Bacardi-Martini Australia has announced the appointment of Kayla Grigoriou as Angel’s Envy Whiskey Specialist ahead of the spirit’s consumer launch.
Grigoriou worked at Adelaide’s Maybe Mea and Bar Torino before opening her own spirits company, Needle and Pin Spirits, in 2019. She has judged spirits competitions with Tasting Australia, the Melbourne Spirit Awards and the Drink Easy Awards. Grigoriou relocated to Sydney in 2022, joining the Bacardi-Martini team as Brand Ambassador.
Her appointment to Angel’s Envy comes ahead of the national launch of the super-premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon in Australia in the coming months.
Bourbon is the most-consumed spirit in Australia and Grigoriou’s new position forms part of Bacardi-Martini’s strategy to accelerate its position in the super-premium American whiskey market and capitalise on the sector’s growth.
Grigoriou (above) said: “I’m so thrilled to continue my journey with the Bacardi-Martini team, taking on this new role is a dream come true. Focusing on and championing the premium bourbon space in Australia is an incredible opportunity.
“I am eager to share Angel’s Envy’s unique story and exceptional quality with Australian whiskey enthusiasts. I look forward to this new challenge and the journey ahead as we bring this remarkable bourbon to the forefront of the market.”
Bacardi-Martini Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand Luiz Schmidt said: “We are thrilled to welcome Kayla Grigoriou as our Angel’s Envy Whiskey Specialist.
“Her expertise and passion for premium spirits are critical as we elevate the super-premium American whiskey category in Australia. With the strong preference for bourbon among Australian consumers, Kayla’s appointment is strategically timed and pivotal to our expansion efforts.
“Angel’s Envy, renowned for its innovative production techniques and exceptional quality, marks an exciting milestone for our business. Under Kayla’s leadership, we are confident the brand will become a significant growth driver and a
favourite among Australian whiskey enthusiasts.”
Bacardi-Martini acquired Angel’s Envy in 2015. Following a successful on-premise launch in 2020, the company is preparing for the upcoming consumer launch.
Co-founded in Louisville, Kentucky in 2011 by industry icon Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson and his son Wes
Henderson, Angel’s Envy quickly made its mark, redefining the craft of bourbon production. Unlike other bourbons,
Angel’s Envy undergoes an additional maturation process, finishing its Kentucky Straight bourbon in Port Wine
Barrels which adds an additional layer of complexity and flavour.
Although the journey began as a father-son venture, Angel’s Envy has recently embraced a new chapter with the
appointment of Owen Martin as the company’s first Master Distiller since Lincoln Henderson’s passing in 2013.
Martin brings a wealth of knowledge in both European and American production techniques, coupled with a
progressive approach to distillation and product development.
Martin will visit Australia for the consumer launch of Angel’s Envy, hosting a series of events in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.