Private equity group Gold Corn & Co. acquires Kentucky-based bourbon maker J Mattingly 1845.

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-07-03 09:36:00

Kentucky-based Bourbon producer J Mattingly 1845 is set to be acquired by private-equity group Gold Corn & Co. The deal involves founder Jeff Mattingly selling 100% of his equity ownership to Gold Corn & Co., led by Andrew Varga and Carl Cordova. Financial details were not disclosed.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the next few months, with specific financial terms remaining undisclosed. Gold Corn’s investment in J Mattingly two years ago led to this acquisition. Growth strategies include expanding distribution into other states.

J Mattingly 1845, founded in 2010 by Jeff and Melissa Mattingly, operates in several states and online. Gold Corn plans to continue offering unique whiskies using a double-staving process for added flavor. Cameron Mattingly, son of Jeff, will oversee production and blending.

Jeff Mattingly expressed pride in building the brand over 15 years and welcomed Gold Corn to continue the legacy. The US spirits sector has seen various ownership changes recently, with Middle West acquiring Old Elk Distillery and Loch Lomond Group acquiring NYDC.

Westward Whiskey, a US single-malt distiller, filed for Chapter 11 protection in April. CEO Thomas Mooney stated the move was necessary to explore financial and strategic alternatives. The news of J Mattingly 1845’s acquisition by a private-equity group was first reported by Just Drinks.

Read more: Bourbon maker J Mattingly 1845 bought by private-equity group