Vol. 339

From the editors of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine, Craft Spirits Weekly is produced by the American Craft Spirits Association for its members. Not a member? Join our community of craft spirits producers.


This week, we're focusing on:

  • Your participation in the Craft Spirits Data Project
  • Results from the 2023 Heartland Whiskey Competition
  • New honors for Becky Harris and Heather Greene
  • And much more!

NEED TO KNOW

URGENT: Please Complete the Craft Spirits Data Project Survey by Sept. 15

If you are a distillery owner and/or operator, we need your assistance to complete the 2023 Craft Spirits Data Project by Sept. 15.


The results from this annual study—brought to you in conjunction with our valued partner, Park Street—help us share your success and struggles with:

  • Members of Congress
  • The media
  • Financial institutions
  • Guilds and more


But we can't do it without you. We need your help to know what economic health is today compared to last year.


Please complete this survey as soon as possible, or share this link with those within your distillery who best understand and have access to the state of the economics of running your business. As always, the information is reported out in the aggregate, so your privacy will be secure. 


BONUS: Those who complete it will get a discount to the ACSA Convention this February in Denver!

Complete the Survey

ACSA Announces 2023 Heartland Whiskey Competition Awards

The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) this week announced the top medalists in the 2023 Heartland Whiskey Competition, which was open to craft whiskeys from all 50 states that incorporate corn in their mash bill. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Read More

Becky Harris Receives Legacy Achievement Award from Bourbon Women

In Louisville, Kentucky, on Aug. 25, the Bourbon Women organization hosted the Women of Whiskey Awards. The Legacy Achievement Award was awarded to Becky Harris, founder and chief distiller at Purcellville, Virginia-based Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Read More

Heather Greene Honored as Master Blender of the Year by Bourbon Women

Milam & Greene Whiskey is thrilled to announce that CEO and master blender, Heather Greene, was recognized as the “Master Blender of the Year” at the inaugural Women of Whiskey Awards. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Read More

Mountain State Spirits Wins Best of Show at Honey Spirits Competition

A bright and floral liqueur with hazelnut honey and single barrel bourbon won Best of Show honors at the National Honey Board’s Honey Spirits Competition. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Read More

STEPUP Applications Due Sept. 15


STEPUP (Spirits Training Entrepreneurship Program for Underrepresented Professionals) provides underserved and underrepresented individuals with hands-on training and education, encouragement and opportunities to enter the spirits community through a comprehensive internship program like no other in the alcohol beverage industry.


Working with distilleries and wholesalers throughout the United States, STEPUP provides a comprehensive, hands-on training program with a living stipend and provides job exposure for those of different races, color, national origins, abilities, genders and sexual orientations.


Do you want to help us diversify the spirits industry? Are you willing to open your doors to an inquisitive learner from an underrepresented community? Become a Host Distillery or Wholesaler! 


Do you often listen to your friends and colleagues and offer advice? Are you a natural at providing encouragement? Become a Mentor! 


Are you or do you know an underrepresented person who is passionate about the spirits industry, but doesn’t know where to start? Become an Intern!


Still wondering whether this opportunity is a good fit for you? Check out these testimonial videos from those already immersed in the program as DSPs or mentors.


If you or someone you know might be a good fit as an intern, mentor, host DSP or wholesaler, please apply TODAY at stepupinternship.org. The deadline for applications is Sept. 15.

Apply Now

Koloa Rum Co. Raised Over $44K in Maui Wildfire Relief Sales Benefiting Maui Strong

On Aug. 26, Koloa Rum Co. of Kalaheo, Kauai, Hawaii, hosted an online and in-store event to support Maui ohana impacted by the devastating wildfires, where 100% of proceeds go to the local nonprofit organization, Maui Strong. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Read More

Oxbow Rum Distillery Named Official Rum of LSU Athletics

Baton Rouge-based, family-owned Oxbow Rum Distillery proudly announces its new partnership as the official rum of LSU Athletics. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Read More

Announcing ACSA's Legislative Fly-In: Come Let Your Voice Be Heard

ACSA's Legislative Fly-In on Capitol Hill is back—and in person—this Nov. 7-9!

 

Register here to let your voice be heard before members of Congress and meet with senior leadership from TTB. This event is complimentary to all members who want to help educate Congress on issues facing our small business manufacturing sector. No experience is necessary—we will provide a full briefing and get you up to speed on issues that can change our economic landscape. 


Plus, we've negotiated a terrific room rate, so come experience all that Washington, D.C., has to offer. The agenda will include a welcome reception on Tuesday night, a full day of Capitol Hill briefings and meetings, and a Hill evening closing reception in which your own spirits may be poured. 


More details to follow but REGISTER NOW!

Register Now

What can ACSA do for you?

We want to know the areas in which we can help you the most in the coming year. Please take our one-question survey.

Take the Survey

Scroll down for more news.

SPONSORED

ACSA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY

First-ever American Craft Spirits Festival Scheduled for October

This year ACSA is marking its 10th anniversary, and each month we're celebrating with a new initiative. On October 26, the country’s top craft spirits producers will be pouring for consumers and select members of the trade during the first-ever American Craft Spirits Festival at Binny’s Beverage Depot in Chicago. We expect over 50 distilleries and hundreds of attendees!


The event will feature education by industry leaders as well as an opportunity for

sponsors to connect with distilleries during trade-only festival hours. An exclusive ACSA-published Cocktail Booklet featuring recipes from participating distilleries will also be distributed to all attendees.


Stay tuned for details on tickets. And if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities and/or advertising in the Cocktail Booklet, please contact Annette Schnur at sales@americancraftspirits.org,

631-478-9488 for more details and to secure your participation.

SPONSORED

IN THE KNOW

In September, Memphis, Tennessee-based Old Dominick will be releasing the first stops from the Trolley Stop Series by Huling Station.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association has announced Wenzel Whiskey in Kenton County as the newest distilling member of the nonprofit trade group.

Gig Harbor, Washington-based Heritage Distilling Co. proudly announces the creation of Washington Spirits Month for the month of September. 

Columbus, Ohio-based Watershed Distillery, in partnership with Ohio Liquor (OHLQ), has announced another Ohio bourbon treasure hunt.

The National Honey Board is celebrating National Honey Month by announcing partners for its Honey Saves Hives program.

E-BOOK

ACSA Launches 'Starting a Distillery' E-book


We are thrilled to announce that our e-book, "The ACSA Guide to Starting and Operating a Distillery," is now available!


The peer-reviewed guide is a comprehensive compendium of expert insights detailing all of the tools and techniques that new distilleries need to get their businesses up and running and help ensure a prosperous future.


The e-book also serves as:

  • A textbook for craft spirits producers in their first one to three years in operation
  • An invaluable resource for onboarding new members of your team
  • A reference for existing staff to gain a more holistic view of how a distillery operates


ACSA members, please note that you must be logged in to our website to receive discounted pricing.

Get Your Copy
CRAFT SPIRITS MAGAZINE

Read the Latest Issue of CRAFT SPIRITS Magazine


The July/August issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine explores current barrel supply challenges, alternative packaging, cold-peated whiskey and much more. It also offers an exclusive excerpt from the new e-book, "The ACSA Guide to Starting and Operating a Distillery," as well as the latest SipSource whiskey volume figures in Data Distilled.

Click Here

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Send News to CRAFT SPIRITS Magazine

Do you have exciting stories to share about your distillery? Keep us posted on new products, events, trends, tips and more by sending us a note at news@americancraftspirits.org.

THANK YOU, SPONSORS!
ACSA would like to thank all of our annual sponsors and our key supporters of education. We are grateful for all of your support throughout the year. Cheers!
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The American Craft Spirits Association is the only national registered nonprofit trade association representing the U.S. craft spirits industry. Its mission is to elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirits producers, and membership in ACSA is open to anyone. 

ACSA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the eligible voting members of the Association. Voting members must be independent licensed distillers (DSPs) annually removing fewer than 750,000 proof gallons from bond (the amount on which a Federal Excise Tax is paid.)