Patrón Tequila and Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka founder John Paul DeJoria has purchased Texas gin brand Waterloo Gin
Patrón Tequila founder John Paul DeJoria has acquired Waterloo Gin for an undisclosed sum. Founded by Daniel Barnes and produced by the Treaty Oak Distilling company, the US-based brand is the first gin to ever be distilled in the state of Texas.
“Waterloo is an extraordinarily high-quality, innovative and world-class spirit, a gin I’m certain that people will enjoy,” said DeJoria. “I’m very honored for the opportunity to help grow this incredible brand, and share Waterloo Gin with more bartenders, retailers, and consumers all across the country.”
Waterloo currently produces two expressions: No. 9 Gin and the Antique Gin.
The No. 9 is distilled with a variety of local, Texas botanicals, expanding out for flavors beyond juniper; while the Antique Gin matures for two years in first-fill charred American white oak casks, providing the gin with deep, “rich wood flavors” from the sweltering Texas heat.
The mash is 100% gluten, carb, and additive free, and the production processes nor any names will change with the new ownership. However, there will be a stylistic refresh on the brand’s imagery and packaging. The brand also intends on implementing a national distribution expansion for their products.
On passing ownership over to DeJoria and his team, Barnes stated: “Their deep industry experience and passion for cultivating and growing brands gives me great confidence that Waterloo Gin will continue to flourish and reach new consumers everywhere.”
The brand is currently available through Republic National Distributing Company in Texas and Breakthru Beverage in Florida, and online for other states.
In 1989, DeJoria founded Patron and sold it to Barcadi in 2018 for roughly $5.1 billion. DeJoria also recently created a new venture called Round 2 Spirits, which revealed its own vodka–Weber Ranch 1902–made from Blue Weber agave.