Raleigh December 2023 Key Take Aways
Wyrick & Robbins’ Eric Vernon first introduced RPN CEO Rick Lackey who shared national CRE trends and then Olde Raleigh Distillery CEO + Master Blender Brandon McCarney who hosted a bourbon tasting.
Rick Lackey said CRE is currently fragmented; an asset may work in one submarket but not another. Chicago is struggling, which is normally stable. He said a 2024 RPN conference is being planned.
Brandon McCraney started in 2017 and blends his bourbon in batches (2K bottles); he is on batch 12. McCraney focused on the aging and blending process.
Olde Raleigh Distillery is family-owned and operated; McCraney secured his distillery building in downtown Zebulon, NC September 2019 and opened January 2021. His bourbon is available in most NC counties and by mail order in 40 states. He plans to add brick and mortar locations to VA and SC.
McCraney entered an International Whiskey Blend Competition; he won for best Microdistillery in the U.S. His cigar blend was named the 26th best whiskey in the world.
McCraney said 95% of bourbon currently comes from KY, but he thinks that is changing. He believes single-malt whiskey will be the next big wave.
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