Actor Takes Equity Stake in Australian Distillery Chris Hemsworth has joined Archie Rose Distilling Co. as co-owner alongside founder Will Edwards, as the Sydney-based whisky and spirits producer prepares its first U.S. market entry this fall. Founded in 2014, Archie Rose has built its reputation on exclusively using Australian-grown malts and botanicals. The distillery has earned more than 450 global awards, including World's Best Gin and multiple awards for rye and single malt whisky. "I've been a fan of Archie Rose for a long time," Hemsworth said. "Wherever I am in the world, tasting an Archie Rose whisky immediately transports me right back home, to that feeling of sitting around a campfire in the Australian bush with my mates. Their ethos of only using Australian grown malts to produce flavour packed whiskies at their Sydney distillery is truly awesome. They're a brilliant example of what Australia does best and I can't wait to share that with the world."
U.S. Distribution Through Major Distributor Archie Rose has secured national U.S. distribution through Reyes Beverage Group (RBG), one of the largest beer and spirits distributors in the country, supplemented by regional partners New York Wine & Spirits in New York and Fedway Associates in New Jersey. "Archie Rose represents exactly the kind of premium, differentiated brand that resonates with today's spirits consumer," said Kyle Dean, President of Spirits and Wine for Reyes Beverage Group. "They have built an impressive reputation through a commitment to quality, authenticity and exceptional craftsmanship. We're excited to partner with the Archie Rose team as they begin this next phase of growth and help introduce more consumers to a distinctive and exciting whisky brand."
Production and Sourcing Model Archie Rose partners with local Australian growers to source heirloom and drought-resistant grain varieties for its whiskies and native botanicals for its gins. The distillery mills, mashes, ferments, distils, and matures each malt type separately before blending components—an approach designed to preserve individual grain character. For gin production, Archie Rose uses a cold distillation process intended to preserve botanical integrity. The distillery was built to meet energy efficiency standards and achieved B Corp Certification in June 2026. "Our approach has always been about championing local ingredients to create spirits that taste truly Australian," said founder Will Edwards. "Having Chris join the business as a co-owner allows us to bring that ambition to the world. We aren't just making spirits; we are using Australia's raw materials and ingenuity as the base for producing the world's best whisky, gin and other spirits, telling the stories of the growers and the land beneath them."
Global Expansion Timeline Three whiskies co-created with Hemsworth will launch in late 2026 across Asia and New Zealand, with expansion into the EU and UK planned for 2027.
Why It Matters
Archie Rose's U.S. entry through a major distributor signals growing overseas appetite for premium Australian spirits. The brand's locally sourced, single-origin approach and celebrity backing position it to compete in the premium whisky category as American consumers increasingly seek differentiated, sustainability-focused brands.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
