Wilderness Trail Distillery is based in Danville, Kentucky. It was established in 2012 by Shane Baker and Dr. Patrick Heist. Baker, a mechanical engineering, and Heist, microbiologist and a Ph.D. When Wilderness Trail hit the scene, they stood out from the crowd of startup distilleries by offering a superior product that captured the attention of bourbon enthusiasts.
Campari acquired a 70% stake in Wilderness Trail Distillery. for $420 million in late 2022, valuing the distillery at $600 million. The acquisition of the remaining 30% is slated for 2031,
What set Wilderness Trail apart from other craft distilleries?
Unlike many rush-to-market bourbons flooding the market, Wilderness Trail focused on quality over quantity. Their dedication to producing exceptional bourbon quickly gained them a loyal following.
How did Wilderness Trail's fan base contribute to their success?
Wilderness Trail's passionate fan base played a crucial role in their growth and success. These loyal customers not only supported the brand but also helped spread the word about the exceptional quality of Wilderness Trail's bourbon.
Why did Campari decide to acquire Wilderness Trail?
As Wilderness Trail continued to expand and increase production, it caught the attention of Campari, the owner of Wild Turkey. Campari saw the value in adding Wilderness Trail to their brand portfolio, recognising the potential for flavour diversity and market expansion.
Wilderness Trail's journey from a standout craft distillery to a sought-after acquisition is a testament to their commitment to quality and the loyalty of their customer base. As they continue to grow under new ownership, their legacy of excellence in bourbon-making remains strong.