Constellation Brands is focusing on the continued growth of its premium and craft brands, and says that, with the acquisition of High West, it ‘enters the dynamic and profitable high-end craft whiskey segment’.
High West Distillery has shown double-digit growth in volume year on year for the past three years. It currently sells around 70,000 cases a year, across a portfolio including four core products: American Prairie Bourbon, Double Rye!, Rendezvous Rye and Campfire. It also produces several limited edition whiskeys.
In April this year Constellation Brands acquired The Prisoner Wine Company brands, a portfolio of five luxury wine brands (The Prisoner, Saldo, Cuttings, Blindfold and Thorn).
It paid $1bn for craft brewery Ballast Point Brewery in November, and acquired the luxury, fast-growing pinot noir wine brand Meiomi in July 2015.
Acquisition to help distillery growth
High West Distillery was founded in 2004 by husband and wife duo David and Jane Perkins. It started as a small operation in downtown Park City, Utah, and now has four locations.
In 2015 the company opened its distillery in Wanship, Utah, which serves as a venue for educational whiskey tasting, pairings and tours, and has a 1,600 gallon copper pot still.
“With the addition of High West, Constellation Brands bolsters its position in the dynamic and growing craft spirits category,” said Bill Newlands, president, wine and spirits division, Constellation Brands.
John Esposito, chief executive officer, High West, said he considered Constellation Brands as the right partner to help the distillery grow further while maintaining its culture and core values.