Black Button Distilling was saved from bankruptcy by Blackstar Company, a newly-formed company helmed by spirits industry veterans Kris Comstock and Ray Franklin. The investment by Blackstar will allow Black Button to continue operations, including distilling, bottling, and selling their award-winning spirits, including bourbon, Empire Rye whiskey, vodka, gin, and fan favorite Bespoke Bourbon Cream.
Black Button Distilling was founded in 2012 by Jason Barrett and was the first craft distillery to open in Rochester, NY since Prohibition. When industry friend and Blackstar co-founder Kris Comstock heard about the closing of Black Button, he was saddened by the news and reached out to Jason with an offer to help. “I was heartbroken to hear Black Button was closing and saw the community’s outpouring of support on social media,” said Comstock. “I’m thrilled about this partnership, as I have tremendous respect for Jason as a person and Master Distiller. Black Button Distilling has established a solid foundation across New York with its award-winning products. We look forward to building on that foundation as we expand the business.”
Jason Barrett, President and Master Distiller, Black Button Distilling said, “Although this is bittersweet, I’m happy that the distillery will remain open and our team will stay in place. I’ve known Kris for several years and have the utmost respect for his ability to build brands. I feel that Black Button is in great hands. But neither me nor my team is going anywhere. We will still run the day-to-day operations as always, but now have extra help and industry expertise from Blackstar. I’m very excited for the future of Black Button Distilling.”
Currently, Black Button has nine full-time employees, all of whom will remain. The tasting room, which closed in July, will remain closed for now as the new owners assess the business with more information to follow.