Client Success Stories

A Proud Showcase of Clients Who Inspire Our Work

We are proud to present a portfolio of remarkable brands and partners who have trusted us on their journey. Each collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering value, building strong relationships, and achieving outstanding results together. From long-standing partnerships to exciting new ventures, these clients are a testament to our shared success.

Trusted voices from the beverage alcohol industry

We pride ourselves on building strong, long-lasting relationships with our clients. Hear directly from the brands and partners who have experienced the MHW difference — from seamless compliance support to efficient distribution and strategic growth. Their success stories inspire our commitment every day.

“MHW provides the premium level of customer service and reliability demanded of a luxury brand. MHW’s scalability and global services have accompanied our global growth and supported us to independently expand the targeted distribution of our portfolio of prestige cuvées around the world.”

Sebastien Besson, CEO, Champagne Armand de Brignac

“Their best-in-class operations support allows our team to focus on the stories and people that make Combier, Banhez and the rest of our portfolio so unique. MHW was there for case one and every case since, and we couldn’t be happier.”

Curt Goldman, CEO, CNI Brands

“We had a great experience launching Leblon Cachaça with MHW. They were integral to our success, helping us navigate the challenging world of spirits compliance federally and in the various states, and providing a turnkey logistical capability.”

Steve Luttman, CEO, Leblon Cachaça

“MHW has been a fantastic partner and key element in Casa Dragones’ growth and success in the United States. They understand the pace and needs of entrepreneurial ventures, and have provided the support we’ve needed to execute with excellence.”

Bertha González Nieves, Co-Founder and CEO Tequila Casa Dragones

“We have been a partner with MHW since 2014 and have been extremely pleased with their professionalism and deep level of attention to our business and brands. They continue to be a great resource for us and are very responsive to our questions and adaptable to our changing needs. Their entire team has been a key piece to our growth.”

Mike Neises, Vice President and General Manager, Agave Loco and RumChata

“MHW has been a trusted and valuable partner to Carolina Wine Brands for more than 10 years. Their operational support, strategic planning, and market entry services have been instrumental to the ongoing growth and success of our portfolio.”

Richard Scelfo, Managing Partner, Carolina Wine Brands

“MHW has been a valuable partner to Purity Vodka since our US launch in 2018 and into multi-millions of revenue. We recommend every brand take advantage of the detailed data that MHW provides and leverage their Client Account Manager.”

Tate Troelstrup, Purity Distillery

“I have worked with MHW since 1999 at various companies and have witnessed their growth and adaptability to commercially aide large or small companies’ needs. We have been working with MHW since 2018 at Altos Planos. Their market entry services were critical for our company to manage various routes to market depending on the state. MHW’s operational support and compliance work has allowed us to focus our energy and resources on growing our brands. They also offer global support which has aided our expansion into Europe. The sign of a good partner is a company that provides value during and post scalability. MHW is an excellent strategic alliance for entrepreneurial-level products to mature broad-market brands. Having worked with MHW in four different companies is the strongest endorsement that I can give any organization.

Michael Howard, Chief Commercial Officer, Altos Planos Collective

“MHW made it possible for Illusionist Gin to be sold in the US. After a yearlong back-and-forth with another back-office importer who was ultimately unable to secure formula approval, Illusionist Gin transferred to MHW. MHW expertly solved our issues, and we were on the shelf in a matter of mere months. We are thankful and highly satisfied with their expertise and hands-on support.”

Tim S, Illusionist Gin

Acquisitions & Investments

MHW supports brands seeking strategic growth through mergers, acquisitions, and capital investment. Our team provides market insights, due-diligence guidance, and operational expertise to help evaluate opportunities, strengthen portfolios, and unlock long-term value. Whether you’re expanding, consolidating, or preparing for investment, we help you move with clarity and confidence.

Casamigos

When Casamigos Tequila was first launched under the Sidney Frank Imports portfolio—the same team that built Grey Goose—it was positioned for success but faced a major operational challenge when Sidney Frank was acquired by Jägermeister and rebranded as Mast-Jägermeister US.

Casamigos needed a new home to continue growing without disruption, and MHW stepped in to provide the full operational infrastructure required to keep the brand’s momentum going. Acting as the licensed importer, MHW managed importation, compliance, logistics, and distribution, ensuring a seamless transition and uninterrupted U.S. market presence. This foundation allowed Casamigos to maintain focus on brand storytelling and demand generation, driving it toward exponential growth.

As the brand gained traction and became one of the most recognized premium tequila labels in the world, Diageo acquired Casamigos in a landmark $1 billion deal, keeping the brand with MHW during the transition to ensure operational continuity. Even after Diageo eventually brought production and distribution in-house, MHW continued to manage select U.S. states, where our efficiency and expertise remained unmatched. Casamigos’ success story showcases how MHW provides global brands with the flexibility, compliance excellence, and operational speed to scale seamlessly—even through major ownership changes and acquisitions.

Hypnotiq

In 2001, entrepreneur Raphael Yakoby turned a spark of inspiration into Hypnotiq, the vibrant blue liqueur that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Starting with grassroots sales out of his car in New York City, the brand gained national attention almost overnight.

MHW played a key role in making that growth possible, acting as the licensed importer and managing the complex regulatory landscape, including federal and state compliance, tax reporting, and logistics. By providing this operational backbone, MHW allowed Hypnotiq to scale rapidly and reliably, while Yakoby focused on marketing, brand-building, and driving demand.

When Hypnotiq caught the eye of major industry players, MHW supported the process that led to its $63 million acquisition by Heaven Hill Distilleries, coordinating logistics, inventory, and compliance to ensure a smooth transition. Later, Yakoby turned to MHW again to launch Nuvo, a sparkling vodka-based beverage targeting female consumers. By helping with product registration, distribution strategy, and national rollout, MHW once again enabled a bold idea to become a commercially successful, culturally iconic brand.

Leblon Cachaca Dashboard

When Leblon Cachaça launched in the U.S., it was introducing a category that barely existed. MHW provided the operational and regulatory foundation that allowed the brand to enter a new market confidently, handling import compliance, logistics, state filings, and distribution—everything needed to ensure the product could move smoothly from production to shelf.

With MHW managing these complexities, the Leblon team was able to focus on marketing and brand-building, including high-profile activations around World Cup events that helped generate awareness and educate consumers about Cachaça. Even with early sales modest, MHW’s support ensured the brand could scale efficiently and consistently.

As Leblon gained traction, major industry players took notice. Bacardi made a strategic investment in the brand while keeping MHW in place to continue managing the operational backbone during this growth phase. MHW played a key role in facilitating a smooth partnership, overseeing logistics, inventory, and compliance to support both ongoing sales and strategic discussions with investors. By enabling Leblon to scale from its earliest stages to becoming a recognized name in spirits, MHW demonstrates how it empowers brands to grow confidently while navigating the regulatory and operational challenges of a complex market.

42 Below

42BELOW Vodka began as the bold vision of New Zealand entrepreneur James Dale, whose unapologetic marketing and distinctive brand voice helped the vodka stand out in a crowded global spirits landscape. Known for pushing boundaries and embracing the idea that “any press is good press,” 42BELOW built strong international buzz, particularly across Europe and Asia.

To successfully expand into the U.S. market, the brand partnered with MHW, which provided the importation, compliance, and operational infrastructure necessary to navigate the complex U.S. regulatory environment. By handling logistics, tax compliance, and state-by-state distribution approvals, MHW allowed the 42BELOW team to stay focused on building the brand’s irreverent, culture-forward identity.

As global recognition grew, 42BELOW caught the attention of major industry players. With MHW supporting U.S. operations and compliance, the brand maintained its market presence and credibility stateside while continuing to scale abroad. That foundation helped pave the way for Bacardi’s $90 million acquisition, driven by the brand’s powerful global performance. The partnership between 42BELOW and MHW exemplifies how MHW enables bold, creative spirits brands to expand internationally with confidence—providing the structure and support to turn local success into global opportunity.

Ilegal Mezcal

From 2011 to 2013, MHW partnered with the Oaxacan government and its marketing body to launch a comprehensive educational program in New York aimed at introducing Mezcal to both consumers and the trade.

The goal was to highlight Mezcal as a unique, premium spirit distinct from Tequila. MHW managed the entire operational and logistical process, from importing and state compliance to coordinating tastings, events, and on-premise activations. By providing this operational backbone, MHW enabled participating producers—including Ilegal—to focus on building brand awareness and educating the market effectively.

Through this program, Ilegal emerged as one of the standout brands, gaining strong traction in the U.S. market. MHW continued to support the brand as it scaled, handling regulatory compliance, inventory management, and distribution strategy, which allowed Ilegal to grow efficiently and position itself for strategic investment. Ultimately, MHW’s role in facilitating both market entry and operational scalability helped Ilegal achieve recognition and success in the competitive spirits industry, demonstrating how the right partnership can turn educational initiatives into commercially thriving brands. Ilegal was eventually invested in by Diageo.

Avion Tequila

Tequila Avión began as the vision of an entrepreneur from the aviation industry who set out to create a premium tequila rooted in authenticity and craftsmanship. With a compelling story and strong branding, the breakthrough came when Avión was featured organically within the storyline of HBO’s hit show Entourage—not as a paid placement, but as part of the show’s narrative.

Within days of airing, distributors across the country began calling, eager to bring Avión to their markets. Behind this rapid rise, MHW served as the licensed importer and compliance partner, managing regulatory filings, logistics, and distribution strategy so Avión could scale nationally while maintaining its boutique brand integrity.

As demand surged, MHW continued to support Avión’s operational and commercial growth, providing the infrastructure needed for a fast-moving, high-demand brand. That strong foundation helped position Avión for a strategic acquisition by Pernod Ricard, one of the world’s largest spirits companies. From startup launch to successful exit, MHW’s partnership empowered Avión to expand quickly, compliantly, and strategically—proving how MHW helps visionary founders turn passion projects into globally recognized premium brands.

Bulldog Gin

Founded in 2007 by former investment banker Anshuman Vohra, Bulldog Gin set out to redefine the premium gin category with a bold, modern identity. Unlike many fast-growth brands, Bulldog took a “slow and steady” approach, focusing on building a loyal following and strong global presence over time.

Partnering with MHW from its early days, Bulldog leveraged MHW’s expertise in importation, compliance, logistics, and back-office operations to scale sustainably in the highly regulated U.S. market. MHW’s team handled everything from product registrations and tax filings to supply chain coordination, freeing the Bulldog team to concentrate on brand strategy, marketing, and international expansion.

Over the next decade, Bulldog evolved from a boutique startup into a globally recognized gin brand, celebrated for its contemporary design and smooth, distinctive flavor. With a strong operational foundation and consistent growth, Bulldog caught the attention of major spirits companies—culminating in its $58 million acquisition by Campari in 2017. The brand’s steady rise illustrates how MHW empowers entrepreneurs to build enduring, scalable brands by providing the infrastructure and compliance expertise needed to support long-term success.

Skinnygirl Margarita

When entrepreneur and television personality Bethenny Frankel set out to launch Skinnygirl Margarita, a ready-to-drink cocktail designed for health-conscious consumers, she faced an uphill battle. No importers were willing to take a chance on the idea, so MHW partnered with her to bring the product to life—serving as the licensed importer and managing all compliance, logistics, and regulatory processes to get Skinnygirl onto U.S. shelves.

By providing the operational structure behind the scenes, MHW empowered Bethenny to focus on what she did best: building a brand through tireless grassroots marketing, in-person events, and smart media exposure that connected directly with consumers.

As demand exploded, Skinnygirl became a cultural phenomenon, redefining the RTD cocktail category and capturing the attention of major industry players. With a strong operational foundation and national traction, the brand was soon acquired by Beam Global (now Beam Suntory) for $120 million. The Skinnygirl story is a powerful example of how MHW helps visionary entrepreneurs transform bold ideas into category-defining successes—handling the complexity so founders can focus on building brands that resonate.

Presidente Beer

When Presidente Beer partnered with MHW, the brand was ready to take control of its growth trajectory. Previously a small part of a large beer portfolio, Presidente realized that its U.S. momentum came not from distributor focus but from its own team’s dedication and market knowledge.

By moving to MHW, Presidente gained the flexibility and operational independence to build its own success story. MHW provided full-service importation, compliance, logistics, and back-office support, allowing the brand to hire additional sales representatives, expand distribution, and execute targeted marketing efforts without the constraints of a large, competing portfolio.

With MHW managing the regulatory and operational complexities behind the scenes, Presidente’s team was able to focus entirely on sales and brand development—doubling volume from 1.2 million to 2.7 million cases in just two years. This impressive growth caught the attention of AB InBev, who ultimately brought the brand in-house. Presidente’s journey illustrates how MHW empowers established brands to unlock their full potential—providing the operational freedom and infrastructure needed to accelerate growth and attract major strategic partners.

Carlsberg Beer

When Carlsberg, the world’s #2 beer brand, sought to establish a stronger foothold in the U.S. market, they turned to MHW for operational and compliance expertise. Initially managing their own U.S. operations, Carlsberg soon realized the complexities of navigating a highly regulated and fragmented distribution landscape.

Partnering with MHW provided the infrastructure they needed to operate efficiently—covering importation, federal and state compliance, logistics, and back-office support. With this partnership, Carlsberg was able to maintain brand integrity while focusing its resources on market strategy, sales development, and consumer engagement.

As the brand refined its U.S. strategy, MHW played a key role in ensuring business continuity and market access, supporting Carlsberg through multiple phases of growth and product innovation, including its cider launch. By enabling flexible market entry and long-term operational stability, MHW helped Carlsberg adapt to changing priorities and maintain a strong U.S. presence. The partnership showcases how MHW’s adaptable model empowers global beverage leaders to streamline operations, stay compliant, and accelerate market performance in one of the most complex beverage landscapes in the world.

Proximo Group

When Proximo Spirits partnered with MHW, they were managing a diverse and rapidly expanding portfolio that included major brands such as 1800 Tequila, Three Olives Vodka, and Jose Cuervo. Each brand came with its own unique challenges, from compliance and logistics to state-by-state distribution.

MHW provided the scalable infrastructure needed to manage those transitions smoothly and efficiently—handling importation, federal and state compliance, logistics, tax management, and back-office operations. When Proximo acquired Three Olives Vodka, MHW enabled a full U.S. market launch in just 30 days, ensuring uninterrupted supply and compliance across all 50 states, including complex control state markets.

Later, as Jose Cuervo prepared to bring its U.S. operations in-house, MHW supported a seamless one-year transition—maintaining compliance and distribution continuity while Proximo built its own internal systems. By providing flexibility, speed, and cost efficiency, MHW helped Proximo manage large-scale operational shifts with minimal disruption. This partnership highlights MHW’s ability to execute complex transitions for top-tier global brands—proving that even the largest players can rely on MHW to move fast, stay compliant, and scale smarter.