Drinks giant Pernod Ricard USA has purchased Skrewball peanut butter-flavored whiskey, capping off a meteoric rise for the brand since launching in 2018. Skrewball surpassed 500,000 nine-liter cases sold in 2022.

“Skrewball has proven its uniqueness and success with a large audience, so we are delighted to have this brand as part of our portfolio” says Ann Mukherjee, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard North America. “With a product that brings an iconic American flavor to the spirits world, Steven and Brittany have found a true point of difference in the category. We are looking forward to unlocking the magic of this brand and a successful journey ahead.”

The acquisition bolsters Pernod’s presence in the fast-growing flavored whiskey space. The company had launched an orange flavored expression of its Jameson Irish whiskey last year.

“It’s overwhelming to see how far we’ve come with a ‘screwball’ idea and a dream,” says founders Steven and Brittany Yeng. “We are very excited to see what the future holds for this brand under Pernod Ricard. The engine behind the company — its strategy, global reach and brand building expertise — will greatly support in taking the brand to new heights and we are excited to see it soar.”

Terms of the deal announced today were not disclosed. Debevoise & Plimpton acted as legal advisor to Pernod Ricard. Perella Weinberg Partners acted as financial advisor to Skrewball and the founders and Latham & Watkins acted as their legal advisor.