Constellation Brands divests Nelson’s Green Brier distillery
The Nelson brothers are regaining control of their historic Tennessee whiskey business after Constellation Brands completed its divestment of the distillery and associated inventory.
USA – Constellation Brands has completed the sale of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery back to its founders, brothers Charlie and Andy Nelson, returning ownership of the Tennessee whiskey business to the family behind its revival.
Belle Meade Spirits, the company established by the Nelson brothers, has acquired the distillery, brand inventory and associated assets. The agreement also includes taking over the lease for the distillery and event space in Nashville, Tennessee.
The transaction covers all product inventory, including Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey and Nelson Brothers Bourbon.
The brothers revived the historic distillery in 2014 after discovering that their great-great-great-grandfather had established the original facility. The distillery stopped production in 1909 following the introduction of prohibition in Tennessee.
Constellation Brands initially acquired a minority stake in the business in 2016 through its venture capital division before increasing its ownership to a majority stake in 2019. The beverage group completed its acquisition of full ownership in 2024.
Charlie Nelson left the business in 2023, while Andy departed following Constellation’s acquisition of the remaining ownership interest in 2024.
That same year, the brothers acquired the rights to Belle Meade Bourbon and Louisa’s Liqueur, which had previously formed part of the distillery’s portfolio. They subsequently operated the brands through Belle Meade Spirits.
Andy Nelson, co-founder of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, said regaining ownership was significant for the family.
“This has been our family business dating back to the 1800s, so to have the opportunity to once again have full ownership of the brand and its storied history is extraordinarily meaningful to us,” he said.
He added that the business would undergo a transition period as the brothers assessed the future of the distillery and its products.
“There will be a transition period where we determine next steps for the brand, our portfolio of products and the distillery itself,” Andy said, adding that they intended to return to producing premium spirits right here in our own hometown.
The divestment was previously highlighted in Constellation Brands’ second-quarter financial results released in October.
During the three months ended August, the company recorded US$49.8 million in asset impairment and related expenses. The figure increased to US$68.1 million for the six months ended August, reflecting impairments associated with the proposed distillery divestment and the sale of several New Zealand wine brands.
The transaction marks the return of Nelson’s Green Brier to the family that revived the historic whiskey business.
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