The founder of Old Carter just won the brand and its facilities at auction for $18,650,750 Dec. 12.

As part of a court-mediated divorce settlement, Old Carter’s bonded whiskey distillery, licenses, real estate and whiskey stocks went to auction. Mark Carter, the brand’s founder, won them out right, retaining Old Carter Whiskey Company LLC and Kentucky Spirit Bottling.

 According to Tranzon Asset Advisors, the Kentucky-based auction marketing firm based, after fees the total amount was $20.5 million. Tranzon said 220 direct inquiries and nearly 60 bids from the United States, British Virgin Islands, Canada, England, France, India, Italy and Scotland.   

“I am a very happy guy right now,” Carter told me in a phone interview. “We feel this is a great price for these companies and feel they are ready to go!”

Carter retains 50 percent of Old Carter ownership and has brought in business partners from Washington, D.C.–Jack Rose Dining Saloon Owner Bill Thomas and his longtime operating partner Jared Hyman, as well as father-son duo Zach and Hayden Wright.

“I love Old Carter. I could take the money and run with it, but it’s got my name on it and I plan to make into a national brand and do it in a right way,” Carter said. “So much admiration for Bill Thomas. With us together, we are even stronger than we were before.”

The auction included 105 W Market and 103/101 W. Market properties in Louisville.

“The winning bidder acquired a bonded whiskey distillery, licenses, real estate and significant inventory of barreled and packaged whiskey. The sale also included the purchase of additional, substantial real estate holdings in Louisville’s Whiskey Row neighborhood,” Tranzon said in a statement. “It’s important to note the buyer is obtaining a distillery that boasts significant cash flow, a profitable track record and a well-known premium brand. In addition, they are acquiring a luxury retail product (starting at $200 per bottle), along with a ready-to-sell packaged inventory and an extensive supply of barreled whiskey.”