IBC takes stake in Charleston vodka company

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Sweet Grass Vodka has a new partner.

InterContinental Beverage Capital has taken a minority ownership position in the Charleston-based craft spirits company as of June 29, Sweet Grass Vodka said in a news release.

Founder and Charleston resident, Jarrod Swanger, and Chicago native and entrepreneur Brian Friedopfer, brought Sweet Grass Vodka to market in 2020. The product is available online in Total Wine & More Southeast locations, and through distributors in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, South Carolina, Texas and Tennessee.

With the product created and market position established, Swanger said it was time to bring in a beverage company with further expertise to support the family-owned, locally-sourced business.

“I had worked with IBC in a past venture and found their knowledge and network impressive and invaluable,” he said. “It is just what Sweet Grass needs at this point in its evolution. IBC, serving on our board of advisors, will help Sweet Grass Vodka continue its national expansion and ensure it has the knowledge and resources to fulfill its vision.”

With a second location set to open in September, Sweet Grass is in the midst of a rapid scale-up and expansion, the news release said. The state-of-the-art craft distillery and bottling plant will be located in Charleston’s Brewery District.

“We are excited to work with Jarrod and Brian to help make their vision a reality,” said IBC Founding Partner Joe Messina. “IBC will initially focus on strategy and foundational business elements and then assist in scale up and capitalization efforts.”