Reaping The Benefits of Collaboration: A Production Story
Often times when people think of contract distilling, a relationship where one business hires another to distill or produce their spirits is what comes to mind. In this set up, the brand owner provides the recipe and requirements, pays the contractor, and then the product is produced on a large scale with no hands-on involvement from brand owners. It is important to note that this form of contract distilling is NOT the only approach, and it is far from true in the case of Ebra Gin. With the right distillery partnership and hands-on involvement, contract distilling can be a great way to own a liquor brand without having to own a distillery. If you are thinking about entering into a contract distilling partnership (also called co-packing or private label arrangements), check out our article in Distiller Magazine for a more detailed overview of the considerations to bear in mind.
With Ebra Gin, it was important to find a distiller (as well as a facility) that both complemented and strengthened our brand. Some long-time followers might recall that Ebra Gin was supposed to be based in New Orleans, LA. As a woman-founded business, there was an initial struggle with inclusivity regarding the male-dominated distilling scene in Louisiana. After joining the state Distillers Guild and interviewing and meeting with over half of the distilleries in the state, none ended up being an ideal fit for us for one reason or another. Finding the right business partner was TOUGH; at the time, it felt more difficult than finding a romantic/life partner.
The year before this lengthy contract distilling partnership evaluation period, we had crossed paths with Coastal Spirits Distillery owner Brad Plummer at the 2018 Gin Summit and American Distilling Institute conference. Brad’s good vibes and enlightening conversation proved him to be an extremely helpful resource for us prior to ever discussing a partnership. His award-winning expertise in botanicals and gin formulation, operational and distillery production knowledge and overall personality fit made him a great potential business partner. Furthermore, Brad had another client for which he was already doing contract distilling, which gave us a head start in the possibility of future collaboration. After a couple cocktails at Orbit Room in San Francisco in late 2019, the groundwork was laid for a contract distilling partnership. Many other business factors played into the pivot from Louisiana to California such as market size, cocktail culture, and regulations, but having a solid contract distilling partnership was key.
Brad and Coastal Spirits offered a home for Ebra Gin. We are proud to say where our product is produced and eternally grateful for Brad’s advice, expertise, and partnership. We created our partnership in a way where we have hands-on involvement with our gin production throughout every step of the process, from nailing the recipe down to post production bottling. We even help with the production of Brad’s Farallon Gin line sometimes (their Holy Wood & Cask is our favorite gin that’s not Ebra – this is not a plug; it’s SO GOOD). Sharing the knowledge and contacts we have accumulated over the last few years has proved itself to be extremely rewarding for both Ebra and Coastal Spirits.
Getting to work with like-minded people who share a passion for what they’re creating elevates the entire experience. The feeling of tasting and seeing the finished product ready for sale and distribution is an incredible, mutual bliss. Before venturing into contract distilling, always remember that reaping the benefits of collaboration means finding the perfect business partner to reflect your brand’s message and goals to the highest degree.
