired mother and aunt. The brand also inspired Kieran’s two trademarked signature cocktails: “Big GINGER®” and “Skinny GINGER®.”
The size of the transaction is not material to Beam's free cash flows and the acquisition is not expected to have a material impact on the company’s 2012 or 2013 financial results. Financial terms were not disclosed.
2 GINGERS joins Beam’s full range of Irish Whiskey brands, including Kilbeggan, from its namesake distillery originating in 1757; Tyrconnell, single malt Irish whiskey; Greenore, single grain Irish Whiskey; and Connemara, the only peated single malt Irish whiskey.
