Drake entered the spirits game back in 2016 when he launched his own whiskey brand Virginia Black, and now the rapper is giving the public an opportunity to get a piece of the pie. Today (Jan. 11), Drake, along with spirits entrepreneur Brent Hocking, has announced the plan to take their whiskey brand public.
Investors will be able to help “redefine whiskey” by buying stocks to raise money to aid in the domestic and international expansion of the whiskey brand. Drake and Hocking plan to raise $30 million. The IPO will begin at the end of the first quarter of the year, but in the meantime, potential investors can sign up for more information here.
“Virginia Black is the perfect combination of exceptionally good juice in exquisite packaging at an accessible price,” Hocking said in a statement. “From inception, we wanted everyone to enjoy Virginia Black, and are pleased to extend the opportunity to millions of Americans and other investors around the world to become part of the Virginia Black family.”
The news comes on the heels of the brand’s campaign rollout fueled by a commercial starring the rapper and his father, Dennis Graham. Drake’s Virginia Black whiskey, whose slogan is “One Sip, and Wooh,” broke the record for largest first-day sales in Ontario when it was released in September 2016.
Earlier this week, Drake and his business partner OVO Chubbs hosted a pre-opening celebration for their new restaurant Pick 6ix ahead of its upcoming official launch. “So proud of you and proud to be in business with you!!! My brother @chubbsview congratulations on our new stunning venture @pick6ixto,” Drake wrote on Instagram. “I hope the entire city gets a chance to enjoy this beautiful establishment.”
Despite Drake’s pre-opening celebration, fans may have to wait a little while longer for Pick 6ix to officially open its doors to the public as the restaurant has not yet landed an opening date.