HIGH WEST DISTILLERY TO CONSTELLATION

CONSTELLATION BRANDS INC. has scored quite a coup in the spirits world. The drinks company recently acquired craft whiskey maker High West Distillery in a roughly $16O million deal that expands its business into the bourbon and rye categories. Utah-based High West has grown double-digits annually over the past three years and now sells about 7O,OOO nine-liter cases annually. Though it remains a small competitor in the American whiskey category, it has become a favorite among aficionados for its distinctive, high-price styles like Bourye, a limited edition blend of sweeter bourbon and spicier rye whiskeys that sells for more than $75 a bottle. This is the third such deal over the past year for Constellation. The bulk of Constellation’s revenue comes from its Mexican beer brands Corona Extra and Modelo and wine brands like Robert Mondavi and Clos du Bois. Constellation is expected to help fund the expansion of the 3O,OOO-square foot distillery and visitor’s center that High West opened in 2O14. High West Chief Executive John Esposito said the company plans to add a second still capable of producing about 5O,OOO cases of whiskey a year. Their 2OO employees will remain with them. Founder David Perkins will continue to serve as a brand ambassador and work on the product along with master distiller Brendan Coyle.