A distillery in Pasco County that recently expanded to add new bottling lines and new jobs has secured a contract to produce The Rolling Stones’ first-ever spirit, Crossfire Hurricane, according to a Pasco Economic Development Council news release.
Pasco County helped The Point Distillery to expand, by providing economic incentives.
Spencer Wolf, CEO of The Point Distillery, expressed his exuberance by his company’s selection by The Rolling Stones to bottle a rum known as Crossfire Hurricane.
“We are beyond ecstatic and very proud to be producing a product for the most iconic rock band in the world,” Wolf said, in the release.
He credited his team and called it “a classic example of how local government can work hand-in-hand with business, creating employment opportunities, economic growth and provide unique recognition both domestically and internationally for Pasco County.”
He said the announcement of the launch has been featured internationally by the media.
The Point Distillery, at 11807 Little Road in New Port Richey, will carry out the entire rum-bottling process.
That includes setting the bottling line up for production, filling the bottles with the Crossfire Hurricane rum, completing the packaging by attaching the corks and labeling, and, lastly, sealing the bottles with a capsule over the cork. The products will then be packed into display cases ready for shipment to distributors, the news release says.
“As The Rolling Stones say, the consumer can now ‘take your tongue for a ride with Crossfire Hurricane.’ We make the rum, they make the music,” Wolf added.
Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco EDC, also weighed in.
“Securing a contract like this brings more job opportunities to our residents and showcases our business community in such a cool and different light,” Cronin said, in the release. “The county supported The Point and its expansion and now they are working with one of, if not, the biggest name in rock ‘n’ roll.”
Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano is delighted, too.
“Pasco County is proud to share in the success of such a top-notch company that’s truly premier in the industry,” Mariano said, in the release. “The Point Distillery is now exporting products around the U.S. and the world – with more than 30 full-time employees.”
The board chairman also noted: “Our board has provided the company with approximately $239,000 in repayable equipment purchase loans over the past several years, which is a great example of how Pasco County supports redevelopment and thriving small businesses.”
Published December 06, 2023
