What is an NDP (Non-distiller producer)?

Launching a whiskey or distillery brand is an exciting venture, but the industry presents unique challenges that require careful planning. One of the most critical decisions for new brands is how to source the liquid that will define their product. Non-Distiller Producers (NDPs) can provide a valuable solution, offering access to high-quality aged spirits and easing the path to market entry.

What Is an NDP?

An NDP, or Non-Distiller Producer, is a business that sells whiskey it doesn’t distill itself. Instead, NDPs acquire whiskey from established distilleries, often rebranding it or blending it to create distinct flavor profiles. While they don’t own distilleries, they leverage extensive liquid sourcing networks to provide a variety of options for brands. This model is often confused with independent bottlers, but there is a key difference: NDPs focus on creating and branding their own product lines, while independent bottlers emphasize the original distillery that produced the whiskey.

How NDPs Can Benefit Startups

For startups, partnering with an NDP can be transformative. It allows brands to access premium aged spirits without the long wait for their own products to mature. This approach eliminates the need for capital-intensive infrastructure, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs eager to enter the market quickly. Additionally, NDPs often bring deep industry knowledge, helping startups craft flavor profiles and blends that align with their vision. By handling sourcing, logistics, and even bottling partnerships, NDPs streamline the complexities of launching a whiskey brand.

Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks of NDPs

However, working with NDPs has its trade-offs. On the positive side, brands can bypass the time and expense of distillation and aging, achieving faster market entry with flexible options for mash bills and age statements. On the other hand, sourcing whiskey from NDPs may limit a brand’s control over production and come with higher costs for premium liquids. Some consumers also perceive products from NDPs as less authentic than those crafted entirely by distilleries.

Successful Brands That Started With NDPs

Despite these challenges, many top brands have used NDPs successfully. Templeton Rye, for instance, made its name by sourcing whiskey from Midwest Grain Products (MGP), while High West Distillery started with sourced products before expanding its own distillation capabilities. Bulleit Bourbon also relied heavily on sourcing before transitioning to a combination of in-house and third-party production. These examples highlight how NDPs can serve as a launchpad for growth and recognition.

Is an NDP the Right Choice for Your Brand?

Deciding whether an NDP is the right strategy for your brand depends on your goals, budget, and vision. If you need to fast-track your launch and can build a compelling story around sourced whiskey, an NDP could be a powerful ally. But success requires the right partner—one with expertise, a strong network, and a commitment to quality.

How Brindiamo Supports Distilleries

This is where Brindiamo comes in. As a trusted partner for distilleries and whiskey brands worldwide, Brindiamo provides unmatched sourcing expertise, managing over 350,000 barrels globally. With access to a wide range of mash bills and aged products, Brindiamo simplifies sourcing while ensuring your brand stands out. The company also offers innovative financing solutions, such as subscription-based barrel programs, to reduce upfront costs and free up capital for other aspects of your business. Brindiamo’s network of bottlers and blenders further streamlines the process of getting your product to market, all while providing strategic guidance backed by decades of industry experience.

Making Your Whiskey Vision a Reality

For entrepreneurs ready to make their mark in the whiskey world, NDPs offer an opportunity to start strong, with flexibility and scalability built in. Brindiamo is here to ensure your journey from concept to market is as seamless and successful as possible. Whether you’re sourcing liquid, securing financing, or navigating bottling and blending partnerships, Brindiamo provides the expertise and support to turn your whiskey vision into reality. Contact us today to learn more.