Two family-owned Pacific Northwest distilleries are joining forces to form a mutually agreeable partnership that supports the growth of Captive Spirit’s signature Big Gin brands and creates more opportunities for the Seattle-based distillery. As one of the leaders in the craft distillery movement, the 82-year-old Hood River Distillers will provide an experienced team to help Captive Spirits navigate its growth and distribution model.
“We are thrilled to announce this pivotal partnership with Hood River Distillers, a Northwest-based, family-owned and family-operated business,” said Ben Capdevielle, distiller and founder of Captive Spirits. “Our grassroots efforts have gotten us to where we are, and we are honored to have the support of the Hood River Distillers team to help with our continued growth and the support of Big Gin in markets in the US and beyond.”
With over 100 employees nationally, Hood River Distillers has the staff and infrastructure to help Captive Spirits reach its next phase of growth. Currently Captive Spirits produces 7,500 six-bottle cases, and this is expected to increase when the new distillery begins operation this fall. The new facility will be located in the Ballard shipyard with room for an additional still and a new tasting room.
“Our two companies have similar cultures and roots in the Pacific Northwest,” said Ron Dodge, President and CEO of Hood River Distillers. “We are excited to support Big Gin with our decades of knowledge and national opportunities for sourcing and distribution. Hood River Distillers received the first distiller’s license in 1934, and we are proud to continue growing and providing support for regional brands.”
Capdevielle launched Captive Spirits in 2012 after years spent behind the bar in Seattle and learning about distilling from his father and grandfather. “Distilling was a multigenerational bond, and I took my passion for the hobby and turned it into a business,” he said. “Now, with Hood River Distillers guiding us, I am confident that we will continue to grow and produce even more high-quality gin.”
Captive Spirits Distilling opened its doors in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle in March 2012. A gin-focused distillery, Big Gin, the distilleries flagship product, was released in Spring 2012. Bourbon Barreled Big Gin was later released in Spring 2013 and took the trophy at the IWSC in November 2014 for Best Contemporary Gin—the first American gin to receive this recognition. Peat Barreled Big Gin is the third product released and their fourth is the Barrel Reserve project. As of spring 2016, Captive Spirits is distributed in nine countries and 16 states. The distillery team has received awards from the International Wine & Spirits Competition, American Craft Spirits Association and the American Distilling Institute. For more information, visit www.captivespiritsdistilling.com.
Founded in 1934 and headquartered in Hood River, Ore., Hood River Distillers is the Northwest’s largest and oldest importer, producer, bottler and marketer of distilled spirits. Pendleton® Whisky, Pendleton® Midnight Whisky, Pendleton® 1910 Rye Whisky, Sinfire® Cinnamon Whisky, Yazi® Ginger Vodka, ULLR® Nordic Libation, HRD® Vodka, Lucid® Absinthe Superieure, the complete line of Monarch® distilled spirits and the Clear Creek Distillery portfolio are just a few of the company’s brands distributed across the country. Hood River Distillers is a member of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility and promotes responsible drinking habits. For more information, visit www.hrdspirits.com.
