Charleston, SC—October 11, 2024—Grain & Barrel Spirits has enhanced its leadership team with the addition of John Roa as General Manager North America. With an impressive track record of creating value and expanding market presence in the spirits industry, Roa brings a wealth of expertise as Grain & Barrel continues to accelerate its flagship Chicken Cock Whiskey brand.
Roa previously served as Senior Vice President of Sales at Samson & Surrey. During his tenure, he was instrumental in scaling a diverse portfolio of premium craft spirit brands—Tequila Ocho, Widow Jane American Whiskey, Few Spirits, Brenne French Whisky, Bluecoat Gin, and Mezcal Vago—growing sales and establishing a presence across the U.S.
Prior to Samson & Surrey, Roa spent 20 years at Bacardi USA, where he held various roles, most recently as Vice President and Managing Director of the Eastern Sales Division. There, he demonstrated his ability to work in partnership with distributors to have solid and continuous sales growth.
“I am thrilled to join the talented team at Grain & Barrel,” commented Roa. “With the fast-growing popularity of our historically significant Chicken Cock Whiskey brand, we have a significant opportunity to create long-term value.”
“We are confident that Roa’s vast experience and strategic vision will be a driving force to expand our business,” said Grain & Barrel Spirits Founder & CEO Matti Anttila. “He is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the spirits industry.”
About Grain & Barrel Spirits
Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Grain & Barrel Spirits is an innovative-driven global spirits portfolio that develops and scales authentic brands – connecting the best artisans with markets and consumers around the world.
The company’s core brands include: Chicken Cock Whiskey, a historically significant whiskey brand established in Paris, Kentucky, in 1856; Tequila Eterno Verano, a range of ultra-premium tequilas made for adventurous souls; Dixie Spirits, which boasts a roster of five premium vodkas, including its signature award-winning Southern Vodka, alongside its first-ever whiskey, Dixie Delight; High Goal Luxury Gin, a small batch, ultra-premium gin produced in Charleston; Elvis Whiskey, Elvis Presley-inspired whiskeys; and High Goal Elixirs.
Grain & Barrel Spirits has been named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America three years in a row.
