USA: Constellation Brands takes minority stake in mezcal firm El Silencio

Constellation Brands, the US wine and spirits firm, has announced it has taken a minority stake in Los Angeles-based mezcal firm El Silencio via its venture capital arm for an undisclosed sum.

Available in the varieties Ensamble and Espadin, El Silencio is described as being made using “meticulously picked agaves” which are “roasted, crushed, and double distilled resulting in a full-bodied flavour”. The product is manufactured in Oaxaca, Mexico and targets “a new generation of creative drinkers and cultural innovators”.

Commenting on the deal, 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 [Fausto Zapata, El Silencio CEO and co-founder] 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”.

Source: Constellation Brands / El Silencio