In the world of artisanal spirits, Julious Grant stands as a visionary on a mission to redefine the way we experience and appreciate fine liquors. With a passion deeply rooted in the industry and a career spanning over three decades, Grant has emerged as a driving force behind some of the most unique and exceptional brands in the spirits industry.
A Journey of Passion and Heritage
Grant’s journey to becoming a trailblazing entrepreneur is as unique as the brands he champions. Raised in a family that celebrated both Mexican and American cultures, Grant’s multicultural upbringing laid the foundation for his deep appreciation of heritage and tradition.
“I’ve seen and tasted it all by working with some of the biggest, most prestigious and recognizable spirits companies for over three decades,” said Grant. “When I launched my own company, we didn’t want to give consumers more of the same. My goal was to take all of the insights I’ve gleaned and use them to craft truly exceptional products. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and creating a portfolio that not only reflects my own passion, but also celebrates the diverse tastes and traditions that inspire each of our brands.”
Grant’s fascination with spirits began early, but it wasn’t until he embarked on a personal quest to source the highest quality agave that one of his creations, O’RTE Single Estate Tequila, was born. This endeavor symbolized his connection to his half-Mexican roots and his unwavering commitment to producing hand-crafted, super-premium tequilas. The result was a truly unique spirit with 100 percent blue agaves sourced from a different estate each year, meticulously selected based on climate, soil composition and topography, setting a new standard in the world of tequila and taking the consumer on a journey of authenticity and remarkable flavors.
The Brand House Group: A Symphony of Unique Spirits
Grant’s legacy spans far beyond O’RTE Tequila. As the founder of the Brand House Group, Grant has curated an impressive portfolio of super-premium spirits that transcend borders and cultures. From the heartland of Mexico’s tequila industry to the sun-soaked vineyards of California and the iconic distilleries of Japan, Grant’s portfolio offers a narrative in every bottle.
One of the jewels in this portfolio is OMAGE California Artisanal Brandy, a testament to elegance and innovation. Crafted in a style similar to French cognac and made with a meticulous blend of four California grape varietals, OMAGE presents a modern twist on a classic spirit. Its range of expressions, aged 2, 4, and 6 years, promises to delight with a rich tapestry of flavors.
“OMAGE is the brand that put us on the map,” says Grant. “It’s taken off because there’s been a long-standing void in the market for a premium American brandy that offers a less sweet profile compared to lower-priced brandies, while maintaining the distinctive oak character found in cognac brands.” He adds, “It’s been a massive hit not just with brandy and cognac lovers, but enthusiasts of high-end bourbon, whiskey and scotch, as well.”
The Journey Across Continents
Crossing continents, Grant’s vision extends to the Land of the Rising Sun with a captivating collection of Japanese spirits. AWAYUKI Strawberry Gin, infused with rare strawberries from Japan’s Nara prefecture, and TEITESSA, a super-premium, single-grain Japanese whisky available in five aged expressions, are testaments to meticulous craftsmanship and cultural richness.
HAIKEN Japanese Handcrafted Vodka, born from the pristine waters of Mt. Katsuragi and the carefully nurtured rice fields of Hyogo, adds a unique and flavorful twist to the collection. Rounding out the Japanese portfolio are Shunka Shuto, four super-premium blended Japanese whiskies evoking Japan’s four seasons, and BIKOKU, a pure malt whisky made from the underground waters of Mount Fuji. These spirits are more than just beverages; they are gateways to cultural exploration and sensory delight.
A Visionary’s Legacy
Grant’s legacy is not just about spirits; it’s about celebrating cultures, fostering connections, and elevating the spirits industry to new heights. Prior to launching The Brand House Group, Grant served as Chief Commercial Officer, US Beam Suntory; President/CEO of Bacardi/Brown-Forman House for the UK and Ireland; Senior Vice President/National Sales Director of Bacardi U.S.A; Vice President at Moët Hennessy USA; and Marketing Director at both Schieffelin & Somerset and Diageo North America before starting his career at Seagram.
“Each spirit in our portfolio is totally unique, whether it’s through the distinctive, local ingredients we use, our innovative production processes or our one-of-a-kind flavor profiles,” adds Grant. “Our brands are produced with the utmost attention to detail to deliver the consumer superior products meant to be enjoyed neat, but also work incredibly well as the foundation for traditional and creative cocktails.”
In the world of artisanal spirits, Julious Grant stands as a pioneer who blazes a trail from Mexico to Japan, infusing each spirit with authenticity and excellence. As the Chairman/CEO of Brand House Group, he continues to bring narratives from across the globe to the forefront, each with its own unique flavor, history, and charm.
