Constellation Brands has acquired a minority stake in the parent company of Mezcal El Silencio.

The investment was made through Constellation Brands’ venture capital arm, which focuses on investing in emerging brands.

Founded in Santa Monica in 2013, Mezcal El Silencio manufactures mezcal in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Mezcal El Silencio co-founder and CEO Fausto Zapata said: “We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership. For us, this is about the alignment of vision and ideas we share.

“Constellation’s trailblazing vision, pioneering practices, genuine passion for craft spirits, and appreciation for creativity made this more of a love story than a business transaction.

“Mezcal is one of the hottest trends in spirits right now, and we couldn’t be more excited to make our first ventures investment in the mezcal category.”

“Connecting with the Constellation team the way in which we did was the real driver in this collaboration as we realised that both companies are made from the same DNA. We’re elated about working with the Constellation family to continue to elevate both El Silencio and the mezcal category.”

Constellation’s investment will be used by El Silencio to build infrastructure and grow business.

Constellation Brands president and CEO Bill Newlands said: “Mezcal is one of the hottest trends in spirits right now, and we couldn’t be more excited to make our first ventures investment in the mezcal category with a brand as successful as El Silencio.

“Fausto and the El Silencio team have done an incredible job of growing the brand, and with our own goal of continuing to build out our premium spirits portfolio, we see our investment as a great move for us and for El Silencio.”

Earlier this month, Constellation Brands agreed to divest nearly 30 brands from its wine and spirits portfolio to E&J Gallo Winery for $1.7bn to accelerate growth and increase shareholder value.