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14 / the tasting panel / march 2017 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT Constellation Brands Promotions C onstellation Brands, Inc. announced Bill Newlands has been named Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, a new position within the company. A 30-year industry veteran, Newlands will oversee the Beer Division, Wine & Spirits Division and Growth organization. He will report directly to Rob Sands, President and Chief Executive Officer. Newlands will focus on advancing strategic growth opportunities across the company to fully leverage Constellation's position as a leading total beverage alcohol company. Chris Stenzel has been promoted to Executive Vice President, President, Wine & Spirits Division. Stenzel has over 18 years of beverage alcohol experience, joining Constellation Brands in 2008. Since that time, he has held a number of senior roles including leading the Wine & Spirits Finance Division and most recently as Senior Vice President Finance for the Beer Division. Ben Dollard will transition to the role of Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, International for the Wine & Spirits Division and report to Chris Stenzel. Dollard came to the com- pany in 2001 and most recently served as Chief Growth Officer and previously led the Canadian wine business. Jared Fix will assume the role of Senior Vice President, Chief Growth Officer with responsibil- ity for driving the company's growth strategy across both the Beer and Wine & Spirits Divisions. He will report to Bill Newlands. Fix joined Constellation in 2015 as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Wine & Spirits Division. Welcome to the Family B eam Suntory will expand its portfo- lio of Islay whiskies in 2017 with two exclusive new releases from Laphroaig: Four Oak, available now, and The 1815 Legacy Edition, available from April 2017. Aged in four different hand- selected casks—ex- bourbon barrels, quarter casks, virgin American oak barrels and European oak hogsheads—Laphroaig Four Oak is bright golden in color and has aromas of peat smoke with stewed fruit and warm, toasted vanilla. With hints of sandalwood, pine, fir and willow, enjoy oak embers and seaweed with smooth buttercream on the palate and a salted liquorice and peaty finish. Laphroaig The 1815 Legacy Edition was created by current Laphroaig Distillery Manager John Campbell to honor those who have gone before him. Left to rest in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels before further matur- ing in large, new European oak hogs- heads, maturation occurs slowly, resulting in a whisky of great depth. Deep sunset orange in color, with aromas of burnt apricot and raisin, it combines the signature peat smoke of Laphroaig with soft oak and notes of rich caramelized dark fruit and a dried fruit, nut, peat and oiled-wood finish. Spring Blossoms S trongbow Hard Apple Ciders unveils its newest flavor, Strongbow Orange Blossom. The new flavor delivers a fresh, spring-like orange blossom aroma with a touch of sweetness and a juicy apple finish. As with all Strongbow products, Strongbow Orange Blossom contains no artificial flavors or colors. "We are welcoming spring this year with the newest edi- tion to the Strongbow family of hard ciders and are excited to share Strongbow Orange Blossom with our fans!" said Jessica Robinson, Senior Director Strongbow, who was involved in the development of the new flavor. "Strongbow Orange Blossom, a fresh remix of natural flavors, has received consistently high taste test ratings, appeals equally to men, women, cider and non-cider drinkers and has a higher trial potential than the leading hard soda brand." Laphroaig® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43%, 48% and 55.7% alc./vol. ©2017 Laphroaig Import Company, Deerfield, IL