Pernod Ricard Adds Wiser’s Whiskey & Polar Ice Vodka

From Shanken
Pernod Ricard USA has added two new brands from Pernod’s Corby Distilleries unit in Canada: Wiser’s Canadian whisky and Polar Ice vodka. Previously distributed in the U.S. by McCormick Distilling, the two brands came to Pernod USA effective July 1 in a contract running to June 30, 2017. The Wiser’s portfolio includes Wiser’s Deluxe, Wiser’s Legacy and Wiser’s 18-Year-Old (which was awarded Canadian Whisky of the Year by Whisky Advocate this year). Wiser’s shipped 786,000 cases globally in the 12 months through June, with Canada accounting for 717,000 cases. Polar Ice shipped 394,000 cases in 2011, with 350,000 going to the domestic Canadian market. New Pernod Ricard USA president Bryan Fry, who took over for Paul Duffy September 1, said both brands would benefit from Pernod’s U.S. route to market and track record for premium brand-building.