A Donegal-based liquor company, with investors including Russell Crowe, Ed Sheeran, Ronan Keating and Jimmy Carr, has signed a distribution agreement with the Lucas Bols company.

The deal will give Lucas Bols, a major player in the global cocktail market, exclusive rights to import and distribute The Muff Liquor Company products in the US.

The Muff Liquor Company was founded in 2017 on the Inishowen peninsula in Co Donegal by local entrepreneur Laura Bonner.

The company launched its first product in early 2018 and now has a portfolio of potato-based vodka and gin products as well as a peated Irish whiskey.

The Lucas Bols Company portfolio consists of more than 20 global brands across a range of spirits, including liqueurs, tequila, genevers, gin, ready-to-drink, and non-alcoholic spirits in the US market.

Laura Bonner, CEO and founder of The Muff Liquor Company, said both companies share an entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to heritage that has been woven into The Muff Liquor company.

"We are incredibly proud of what The Muff Liquor Company has achieved in just six years, and we cannot wait to see what lies ahead in our newfound partnership with Lucas Bols," she added.

Brett Dunne, Managing Director Lucas Bols USA, said The Muff Liquor Company's portfolio of award-winning Irish spirits is a perfect fit with its cocktail strategy.

"Though a young brand, their rich history pairs perfectly with the 450-year legacy of the Lucas Bols Company," he said.

"We are eager to further expand their success with our proven on and off-premise capabilities. With an exciting roster of celebrity investors and industry accolades, Muff should bring a strong retail presence and clout that our team looks forward to furthering in key US markets," he added.