Nelson brothers buy back Nelson's Green Brier from Constellation
What's the deal? Brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson have bought back full ownership of Nashville's Nelson's Green Brier DistilleryDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → from Constellation BrandsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, through their company Belle Meade Spirits. The undisclosed deal, completed November 9, 2026, covers all product inventory and the lease on the 50,000-square-foot distillery and event space.
Why now? Constellation had already flagged Nelson's Green Brier for divestiture as it reshapes its wine and spirits portfolio. The sale lands as the American whiskey sector works through oversupply and weaker demand, pushing larger peers including Jim Beam and MGP IngredientsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → to pause production and cut jobs.
The backstory: Constellation first took a minority stake in 2016, lifted it to a majority in 2019, and assumed full ownership in 2024. Charlie left the business in 2023, and Andy followed in 2024. The brothers' great-great-great-grandfather, Charles Nelson, founded the original distillery in the 1800s; it became Tennessee's largest pre-Prohibition distillery before closing in 1909.
What's the endgame? The buyback reunites the brothers with the distillery they revived in 2014, alongside Belle Meade Bourbon and Louisa's Liqueur, whose rights they reacquired in 2024. "This has been our family business dating back to the 1800s, so to have the opportunity to once again have full ownership of the brand and its storied history is extraordinarily meaningful to us," Andy said. He added that the brothers plan to return to producing "premium spirits right here in our own hometown."
Andy also flagged "a transition period where we determine next steps for the brand, our portfolio of products and the distillery itself." All existing staff will be retained, and the distillery's restaurant, bar, tours, and events will continue as normal.
The signal: For Constellation, the sale looks like portfolio pruning rather than a strategic reversal, with the company citing a focus on segments best positioned to drive long-term growth. For the Nelsons, it restores control of a namesake business in a market where craft producers are testing whether local ownership can outlast a downturn that is thinning the broader field.
Read more: thespiritsbusiness.com
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