John Drew Brands Announces Leadership Team

Tuesday, May 23, 2017 — Wynwood, FL - John Drew Brands announces its Leadership Team: CEO Jonathan Drew, President Nancy Berkowitz, National Sales Manager Steve Chernoff, and National Director of Brand Development Frank Moreno. In addition, John Drew Brands will partner with and be supported by Joey Reichenbach and Sam Morales, the Creative Director and Director of Marketing at Drew Estate, respectively. Founded in 2015, John Drew Brands is an authentic lifestyle company, initially focused on the alcohol beverage category. Jonathan Drew is a proven pioneer in the cigar industry accredited with attaining third in overall market share in the United States, as well as creating the largest premium cigar factory in the world.

Chairman of John Drew Brands, Jonathan Drew is the recognizable and provocative personality known for disrupting the premium cigar world. Drew will continue as President of Drew Estate, reporting to CEO of Drew Estate Glenn C. Wolfson while he simultaneously assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer of John Drew Brands. From the Wynwood Safehouse "I am uber amped to welcome Nancy, Steve, and Frank to the John Drew Brands Family. I am beyond thankful for the support that Drew Estate will be providing John Drew Brands and am excited to continue the journey with Joey and Sam. This is a company that is in a break-out moment with game changing platforms and innovations."

John Drew Brands President, Nancy Berkowitz has more than 35+ years of experience in the beverage alcohol industry. She is a proven leader and has successfully launched brands and companies with a focus on wine and spirits, as well as software and services.  Nancy has held senior positions in sales management and marketing for such companies as Gallo Wine, United Liquors, Renfield Importers, Marie Brizard USA, Ste. Michelle Estates and Dimensional Insight.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and finance from Boston University and an MBA in marketing and finance from the University of Miami. "It is a pleasure to be a part of the John Drew Brands team, creating new and exciting products and opportunities in the beverage alcohol industry."

National Sales Manager, Steve Chernoff began his career at Continental Distributing in Chicago in 1981 and has over 35 years of experience in all facets of the industry.  He has worked in sales and in marketing management at major distributors. Steve spent 4 years working for the Phar-mor drugstore chain as a Regional Beverage Manager covering 8 states and 3 years as the Corporate Purchasing Manager for the Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant Company. Additionally, Steve served as the Marketing Director at Distinctive Wines in Chicago.  Over the past 9 years, he has owned and managed various national brokerage companies for wines and spirits.

National Director of Brand Development, Frank Moreno is a ten year marketing veteran in the Beverage Alcohol and Hospitality industries, focusing on experiential event creation, product development, and key marketing initatives. Frank also has consulted for top companies, creating and implementing market and consumer activations.  Frank is an active member of the USBG, spirits & cocktail fanatic, spirits historian and founder of two major spirits-focused events.

Director of Marketing of Drew Estate, Sam Morales contributes significant expertise and value to John Drew Brands, specializing in consumer engagement, digital marketing, advertising, experiential marketing, and brand strategy.


Creative Director of Drew Estate, Joey Reichenbach contributes significant expertise and value to John Drew Brands, specializing in creative direction, merchandising, packaging, advertising and product development.

Brixton Mash Destroyer is a mash up of Kentucky Bourbon and Florida Rum. The key to this process begins with our well aged, craft sourced, core products. There is already a tremendous buzz within the mixology circuit in expectation of the formal release.

Dove Tale Rum is a true Florida rum that is sweet and vibrant, yet dark and mysterious, that has been aged 3 long years in used bourbon barrels. First, our team selects sugarcane exclusively from the Florida Everglades to create Blackstrap Refiner’s Grade Molasses. Then, it’s distilled and carefully aged in hearty, beautiful, oak bourbon barrels until our smooth dark rum has developed layers upon layers of sweet caramel goodness.

John Drew “Rye Whiskey” is distilled in Canada, then aged in Toasted Oak Barrels for 4 years. The flavor is rich with caramel, clove, vanilla, honey, oak, and orange peel with a soft lingering finish, indicative of the flavor profile that Jonathan Drew envisioned.



ABOUT JOHN DREW BRANDS

Founded in 2015, John Drew Brands is an authentic lifestyle company, initially focused on the alcohol beverage category. Headquartered in Wynwood, Florida, the intitial brands, Dove Tale Rum, Brixton Mash Destroyer, John Drew Rye had their market introduction at WSWA 2016, with formal launch planned for August 2017.