HANDS acquires stake in Saint Liberty Whiskey

Harris & Simms (HANDS), a minority women-led spirits advisory company has acquired a stake in Saint Liberty Whiskey.

Financial details of the deal are yet to be divulged by either company.

Saint Liberty Whiskey founder and chief historian Mark SoRelle said: “We are so thrilled to have HANDS as partners in Saint Liberty Whiskey. With their collective 30+ years’ experience in wine and spirits and disciplined approach to the brand-building they will be an invaluable asset to our team.”

Founded by Dia Simms and Erin Harris and headquartered in Los Angeles, HANDS is a boutique spirits advisory company, which offers strategic guidance and investments in spirit brands.

Simms said: “At Saint Liberty, we are committed to building an exceptional craft whiskey brand that recognises a diverse group of unsung female heroes.

“We are proud to honour the courage and legacy of these pioneering women bootleggers. The women in the spirits industry today owe a debt to these frontierswomen.”

Saint Liberty Whiskey has been dedicating its craft whiskey and distillery to prohibition-era women bootleggers to highlight and honour their individual story.

The company’s first whiskey expression was Bertie’s Bear Gulch Bourbon Whiskey, released to honour African American homesteader Bertie ‘Birdie’ Brown, known for making the ‘best moonshine in the country.’

Packed embossed coffin flask bottle, Bertie’s Bourbon offer flavours of dark molasses, caramelized vanilla, apricots, some burnt brown sugar and a hint of smoke.

Currently, Bertie’s Bear Gulch Straight Bourbon Whiskey is available across ten states in the US for a suggestive retail price (SRP) of $44.99 for a 750ml bottle.