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Redneck Riviera Whiskey Taps Gretchen Wilson, Granger Smith and Colt Ford as Spirit Ambassadors

Multi-platinum redneck woman Gretchen Wilson, Texas-bred Granger Smith and his alter-ego Earl Dibbles Jr., and patriotic country star Colt Ford join forces with owner John Rich to spread the “Work Hard, Play Hard” vision.

PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Eastside Distilling, Inc. (NASDAQ: EAST) has struck a chord with three of John Rich’s friends and fellow country artists – Gretchen Wilson, Granger Smith and Colt Ford. Rich has selected the three country stars to serve as Redneck Riviera Whiskey ambassadors, supporting the brand and its efforts to give back to veterans’ families through their social media channels, performances and beyond. For further information on the brand, please visit http://redneckriviera.com/.

This Redneck Riviera Whiskey partnership is a natural fit for these artists, as they’re fans of the whiskey and its American roots. Gretchen Wilson says, “When John and I wrote ‘Redneck Woman’ 15 years ago, little did we know there would be a Redneck Riviera Whiskey someday. While that changed my life, here’s to hoping this whiskey will change your attitude.”

Portions of Redneck Riviera Whiskey sales benefit Folds of Honor, whose mission is to provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members. John Rich says, “Folds of Honor is such an important organization to me so I knew I had to give back to them through this whiskey. I love that my friends also got behind it and are supporting a great cause.”

Rich has recently traveled throughout the Southeast meeting fans and signing bottles sold at select whiskey tastings. The efforts the ambassadors will put behind Redneck Riviera will continue to enhance the overall marketing of the brand.

“Redneck Riviera Whiskey gives me the opportunity to support a friend’s venture, our veterans’ families and it’s the smoothest whiskey around,” Colt Ford said.

Granger Smith added, “I’ve been known to sing a song or two about whiskey so I’m excited to support a friend and partner with John’s Redneck Riviera.”

Eastside Distilling announced on April 23 that Redneck Riviera Whiskey is now being distributed in 15 states, with the addition of Kentucky as the 15th. Grover Wickersham, CEO of Eastside Distilling, says, “Eastside is thrilled at the trajectory of Redneck Riviera Whiskey and our partnership with John Rich. For him to bring some of his friends to help spread the word on whiskey is only a win-win for the team. We love to have brand extenders that truly represent the brand and its complex.”

About Redneck Riviera:

John Rich’s Redneck Riviera is a privately held lifestyle brand that celebrates America’s hard-working men and women. Built for people who live to turn up the music and have fun with friends and family, Redneck Riviera is America’s ‘Work Hard, Play Hard’ brand that offers something for everyone who likes to rock the red, white and blue all year long. Launched in 2014, the brand brings these values to life through footwear, apparel, hospitality, food, spirits and licensed products in a variety of categories. The brand will expand its reach with the opening of honky-tonk bar Redneck Riviera Nashville on Nashville’s Lower Broadway this spring. More information can be found at www.redneckriviera.com.

About Eastside Distilling

Eastside Distilling, Inc. (NASDAQ: EAST) has been producing high-quality, award-winning craft spirits in Portland, Oregon since 2008. The company is distinguished by its highly decorated product lineup that includes Burnside Bourbon, West End American Whiskey, Goose Hollow Reserve, Below Deck Rums, Portland Potato Vodka, Hue-Hue Coffee Rum and a distinctive line of fruit infused spirits. Eastside Distilling is majority owner of Big Bottom Distilling (makers of The Ninety One Gin, Navy Strength Gin and Delta Rye whiskey) and the Redneck Riviera Whiskey Co. All Eastside, Big Bottom and Redneck Riviera spirits are crafted from natural ingredients for quality and taste. Eastside’s MotherLode Bottling subsidiary is one of the Northwest’s leading independent spirit bottlers and ready-to-drink canners. For more information visit: www.eastsidedistilling.com or follow the company on Twitter and Facebook.

Important Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; acceptance of the Company’s products in the market; the Company’s success in obtaining new customers; the Company’s success in product development; the Company’s ability to execute its business model and strategic plans; the Company’s success in integrating acquired entities and assets, and all the risks and related information described from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the financial statements and related information contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and interim Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Examples of forward-looking statements in this release may include statements related to our strategic focus, product verticals, anticipated revenue, and profitability. The Company assumes no obligation to update the cautionary information in this release.

Company Contact:
Eastside Distilling
Steve Shum, CFO
971-888-4264
[email protected]
or
Investors:
Lytham Partners, LLC
Robert Blum, Joe Diaz or Joe Dorame
(602) 889-9700
[email protected]
or
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Wortman Works Media & Marketing
Jules Wortman, 615.260.9985
[email protected]
or
Melissa Mathews, 615.310.5859
[email protected]

Source: Eastside Distilling, Inc.