Craft Spirits Weekly
Welcome to the 20th issue of Craft Spirits Weekly, a service dedicated to bringing you the news most important to the craft spirits distiller. Check your inbox every Thursday to find a curated selection of articles and news pieces from the American Craft Spirits Association.
Craft Spirits Growth Outpaces Craft Beer Growth  

Craft spirits growth is outpacing that of craft beer in the US, registering a CAGR of 13 percent and 6 percent respectively, with premiumization and on-premise alcohol sales being key trends driving its emergence, according to Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC) research. (Beverage Daily) 

Virginia Distillery Co.'s New Program Lets Drinkers Select Own Barrels
Lovingston, Va.-based whisky maker the Virginia Distillery Company has introduced The Cask Society, an initiative that enables individuals or groups to buy a barrel of maturing liquid. (The Spirits Business) 
St. Augustine Distillery Says State Law Still Discriminates Against Distilleries
The CEO of the St. Augustine Distillery says a bill recently passed by the Florida legislature allowing craft distilleries to sell more bottles directly to consumers still requires them to abide by regulations more stringent and antiquated than those mandated for breweries and wineries. (Ponte Vedra Recorder) 

Soon After Opening, Michigan’s 18th Amendment Spirits Co. Eyes Expansion
Although it's just getting started, 18th Amendment Spirits Co. owners are wasting no time in expanding their business. (M-Live)  

Idaho Distilleries Reap Benefits of Law Allowing On-site Tastings

Three years after Idaho allowed spirits tastings, Idaho distilleries are feeling the benefits. That's because they're able to give their customers what they want. And more and more people want small- batch, craft spirits with a local feel. (KIVI-TV)
Koval Part of Chicago’s Newly Dubbed “Malt Row” Craft Hub 

Ravenswood is cementing its reputation as Chicago's craft brewing and distilling hub with the introduction of the newly dubbed "Malt Row." (DNA Info))
Yankee Distillers Co-Owner Takes Partner to Court 

The partnership behind a craft spirits distillery in Clifton Park apparently has taken a turn for the worse. Walter Kleemeier has initiated legal action to take control of Yankee Distillers from Matthew Jager. Papers filed April 25 on Kleemeier’s behalf in Supreme Court in Saratoga County indicate he is unhappy with the actions of Jager, alleging among other things violations of New York’s limited liability corporation law, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, waste, looting and diversion of company assets for non-company purposes. (The Daily Gazette)
Manhattan Cocktail Classic Canceled for Third Straight Year   

Once a must-do event on New York’s cocktail calendar, organizers announced the Manhattan Cocktail Classic will not go on just one day before its opening gala. It's particularly puzzling given the growth in interest in craft spirits and the boom in distilleries statewide as regulations have made it easier to make and sell more spirits than ever. (Metro New York)
American Craft Spirits Association | americancraftspirits.org