Foley Names Balcones Founder Tate To Lead Spirits Innovation

Foley Family Wines has named Chip Tate as the company’s new master distiller for innovation. Tate joins Foley with considerable distilling experience as the founder of Texas-based Balcones Distilling, now part of Diageo. The move comes as Foley is expanding its presence in the spirits category, having acquired Minden Mill Distilling in 2023, alongside launching Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Lighthouse gin from New Zealand. Going forward, Tate will work with Minden master distiller Joe O’Sullivan and New Zealand’s Rachel Hall as Foley continues to develop its spirits business.—Shane English

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