Cincinnati, Ohio – Entrepreneur Bob Slattery has acquired Shumrick and Leys Distillery, located on Highland Avenue in Norwood Ohio. He is rebranding the company “Robert James Distillery.” Slattery, a partner in Fifty West Brewing Company, is excited to enter the next evolution of craft, but this time in the spirits industry.
“I could not be more excited with our acquisition of Shumrick and Leys,” said Slattery. “We plan to continue traditional distilling techniques, but also look forward to exploring new technologies to improve quality and accelerate the aging processes that haven’t changed in hundreds of years. As networks of smaller distilleries employ these technology updates, they can band together to disrupt big liquor in ways previously not possible.
In addition to technology advancements, the legal side of spirits distribution is finally getting an update as well. For years, antiquated Ohio Liquor laws impeded local distilleries from producing large quantities of product, by mandating that they ship liquor through one of two State-controlled warehouses.
“The State of Ohio allowing craft distilleries to sell product direct is a game-changer for the industry,” said Slattery. “Companies like ours with over 40+ years serving Greater Cincinnati businesses, with our various digital and print advertising venues: Reach Magazine, Valpak, Housetrends and DateNight, are in position to use our notable track record of street-sales experience to grow distribution. We look forward to expanding our distilled spirits market footprint, while helping local bars and restaurants achieve greater success.”
Bob’s son Bobby Slattery, his partner in Fifty West Brewing Company, is very supportive of his father’s latest endeavor.
“I’ve always marveled at my father’s business acumen and work ethic,” said Bobby. “Our team at Fifty West is very supportive of my dad’s latest venture with Robert James Distillery. He’s been instrumental in the growth of Fifty West over the years and watching what he can do in the spirit sector is going to be fun.”
Co-Founder of Shumrick and Leys and veteran of both wine and spirits production processes, Terry Shumrick remains on board as Master Distiller for Robert James Distillery.
“One of our first major investments as we rebrand from S&L to Robert James is working with iStill technology,” said Shumrick. “iStill is an innovative company hailing from Amsterdam, Netherlands. Our relationship with iStill allows us to collaborate across a network of like-minded smaller distilleries and come to market faster with cutting edge, patented spirits production processes. Innovation and quality are our guiding lights.”
Look for a rebrand of the Norwood taproom, their craft cocktail menu and Shumrick and Ley’s line of spirits, as they enter the Robert James era. But not everything will change.
“I’ve worked with my brother, Toby (née Tobin Shumrick), founder of Tobin James Cellars for years, aging many of our favorite liquors in wine barrels from his Paso Robles, California Winery,” said Shumrick. “I can’t wait to see how we can collaborate in the future!”
The company is targeting early-June for the re-brand from S&L to Robert James Distillery. Stay tuned for further details and projects in the coming weeks.
About Robert James Distillery: Located at 2810 Highland Avenue, in Norwood, OH, Robert James Distillery includes a bar, taproom, production facility, and state-of-the-art laboratory. Join us as we strive to streamline, distill and blend excellent small batch spirits of rum, vodka, bourbon, bourvin, gin, tequila, etc.
About Slatts Group: The company that Bob Slattery created in 1978 operates a diverse group of brands in the advertising, media, food and beverage, event marketing, and pet-related fields.