US spirits group Heaven Hill Brands has offloaded liqueur brand Irish Mist to Ireland-based The Old Canal Quay Spirits Company.
The transaction centred on the sale of Zilorto, a subsidiary of Heaven Hill Ireland and owner of Irish Mist.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Heaven Hill declined to comment.
In a statement, Heaven Hill Brands co-president Allan Latts said: “As we invest behind our premium portfolio, this decision reflects the disciplined thinking that guides how we approach every brand in our line-up.
“Irish Mist is an iconic Irish liqueur and the right move is placing it in the hands of an owner with Irish roots and the focus to grow it the way it deserves.”
Made with Irish whiskey, honey and spices, Irish Mist traces its origins to Tullamore Distillery in County Offaly in 1829 and is described as Ireland’s first liqueur.
The Old Canal Quay Spirits Company was founded in Ireland in 2024 by drinks-industry professionals from Ireland and the US.
The same statement carried comments from chief executive David Phelan, who said: “Irish Mist Liqueur was at the core of Ireland’s rich spirits history, unique heritage, and remarkable character and we are honoured and excited to now play a role in reinvigorating this iconic Irish brand for today’s consumer.”
Just Drinks has asked The Old Canal Quay Spirits Company for further details on its current financial performance.
Heaven Hill acquired Irish Mist and Carolans from Campari in 2017 for an enterprise value of $165m. The deal included the two brands, inventory and production assets.
Campari had acquired Irish Mist, Carolans and Frangelico from William Grant & Sons in 2010.
