Next Century Spirits (NCS) has acquired country superstar Kenny Chesney‘s signature Blue Chair Bay Rum, expanding the liquor company’s presence into the premium rum category.
Blue Chair Bay Rum, created and built by Chesney, has sold more than 1 million cases since its 2013 inception, according to a press release. As part of the deal, Chesney will remain “one of NCS’s largest percentage owners” in the brand and continue to play an integral role. A purchase price was not disclosed.
“Blue Chair Bay Rum was created to capture my life, as a spirit to share with friends,” Chesney said in the statement. “This rum is the result of a lot of fun, passion, sunshine, good people and No Shoes Nation energy. Next Century Spirits embraces those same qualities. They have a passion for innovation and going to new places. This is going to be cool.”
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Chesney launched Blue Chair Bay Rum 12 years ago, serving as the sole owner and chief creative officer, according to the brand’s website. The brand’s name was inspired by Chesney’s 2004 song “Old Blue Chair,” which centers on Chesney’s affinity for island life.
Over the years, the rum has expanded into numerous flavors, including coconut, banana, vanilla, key lime rum cream, banana rum cream and coconut spiced rum cream.
North Carolina-headquartered Next Century Spirits’ portfolio also includes Nue Vodka, Numbskull (a cool mint and chocolate-flavored whiskey), Bear Fight Whiskey, Creek Water American Whiskey, Caddy Clubhouse Cocktails, Calamity Gin and Henderson Whiskey. The company was named North Carolina distillery of the year by the New York International Spirits Competition in 2023.
“Blue Chair Bay Rum has endless potential, and we’re excited to bring it into the NCS family,” said Anthony Moniello, co-CEO of Next Century Spirits, in a statement. “Kenny created something special – a great tasting rum with a rich story. At NCS, we’re building a team of fast-moving entrepreneurs and a portfolio of bold, unique brands for the next generation of spirits drinkers. Adding Kenny and Blue Chair Bay to our vision is another incredible step forward.” “Blue Chair Bay Rum strengthens our vision and marks another step in accelerating our growth as we work to shape the spirits of tomorrow,” added Rob Mason, co-CEO of Next Century Spirits.
The acquisition news comes as Chesney prepares to become the first country artist with a Las Vegas residency at Sphere, where he begins a 15-show run on May 22.
