 As of 2017, it operated nine distilleries, had 2,000 employees, and operated in 112 countries.It is one of the two largest spirits companies in the U.S., with annual revenue of about $1 billion made from selling about 300 mostly discount brands.The company was founded after the purchase of a bar known as the "Sazerac Coffee House" in 1869 by Thomas H. Handy.