Charlie Wagner Of Caymus Takes Majority Stake In Craft Distiller Dry Fly

Charlie Wagner of Caymus Vineyards and Wagner Family of Wine has acquired a majority stake in Spokane, Washington-based craft spirits player Dry Fly Distilling for an undisclosed sum. The move builds on collaborative projects between Dry Fly and the Wagners over the past 10 years, including a whiskey finished in Caymus Special Selection wine barrels that will be released next year.

Dry Fly’s spirits are distributed across 35 states and include Bourbon, Wheat, and Triticale whiskies, gin, vodka, and RTD cocktails, with pricing ranging from $30-$60 a bottle. “We are taking our collaboration to the next level,” said Wagner in a statement. “Assuming a bigger stake in the company speaks to my excitement over Dry Fly’s vision, passion, and expertise, and its ability to make products that truly stand out in the market.”

The plan is to continue expanding Dry Fly’s national distribution footprint. The company, founded by Don Poffenroth in 2007, opened a new distillery in downtown Spokane in 2021 with an annual capacity of 75,000 proof gallons and the ability for further expansion.

Wagner and Caymus general counsel Mike Carlson have joined Dry Fly’s board. Concurrently, Dry Fly veteran Patrick Donovan is becoming president of the craft distiller, and Donald Kidd, formerly of Southern Champion (Buzzballz) and Hood River Distillers, has been named head of global sales and marketing. —Daniel Marsteller

Tagged : Caymus Vineyards, Dry Fly Distilling

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