PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwired - Jun 21, 2016) - Eastside Distilling, Inc. (OTCQB: ESDI), a producer of award-winning master-crafted spirits, has appointed Jay Harkins to the new position of executive vice president of sales, where he will be responsible for implementing sales strategies for the company's full portfolio of spirits and overseeing the expansion of its national rollout campaign.

Mr. Harkins brings to Eastside Distilling more than two decades of experience in the spirits industry, along with expertise in strategic brand and business development, sales and marketing, corporate management and organizational leadership.

Mr. Harkins was formerly the CEO of the Blackheath Beverage Group, a sales and marketing platform for independent spirits brands, which he founded four years ago. At Blackheath, he played an instrumental role in facilitating the current national rollout of Eastside portfolio of spirits. Prior to Blackheath, Mr. Harkins held various senior roles within the spirits industry, including as vice president of sales for Domaine Select Wine Estates and director of sales for Southern Wine and Spirits. He has also served in sales and management roles with Mystique Brands, Peerless Importers - E&J Gallo division and Cognac Ferrand.

Mr. Harkins will work closely with Eastside's national sales manager, Pat Roth, to continue to bring Eastside's strong sales and brand loyalty in the Northwest to the national stage.

"Jay is an outstanding addition to our Eastside team, bringing to us a strong combination of sales, marketing and business development expertise, as well as an extensive industry network that will be essential to our continued growth and national expansion," said Steven Earles, CEO of Eastside. "Jay also brings a strong track record of helping independent brands like ours establish a nationwide presence." Mr. Earles continued, "We expect that Jay's all-encompassing understanding of the spirits trade will serve us well as we accelerate our national rollout campaign. With Jay and Pat Roth working together, we believe that we now have a deep bench of senior leadership with tremendous experience in the spirits industry, and one that is solely focused on expanding our national sales."

Mr. Harkins commented: "I am excited to join Eastside at this pivotal stage of its growth, and especially after a solid year of expansion across the U.S. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with Eastside in my new role where I can now focus all of my efforts on sales and the national rollout. From my perspective as a long time industry insider, I believe Eastside is set for even greater expansion over the coming months, especially given how the company's award-winning spirits portfolio has been so well received in available markets. I welcome this opportunity to lead the company to its next level of national expansion and consumer acceptance, as we continue to build out our national rollout campaign."

Given the appointment of Mr. Harkins, Blackheath Beverage Group will no longer serve as the company's outside marketing firm.

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 line-up 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

Forward-Looking Statements 
 Certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; acceptance of the Company's products in the market; the Company's success in obtaining new customers; the Company's ability to obtain additional capital, the Company's success in product development; the Company's ability to execute its business model and strategic plans; the Company's success in integrating acquired entities and assets, and all the risks and related information described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the financial statements and related information contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2016 Examples of forward-looking statements in this release may include statements related to our strategic focus, product verticals, anticipated revenue and profitability. The Company assumes no obligation to update the cautionary information in this release.

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