Hotaling & Co is closing the Pier 50 distillery in San Francisco as the US-based group looks to focus on its importation business.
The production facility, which distils Junipero Gin and Old Potrero Rye Whiskey, is set to close at the end of this week. The manufacturing of the two brands will be taken over by contract partners, symbolising the end of Hotaling’s in-house distilling operations.
“This is a strategic step following a comprehensive review of our long-term growth priorities and capital allocation,” the company told Global Drinks Intel. “The decision enables us to sharpen our focus on our core strengths as a builder and importer of world-class fine spirits brands and to align resources around the areas where we are best positioned to drive sustainable growth.
“Hotaling & Co will remain headquartered in San Francisco and will continue our longstanding partnerships throughout the Bay Area.”
Hotaling, which was previously Anchor Distilling Co, added: “Supply continuity [of Junipero and Old Potrero] remains a priority. We have sufficient bulk and bottled inventory in place and will continue working with trusted Bay Area production partners to ensure consistent quality and seamless availability in the market.”
Local news outlets have also reported that the closure of Pier 50 will result in job losses for the whole distilling team, although the exact headcount was not disclosed. Posting on Instagram last week, head distiller & blender Kevin Aslan confirmed the news, noting that Hotaling had “made the difficult decision to close the distillery” and that his role would be terminated on Friday (27 February).
Last year, Hotaling recruited Aaron Webb as its CEO, replacing Dan Leese, who had held the reins for five years. As of last year, Leese had planned to remain with the company as an advisor until next month.