The Tasting Panel magazine

March 2015

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12  /  the tasting panel  / march 2015 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT Adding Comfort D esigned to appeal to a broad age range, Southern Comfort introduced a new flavor to the family with the launch of Caramel Comfort. Along with this new flavor, the entire Southern Comfort line's packaging has been redesigned, including an entirely new bottle shape. A Growing Partnership Comprised of Wilson Winery, Mazzocco Sonoma Winery, Pezzi King Estate Winery, DeLorimier Estate Winery, Matrix Winery, St. Anne's Crossing Winery, Soda Rock Winery and Jaxon Key's Estate Winery & Distillery, Wilson Artisan Wineries announced an exclusive distribution partnership with Epic Wines & Spirits in the state of California. Since 1994, Wilson Artisan Wineries has grown from an initial single vintage of Wilson Winery Reserve Cabernet to a world-class portfolio of several boutique wineries offering exceptional wines. Moonshine Nation D iving into the proud heritage surrounding the production of corn whiskey, Moonshine Nation (Lyons Press, $16.95) retells the story of what author Mark Spivak calls the true American spirit. Alongside this history, Spivak profiles modern moonshiners—who although mostly now abide by the law, still hold onto the tradition of their bootlegging ancestors— including cocktail recipes and visiting information. Cover to cover, this book celebrates both American rebellion and legacy! APPOINTMENTS C onstellation Brands, Inc. announced that it is adding Bill Newlands to its Executive Management Committee as Chief Growth Officer, reporting directly to President and CEO Rob Sands. In this newly created position, Newlands will be responsible for leading corporate strategy and business development, accelerating their new product development and innovation efforts, leveraging strategic insights and identifying synergies in channel management to position the company for high performance well into the future. A veteran of the beverage alcohol industry, Newlands has 30 years of leadership experience with well-respected companies including Beam Inc., Allied Domecq, Wine.com, LVMH and E. & J. Gallo Winery. Jeff Hodson has been named President of Distillery No. 209 by founder Leslie Rudd. An industry veteran—most recently serving as the Western Region VP of Tito's Handmade Vodka—he will oversee all operations, sales and market- ing for the distillery with an emphasis on solidifying distributor partnerships and alignments both domestically and abroad. Matt Ellis-Escobar joins Davos Brands, an importer and marketer of luxury sakes, wines and spirits, as its Regional Manager of the Midwest, where he will lead sales in IL, IN, MI, OH, MN, WI and KY. He joins Davos Brands from The Patrón Spirits Company, where he was most recently State Manager of Arizona and New Mexico. Ellis-Escobar has over 13 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry.

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