Heublein
Heublein Inc. (also known as Heublein Spirits) was an American producer and distributor of alcoholic beverages throughout the 20th century. During the 1960s and 1970s its stock was regarded as one of the most stable financial investments, earning it inclusion in the Nifty Fifty.
History
Heublein was originally founded as a restaurant and hotel business in 1862 by Andrew Heublein. When the company was handed over to his son, Gilbert F Heublein, it began selling ready-made cockatails, and incorporated in 1915 in Connecticut as G.F. Heublein Inc.
In 1938 Heublein acquired all rights to Smirnoff Vodka, a brand that had been produced in Russia prior to the October Revolution. Heublein is credited with popularizing vodka in the united states by marketing Smirnoff as "White Whiskey". Smirnoff became one of Heublein's most successful brands.[1] Heublein also acquired distribution rights in the United States to many other international spirit brands including Don Q Rum, and Jose Cuervo.
In 1969, Heublein Inc. began packaging alcoholic cocktails in 8 ounce cans, the most popular of which was Brass Monkey.
By 1982, at the time of its acquisition, Heublein also owned one of the largest wine operations in the United States.
Acquisition
In 1982, RJR Nabisco (now R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company) acquired Heublein Inc. for $1.4 billion dollars. [2]
Notes
- ^ Blue, Anthony (2004). The Complete Book of Spirits: A Guide to Their History, Production, and Enjoyment. HarperCollins. p. 336. ISBN 9780060542184.
- ^ Hicks, Jonathan (1987-01-17). "GRAND MET TO BUY NABISCO'S HEUBLEIN". New York Times. Retrieved 2009-06-19.
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