Monkey 47 Founder Rejoins Spirit Cartel for Bourbon

Megan Turner • September 25, 2026 • 2 min read

The founder of Monkey 47, Alexender Stein, has reunited with Spirit Cartel to distribute his new bourbon brand, Horse With No Name. The partnership marks.

Monkey 47 Founder Rejoins Spirit Cartel for Bourbon - monkey founder — Horse With No Name will shift from 50 cl bottles to 70 cl versions while keeping prices stable for both on-trade and off-trade buyers.

The founder of Monkey 47, Alexender Stein, has reunited with Spirit Cartel to distribute his new bourbon brand, Horse With No Name. The partnership marks a return to the distributor that helped launch Monkey 47 in the United Kingdom during the late 2010s, a period that saw the gin brand achieve rapid growth.

Horse With No Name will shift from 50 cl bottles to 70 cl versions while keeping prices stable for both on-trade and off-trade buyers. This change allows consumers to enjoy a larger serving without facing higher costs.

The move reflects Spirit Cartel’s experience with American whiskey, given its existing portfolio of Four Roses bourbon and James E. Pepper rye whiskey, as well as its past representation of Westward single malt. Their familiarity with barrel-aged spirits informs the rollout strategy for the new bourbon line.

Initially, Spirit Cartel will focus on promoting the bourbon infused with 2% habanero chili distillate. The product is aged in earthenware tanks, a technique that softens the chili’s heat while preserving its fruity notes. The result is a smooth bourbon with subtle spice. All three expressions, bourbon, habanero-infused bourbon, and rye, are produced at the Firestone & Robertson distillery in Fort Worth and packaged in a distinctive flask-style bottle.

Stein’s decision aligns with a broader trend in the spirits sector, where niche brands increasingly rely on established distributors to expand market reach. The habanero-infused bourbon, priced at £38.50 for 70 cl, stands out for its balance of heat and fruit, appealing to drinkers who favor bold yet refined flavors.

He said the partnership would build on their past success, calling it a natural fit. “I wouldn’t saddle for anything less,” Stein added, referencing the brand’s slogan. Spirit Cartel’s general manager, David Hood, echoed the optimism, noting plans for a focused trade push to drive visibility and sales.

Pricing for the core expressions remains unchanged: the standard bourbon is offered at £36.99 and the rye at £44.50, both for 70 cl bottles at 45% ABV. By maintaining these price points, the company aims to keep the range attractive to both bars and retailers.