BASALT, Colo. (Nov. 3, 2026) — Woody Creek Distillers has named Clayton Smith president, bringing an executive with experience at Crossfire Hurricane Rum, Sammy Hagar Brands and Moët Hennessy USA to lead its next phase of sales and brand growth.
Smith will focus on increasing sales in key markets and expanding the reach of the craft spirits producer, which is based in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley. His background includes commercial strategy, distributor management, national accounts, e-commerce and hospitality partnerships.
“We’ve built something special at Woody Creek Distillers, and as we look toward our next chapter, we’re confident Clayton’s skillset can help us level-up,” said Mary Scanlan, CEO and co-founder of Woody Creek Distillers. “Clayton brings the experience, leadership, and commercial expertise to help us accelerate growth by expanding our reach, and building on the strong foundation we’ve established.”
Most recently, Smith served as commercial director for the United States and Canada at Crossfire Hurricane Rum, the premium Jamaican rum venture founded by the Rolling Stones and Universal Music Group.
In that role, he oversaw North American commercial operations, including sales, marketing, strategic partnerships, e-commerce, direct-to-consumer business and distributor relationships. According to the announcement, he helped secure national and regional distribution partnerships and develop hospitality and consumer experiences designed to support the brand’s growth.
Before joining Crossfire Hurricane, Smith was executive vice president of Sammy Hagar Brands, with responsibilities spanning beverage, hospitality, entertainment and lifestyle businesses.
Working directly with ownership, he developed growth strategies and national commercialization plans, negotiated partnerships and led more than 30 large-scale events with Live Nation across 24 states. His work also included launching hospitality concepts and developing relationships with HMSHost and Barrett-Jackson.
Smith previously spent more than a decade with LVMH Moët Hennessy USA. During that period, he managed a business portfolio exceeding $350 million and worked with major North American retailers. The company said he negotiated agreements that generated more than $25 million in incremental revenue and expanded distribution across 44 states.
At Woody Creek, Smith said he intends to broaden the brand’s audience while preserving its Colorado identity.
“Colorado has always held a special place for me personally. Over the years, I’ve spent a great deal of time here with my family, skiing, hiking, fishing and simply enjoying everything the state has to offer,” Smith said. “I’ve always connected with Colorado’s sense of adventure, independence and authenticity, which are qualities I also see at the heart of Woody Creek Distillers.”
Smith said his goal is to build on the team’s work while introducing its spirits and story to more consumers nationwide.
“My goal is to honor what makes Woody Creek distinctly Colorado while introducing the brand, its spirits and its story to more consumers across the country,” he said.
ABOUT WOODY CREEK DISTILLERS
Headquartered in Basalt, Colo., high in the Rocky Mountains, a short drive from Aspen’s world-famous slopes, and more than a mile above sea level, Woody Creek Distillers is a woman-owned distillery dedicated to creating award-winning spirits that reflect Colorado’s unique character and celebrate the terroir of its homeplace. From bourbon and rye to vodka crafted from local potatoes and Mary’s Select Gin, the Woody Creek team oversees every step of production on-site—from mashing and fermenting to distilling, aging, and bottling—using Colorado-grown grains from family farmers and pure Rocky Mountain water. Woody Creek’s commitment to quality and authenticity ensures every bottle embodies the spirit of its home state.
For more information, visit www.woodycreekdistillers.com.
