Rebel Distillery is currently owned by the David Sherman Corporation, which is now known as Luxco. However, the ownership of the brand has gone through several changes over the years.
One notable owner of Rebel Distillery was Charles R. Farnsley, a former mayor of Louisville. It's interesting to note that Farnsley was actually related to the owners of the distillery. This familial connection might have influenced his decision to purchase the brand.
In the early 1980s, the ownership of Rebel Distillery changed hands once again. This time, it was acquired by the David Sherman Corporation, based in St. Louis, Missouri. The corporation, now known as Luxco, took over the brand and continued its production.
It's worth mentioning that the acquisition by Luxco was part of a larger series of changes that occurred after the break-up of Stitzel-Weller in 1972. Stitzel-Weller was a renowned distillery that had previously owned Rebel Distillery. Following its dissolution, the brand found itself under different ownerships until it eventually landed in the hands of Luxco.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to witness and experience various changes in ownership within the beverage industry. It's not uncommon for brands to undergo transitions as companies merge, dissolve, or restructure. These changes can often impact the production, distribution, and overall reputation of the brand.
In the case of Rebel Distillery, it is fascinating to see how it has passed through different hands over the years. Each owner likely brought their own unique vision and approach to the brand, which may have influenced its growth and development. It would be interesting to delve deeper into the specific strategies and decisions made by each owner to understand how Rebel Distillery has evolved over time.
The ownership of Rebel Distillery has seen a journey from its connection to the Farnsley family, to being part of the Stitzel-Weller distillery, and finally finding its place within the Luxco portfolio. The brand has undoubtedly been shaped by these various changes, and it will be intriguing to see how it continues to evolve under its current ownership.