The closure of the Schenley Distillery occurred in 1987 after it was sold to United Distillers. This marked the end of an era for Schenley as an independent company. However, to fully understand the significance of this event, let's delve into the history of Schenley and its journey leading up to its closure.
Schenley was originally a prominent spirits company that was founded in 1897. Over the years, it grew and established itself as a major player in the industry, producing a wide range of alcoholic beverages including whiskey, vodka, and gin. One of its notable acquisitions was the Ancient Age Distillery, formerly known as the Geo. T. Stagg Distillery, in Frankfort.
In 1983, a group of Schenley executives made a bold move and purchased the Ancient Age Distillery, effectively separating it from the Schenley company. This marked the birth of an independent entity that would continue the legacy of the distillery under a new name. The decision to break away from Schenley was likely driven by a desire for greater autonomy and the opportunity to carve out a unique identity in the industry.
For the next few years, the newly formed independent company operated under the name Ancient Age Distillery. It continued to produce and distribute its range of spirits, building on the reputation and heritage of the Geo. T. Stagg Distillery. However, despite its efforts, the company faced challenges in a rapidly changing market.
In 1987, these challenges proved insurmountable, and Schenley's fate was sealed. The company was sold to United Distillers, a major spirits conglomerate, effectively ending its existence as an independent entity. This marked the end of an era for Schenley, as it became assimilated into a larger corporate structure.
The closure of the Schenley Distillery is a significant event in the history of the spirits industry. It represents the end of a once-prominent and independent company that had played a notable role in shaping the whiskey landscape. The sale to United Distillers signaled the consolidation of power and resources, as the industry witnessed a shift towards larger conglomerates.
The Schenley Distillery closed in 1987 after being sold to United Distillers. This marked the end of an era for the independent company, which had previously operated under the Schenley name. The closure reflects the challenges faced by smaller players in the industry, as well as the larger trend of consolidation within the spirits market.