Constellation Brands gets new master distiller
Isaac Winter has been promoted to senior director, master distiller at Constellation Brands where he will oversee production at High West.
Winter joined Constellation Brands in September 2017 as distillery manager at High West. He was appointed director of distilling in 2023.
In the new position, he will oversee new-make spirit production across Constellation Brands’ craft spirits portfolio and its third-party distillery partners.
He will also coordinate with Tara Lindley at High West, who serves as master blender and director of sensory and new product development.
The Utah-based whiskey brand’s previous master distiller, Brendan Coyle, left the company in early 2026 to focus on his cider business, Dendric Estate.
He took up the role in December 2017.
Constellation Brands said in a statement: “[Isaac] Winter has recently earned his master distiller certification from the Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers, a globally recognised standard for technical and operational excellence in distilling.
“In his expanded role as senior director, master distiller, Isaac oversees new-make spirit production across Constellation Brands’ craft spirits portfolio, including High West, as well as the company’s third-party distilling partners.
“He plays an integral role in supply, quality management, and inventory planning to support sustainable growth and excellence across the portfolio.”
Constellation Brands acquired High West Distillery in October 2016.
David and Jane Perkins founded the distillery in Park City in 2006. Its core portfolio includes rye and Bourbon, as well as a limited release ‘Bourye’ whiskey that blends Bourbon and straight rye whiskies.
Each January, the brand holds the High West Mountain Experience Cocktail Championship in Chamonix. Belgian bartender Joeri D’Heuvaert won the 2026 edition.
In its third quarter, Constellation Brands’ wine and spirits sales fell to US$213.1 million – a 51% decline on the same period in the previous year. The decline was attributed to the divestiture of Svedka vodka to Sazerac and the sale of multiple wine brands.
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