Thursday, December 22, 2016

Sazerac, Remy and Pernod in Bidding War for Guy who Made Whiskey in his Kitchen Last Week


Spirits giants Pernod Ricard, Remy Cointreau and Sazerac are in a multi-million dollar bidding war over the distilling operation of Ralph Peterson of Boise, Idaho who made a batch of whiskey on his kitchen stove last Thursday. Asked about his operation, Peterson said he used a mash of corn meal, sugar cubes and "whatever else he had around," and distilled it on his stove using two pots connected by a length of garden hose. Peterson admitted that his whiskey was "pretty terrible" and he didn't think he would try making it again, but that all changed once news of his experiment spread and the offers started pouring in.

There was no official comment from any of the bidding companies, but one spokesman anonymously explained, "The spirits industry is really starting to recognize the ingenuity and unique character of craft distilling, and that's what we're looking for. By the way, have you ever made whiskey? Do you know anyone who has?  I've got my check book right here."

As of late Thursday, the bidding was up to $130 million. Peterson said he was considering all of the offers very seriously, and had been in discussions with the competing bidders about his future role.

"I'd like to stay on as Master Distiller or at least work at the gift shop," Peterson stated, "it's really important to me to preserve the integrity of my distillery, er, stove."


6 comments:

Carter R said...

You joke but you're forgetting that his mash came from an old pre prohibition recipe his great grandfather used. It says it on the avery label he put on each bottle.

Richnimrod said...

HA! Great stuff, SKU!
You always seem to manage a scoop on the big news agencies.
How DO you do it??
Keep up the good work. ...And, try not to choke on that tongue so far in your cheek, eh?

Anonymous said...

Is this a jab at Sazerac buying Popcorn Sutton?

Andy said...

I wish it was that easy...

cconhhi said...

This may be my favorite Sku post ever.

Agent SJ said...

Are you sure you don't write for The Onion?