Australia’s Archie Rose Distilling Co has welcomed actor Chris Hemsworth as “a co-owner” ahead of the US debut for its namesake whisky brand.
The Sydney-based craft distiller, which was founded by Will Edwards in 2014, has sold an unspecified size of stake for an undisclosed sum to Hemsworth, who is also from Australia. The 43-year-old actor, best known for appearing in films across the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’, will leverage his fame to support the release of Archie Rose’s whiskies in the US “in late 2026”.
At the same time as the US rollout, Archie Rose will co-create three new whiskies with Hemsworth that will launch “across markets in Asia and New Zealand … later this year”.
“Our approach has always been about championing local ingredients to create spirits that taste truly Australian,” said 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’re 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.”
Just over two months ago, domestic peer Starward Whisky agreed a marketing tie-up for its namesake brand with Rugby Australia. As a result, Starward will have “extensive rights across Rugby Australia’s major events, including match-day hospitality, stadium signage, player appearances and co-branded merchandise”.
