Investment by Blackstar Company Keeps Rochester Distillery Open.
Black Button Distilling, Rochester’s largest bourbon distillery, has been saved from bankruptcy through an investment by the newly formed Blackstar Company. Blackstar is led by industry veterans Kris Comstock and Ray Franklin. The move ensures that Black Button will continue operations across its portfolio of spirits, including bourbon, Empire Rye whiskey, vodka, gin, and Bespoke Bourbon Cream.
A Partnership Formed from Industry Connections
Founded in 2012 by Jason Barrett, Black Button Distilling was the first craft distillery to open in Rochester since Prohibition. When Comstock learned of Black Button’s closure, he reached out with an offer of support. “I was heartbroken to hear Black Button was closing and saw the community’s outpouring of support on social media,”Comstock said. “I’m thrilled about this partnership, as I have tremendous respect for Jason as a person and Master Distiller. Black Button Distilling has established a solid foundation across New York with their award-winning products. We look forward to building on that foundation as we expand the business.”
Leadership Remains in Place
Jason Barrett, President and Master Distiller, will continue to lead daily operations with his existing team. “Although this is bittersweet, I’m happy that the distillery will remain open and our team will stay in place,” Barrett stated. “I’ve known Kris for several years and have the utmost respect for his ability to build brands. I feel that Black Button is in great hands. But neither me nor my team is going anywhere. We will still run the day-to-day operations as always, but now have extra help and industry expertise from Blackstar. I’m very excited for the future of Black Button Distilling.”
Employees and Tasting Room Update
The distillery currently employs nine full-time staff members, all of whom will remain under the new structure. The tasting room, which closed in July, will stay closed for the time being as the new owners evaluate operations.
About Black Button Distilling
Established in 2012, Black Button Distilling is Rochester’s first grain-to-glass distillery since Prohibition and is recognized as the birthplace of Rochester Style Bourbon. The distillery sources 100% of its whiskey grains from within 50 miles of its facility. Its innovative “Column-to-Pot-to-Column” distillation system preserves the most flavorful parts of each run. The brand is also known for its Bespoke Bourbon Cream, which has received international awards, including gold medals at the Concours International de Lyon and the John Barleycorn Awards.
About Blackstar Company
Blackstar Company was founded by four industry veterans, including Kris Comstock, formerly with Sazerac/Buffalo Trace Distillery, and Ray Franklin, former Chief Revenue Officer at Spirits Capital Corporation. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, Blackstar provides expertise in production, compliance, logistics, sales, marketing, and nationwide distribution for spirits companies and brands.
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