Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/948966
54 / the tasting panel / march 2018 WHAT'S NEW O ver the past ten years, High West has established itself as an industry leader in the production of truly innova- tive blended whiskies across several categories. After serving as the Master Distiller at High West Distillery since its formation in 2007, Brendan Coyle will take on an expanded role within the company to help lead the growth of its global spirits portfolio. In his new role as Master Distiller for Constellation Brands' full spirits portfolio, Coyle's responsibilities will involve both new product development and brand acquisitions. "A big focus of Constellation over the next five-plus years is to really build out the size and the quality of the spirits portfolio," Coyle says. Stationed in Park City, Utah, Coyle will continue to be closely involved with the production and blending of all High West products. The Tasting Panel recently checked in with Coyle for his thoughts on his new position and the spirits industry at large. Which qualities will you be seeking out in brands as part of your new role? We'll be looking at them in a few different ways. One way is line extensions of a few different brands, and of course looking for different acquisition opportunities across all categories of the spirits industry. We're also considering building new brands as well—really nothing is off the table. First and foremost, we're looking to leverage our existing assets within our global portfo- lio. We also have a ventures arm where we do smaller invest- ments in smaller brands. It's really a multi-faceted strategy, but it's focused on high-quality price points, for sure. Are there any new products you're especially excited about? On the High West side of things, the next thing we're probably anticipating is an American malt whiskey launch toward the end of 2019 or beginning of 2020. What inspired you to pursue your new position with Constellation Brands? I've always really been driven by and focused on building things from the ground up. I was in the brewing industry before the spirits industry with a small and very fast-growing brewing company, then I've been involved with High West Distilling Company since it started in 2007. The Constellation spirits portfolio is really a smaller portfolio that could benefit from not just growth in quality, but growth in size. Sky's the Limit BRENDAN COYLE STAYS ON AS MASTER DISTILLER OF HIGH WEST DISTILLERY WHILE PURSUING A NEW ROLE WITH CONSTELLATION BRANDS GLOBAL by Catie Joyce Bulay Brendan Coyle is the new Master Distiller for Constellation Brands' full spirits portfolio. PHOTOS COURTESY OF HIGH WEST DISTILLERY