Eastside intends to use Sandstrom's full range of brand development services, including research, strategy, brand identity, package design, environments, advertising, as well as digital design and development.

Portland-based Sandstrom Partners is recognized as preeminent in spirits brand development, with their work appearing in nearly every national and international design competition. Some of Sandstrom Partners' current and past spirit branding clients include St-Germain, Brown-Forman, Brown Forman/Chambord and Old Forester, Stillhouse Distilling, Aviation Gin, Diageo, Bulleit Bourbon, Miller Brewing, Pernod Ricard, and Bacardi Oakheart.

Melissa Heim, Executive VP of Operations for Eastside Distilling, commented, "We think it would be impossible to find a better firm anywhere to grow our brands. Although we have gained strong recognition within the craft industry for our Burnside Bourbon, Barrel Hitch, Marionberry Whiskey, and Portland Potato Vodka, we dream about seeing our brands gain the national recognition of St-Germain and our fellow Portland spirit, Aviation Gin. We are honored that Jack Petersen and the Sandstrom team was confident enough in our potential to take us on, and have high hopes of joining their illustrious list of branding successes."

Jack Petersen, President of Sandstrom, commented, "We live in Portland and already consume and enjoy Portland Potato Vodka and Burnside Bourbon, so we are excited by this partnership on lots of levels. We intend to stay true to Eastside's roots as a local Portland-based craft spirit company, while identifying and capitalizing on trends within the booming craft spirits industry.  This always involves telling a compelling story whose plot is transmitted in every piece of communication: from the name, to the package, point-of-sale, web, and advertising."

Peterson continued, "We are delighted that Eastside's Master Distiller Mel Heim and the team sought us out for Eastside's outreach to craft spirit consumers, regionally and nationally.  Spirits branding is a core skill of Sandstrom. Our expertise is in finding creative ways to engage consumers in ways that drive brand awareness and accelerate sales."

About Sandstrom Partners

Founded in Portland, Oregon in 1990, Sandstrom Partners is a brand development company that focuses on the creation and revitalization of thought leading brands. Thought leading brands defined as brands that desire to appeal to new audiences, change the category paradigm and capitalize on emerging trends. Some of Sandstrom Partners current and past clients/brands include Tazo Tea, Bacardi Oakheart, Sonoma Cider, Castor & Pollux, Stillhouse Distilling, Miller Brewing, Converse, Brown Forman/Chambord and Old Forester, Diageo/Bulleit Bourbon, Virgin Mobile, Levi Strauss, Target, ESPN, Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Smith Tea, Coca-Cola, Pernod Ricard, Full Sail, Session Lager, St-Germain, Brown-Forman, Sokol Blosser, Hansen's Soda and Aviation Gin.

About Eastside Distilling

Eastside Distilling, Inc. (OTCQB: ESDI) is located in Southeast Portland's Distillery Row, and has been producing high-quality, master crafted spirits since 2008. Makers of award winning spirits, the company is unique in the marketplace and distinguished by its highly decorated product lineup that includes Barrel Hitch American Whiskies, Burnside Bourbon, Below Deck Rums, Portland Potato Vodka, and a distinctive line of infused whiskeys. All Eastside spirits are master crafted from natural ingredients for unparalleled quality and taste. The company is publicly traded under the symbol OTCQB: ESDI. For more information visit: www.eastsidedistilling.com or follow the company on Twitter and Facebook.

Source: PR Newswire