Loch Lomond Group has announced the acquisition of the New York Distilling Company (NYDC), marking a strategic expansion into the American whiskey market. Reported by Whisky Advocate, Decanter, and The Drinks Business, the deal is seen as part of a broader push by the Scottish spirits company to diversify its portfolio, tap into the high-growth U.S. whiskey segment, and strengthen its global distribution capabilities.
This acquisition brings together two distinct distilling traditions, Scottish and American and positions Loch Lomond Group for deeper market penetration in North America, a region critical to the future growth of premium spirits.
From Scotland to Brooklyn: A Strategic Pour into the American Market
Loch Lomond Group’s acquisition of the New York Distilling Company (NYDC) marks a significant milestone in its international growth strategy. According to The Drinks Business, this move adds American whiskey to an already diverse portfolio that includes Scotch single malts like Loch Lomond, Glen Scotia and Littlemill, as well as Glen’s Vodka, Ben Lomond Gin, and Champagne Piaff. With products already available in over 125 countries, the inclusion of NYDC enhances both the depth and geographic reach of the Group’s offerings.
The deal also includes NYDC’s full suite of craft spirits, Jaywalk Rye, Mister Katz Rock & Rye, Dorothy Parker Gin, and Perry Tot’s Navy Strength Gin, alongside its 3,000 sq. ft. distillery and visitor centre in Brooklyn. As Decanterreports, founders Allen Katz and Tom Potter will remain onboard, helping to ensure continuity and preserve the brand’s distinctive voice and style within the broader Loch Lomond family.
Whisky Advocate notes the added advantage of Loch Lomond’s new U.S. distribution partnership with Foley Family Wines & Spirits, which will help accelerate NYDC’s market penetration. This infrastructure, coupled with the brand’s unique positioning, particularly its revival of Empire Rye using rare Horton heirloom grain, offers compelling potential for domestic and international growth.
The timing of this acquisition is also notable. As The Drinks Business highlights, American whiskey represented 63% of U.S. spirits exports in 2023, totalling $1.4 billion. Meanwhile, Decanter recalls the impact of recent U.S. tariffs, which cost Scotch producers £600 million in sales between 2019 and 2020. In this context, Loch Lomond’s entry into U.S.-based production reflects not only growth ambition but also a strategic hedge against trade uncertainty.
Market Impact & Industry Implications
This deal is more than a portfolio play, it’s a signal of changing M&A dynamics in the spirits sector. With global conglomerates stepping back from craft acquisitions, mid-sized firms like Loch Lomond are seizing opportunities to acquire well-regarded, regionally rooted producers. The move reflects growing appetite for heritage-driven, craft-positioned spirits that appeal to premium drinkers seeking authenticity and storytelling.
Loch Lomond stands to benefit through:
- Market diversification, mitigating geopolitical risks;
- Brand portfolio expansion, tapping into high-growth craft categories;
- Enhanced distribution leverage, both in the U.S. and globally;
- Production and visitor economy potential, particularly through NYDC’s urban location and the Luss distillery due to open in 2025.
For NYDC, the acquisition brings capital, global reach, and operational support, ensuring continued growth without sacrificing its brand identity.
Looking Ahead
Loch Lomond Group’s entry into American whiskey is a calculated step that aligns with global trends of premiumisation, localisation, and craft heritage. With mid-tier players driving consolidation in a post-conglomerate landscape, expect more cross-border acquisitions that blend craft authenticity with international scale, especially in more high-margin categories like rye and premium gin.
