Brown-Forman Corp., Louisville, Ky., and Pabst Brewing Co. announced a mutual agreement to conclude their partnership related to flavored malt beverages (FMBs) within the United States. Effective July 7, 2026, Brown-Forman will assume management of the supply, sales, marketing and distribution for these products.

The partnership, established in 2021, granted Pabst exclusive rights to the production, sales, marketing and distribution of Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails, as well as the right to develop new flavored malt beverages, which led to the introduction of Jack Daniel's Bolder, Jack Daniel’s Hard Tea and el Jimador Spiked Bebidas.

“We have enjoyed working with the talented team at Pabst over the last few years to drive growth and innovation across our FMB portfolio,” said Robinson Brown IV, senior vice president and managing director for United States and Canada at Brown-Forman, in a statement. “Moving forward, bringing these brands in-house allows us to take greater control of our ready-to-drink strategy during a period of increased consumer demand. By centralizing our efforts, we are better positioned to accelerate the portfolio’s momentum and maximize its future impact.”

Greig DeBow, CEO at Pabst, added: “We appreciate Brown-Forman’s collaboration over the past five years as we expanded their FMB footprint. This transition will allow us to reallocate resources toward execution and innovation within our core portfolio of iconic brands. We’re excited to continue delivering on the beverages we’re best known for while creating new drinks that delight consumers.”

Both companies are working closely on a comprehensive transition plan to ensure seamless product availability for consumers, retailers, and distributors through the end of the agreement.

Following the effective date, Brown-Forman will oversee the supply chain and commercial operations for these brands, aligning them with the company’s broader strategic focus on the ready-to-drink category.