Craft Spirits Weekly
Welcome to the 18th 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.
Bar Convent Brooklyn to Focus on Craft Spirits Brands 

Plans have been confirmed to launch Bar Convent Brooklyn in 2018, next June 12-13 at the Brooklyn Expo Center. The event will “primarily feature” premium craft spirits brands. (The Spirits Business) 

Montana Distillers Hope to Export to Japan  

A group of Montana distilleries and breweries took a trip out of the country to try and export some of their products. Bozeman Spirits recently headed to Japan along with seven other craft beverage producers. While the group made connections, they also helped establish a precedent that could be crucial for the future of Montana's economy. (K-PAX)
Kentucky Winemaker Launches Distillery
A Kentucky winemaker launched what he calls his retirement plan in a new distillery that opened April 28. Terry Shumrick has been in the wine world for more than 25 years, first at Chateau Pomije in Gilford, Ind., before spending the last 11 years at StoneBrook Winery in Camp Springs. And he long held dreams of branching into the spirits world. (Cincinnati Business Courier)

Old Dominick Distillery Opens in Memphis

Old Dominick Distillery is open, after more than three years and a $10 million in investment by old-line Memphis business D. Canale. The distillery marked its soft opening on Monday and a grand opening is scheduled for June 24. (The Commercial Appeal)     

New Rye and Bourbon Distillery Opens in Central Texas

Central Texas added another distillery to its roster when whiskey producer Ben Milam Distillery opened its tasting room doors in Blanco last month. Located at 208 Carlie Lane next to the Buggy Barn Museum, the whiskey distillery is named after Texas freedom fighter Ben Milam, who died in the 1836 battle for San Antonio; Milam County was named after him. The distillery focuses on both bourbon and rye. (Eater Austin) 

Oregon Distilleries Finally Will Be Able to Sell Vermouth with Spirits

The Oregon Legislature has passed a bill that will allow the sale of vermouth—an essential ingredient for martinis and Manhattans—at the state’s growing number of craft distilleries. Thirty-four distilleries across the state belong to the decade-old Oregon Distiller’s Guild, and two more soon will open. (KGW Portland)

Ala. Distillery Owners Hope to Develop Historic Site as Tourist Attraction  

The family attempting to open the first distillery in the Shoals wants to utilize an old family recipe to produce a distilled spirit they hope will allow them to develop a tourist attraction that has ties to the area's Native American History. (Times Daily)

Frederick County, Md. Council Approves Bill to Help Distilleries     

Frederick County, Maryland is a craft beverage industry leader in the state of Maryland and the Frederick County Council recently approved a bill that would help distilleries, breweries, and wineries in the county. The Frederick County Council approved the amended bill for farm distilleries and tasting rooms, and limited farm brewery, distillery, and winery tasting rooms on Tuesday. (Your4State.com)

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