Ep 29: Sammy Halpern, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer for Desolas Mezcal

As Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Desolas Mezcal, Sammy Halpern oversees the brand’s global operations and growth strategy, managing production in Mexico alongside distribution across the United States, Canada, and emerging international markets. Working closely with CEO and founder GG Mirvis, Halpern leads the company’s sales and brand development efforts, driving Desolas’ continued expansion as one of the most innovative and awarded mezcal brands in the world. Before joining Desolas in August 2023, Halpern served as Managing Partner and Global Brand Director at Blue Run Spirits, where he helped build the company from its early days to its largest growth period. Prior to that, he spent several years at Moët Hennessy, managing the portfolio’s development in Florida — an experience that gave him a deep understanding of brand building from the supplier side of the wine and spirits industry. Halpern began his career at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, where he learned the business from the ground up, managing on- and off-premise sales routes with the Coastal Wine and Spirits division — the powerhouse behind the Moët Hennessy and Diageo portfolios. With over a decade of experience spanning brand development, sales, operations, and distribution, Halpern brings a 360-degree understanding of what it takes to grow a brand from startup to global success. Halpern’s vision for Desolas centers on education and transparency, ensuring today’s consumers understand not only what they’re drinking, but the craftsmanship and tradition behind each bottle. His focus is on expanding Desolas’ reach while empowering founder GG Mirvis to continue leading as the brand’s visionary face and creative force. Halpern credits his time at Blue Run and Moët Hennessy for shaping his strategic and entrepreneurial perspective, which he now channels into scaling Desolas Mezcal to its fullest potential. Caviar & Chips chats - Sammy's journey, what makes Desolas unique, Paddle Sports and the best places to eat in Miami.