Eastside Distilling has acquired a major stake in US-based firm Big Bottom Distilling (BBD), which produces gins, whiskeys, brandies, rum, and vodka.

Following the acquisition, BBD will continue to operate as an independent business, producing spirits by collaborating with Eastside's master distiller and operations executive vice-president Melissa Mel Heim.

Eastside proposes to place BBD's craft spirits, such as the Ninety One Gin, Navy Strength Gin, and Delta Rye rye whiskey, into joint distribution with Portland Potato Vodka, Burnside Bourbon, Cherry Bomb, Coffee Rum, and Marionberry Whiskey.

BBD's founder Ted Pappas said: "This is the ideal opportunity we have been seeking for Big Bottom Distilling. This relationship with Eastside will allow us to grow at a faster rate and get our products distributed to a broader market.

"Our goal is to help place tasting glasses into the hands of a multitude of Oregonian craft spirit fans."

“This will also give us the opportunity to focus on our single malt whiskey production and establish our position in this category."

Eastside and BBD are also planning to expand the production of American Single Malt Whiskey, produced using malted Pacific Northwest barley.

Eastside Distilling's executive-chairman Grover Wickersham said: “Our goal is to help place tasting glasses into the hands of a multitude of Oregonian craft spirit fans, who we think appreciate super-premium craft spirits.

“BBD's offerings complement Eastside's, so there's an opportunity for great synergies and a lot of fun working together, which is one of the biggest parts of making craft spirits.".