The Nashville Post reported on Monday that an unnamed source informed the paper that Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery laid off 15 people out of its 19-person production team on April 11. The Constellation-owned brand let go of five bottlers, five distillers, blenders, warehouse employees and Nelson’s Green Brier General Manager James Hensley.
Constellation Brands informed The Post that layoffs were made due to a change in consumer preferences and “industry dynamics.”
“Business decisions such as these are always made with careful thought and consideration,” the supplier said in a statement. “We will work with impacted employees to offer support in transitioning to other opportunities either within or outside our company. We remain committed to our local operations and service to the Nashville community.”
The source confirmed with the Nashville Post that the layoffs were permanent and not seasonal. The Nashville Scene reported that a reason could be flagging sales, as Whiskey Advocate reported in January that sales of American whiskey dropped in 2023 and continued to dip lower in 2024.
Yet in spite of these layoffs, Nelson Green Brier claims it will be open for business, with its restaurant, bar and tours. Nashville Scene reported that Constellation claimed operating hours would be expanded within the upcoming weeks — even though just four employees remain.
Nelson’s Green Brier is a Tennessee whiskey brand known for its core portfolio which includes two bourbons and a rye whiskey. The Tennessee bourbon brand’s Classic Bourbon features a high-rye mashbill and clocks in at 93 proof. Nelson Brother’s Reserve Bourbon clocks in at 107.8 proof and the brand claims despite its high-rye mashbill, the bourbon is warm, with cherry aromas and cocoa. Nelson Brother’s rye whiskey hosts a more modest 92.5 proof yet features clove, nutmeg and cinnamon stick aromas.
Constellation Brands took an ownership stake in the brand in 2019, just seven years after Nelson’s Green Brier was founded in 2012. Andy and Charlie Nelson, the company’s founders, left the company in 2024, and Constellation took control of the company.
This latest news shows more evidence of a major shift for Constellation, following the news on Thursday that the supplier sold off six wine brands, including Meiomi to The Wine Group. The deal was projected to bring $900 million in revenue to the company for the fiscal year.
“We’re thrilled to enter into an agreement with Constellation to acquire these highly regarded brands and assets,” The Wine Group CEO John Sutton stated in a news release announcing The Wine Group’s acquisition. “As one of the world’s largest wine producers, The Wine Group is proud of our more than 40-year legacy of providing some of the world’s most beloved wine brands with exceptional operational excellence. The addition of these assets will build on our commitment to being a consumer-led company, delivering a diversified portfolio that offers consumers exceptional taste, quality and value — for any occasion.”
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