Vol. 341

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.

IMPORTANT DATES

SEPTEMBER


21: Webinar—Proofing & Gauging: What You’re (Probably) Doing Wrong, What It’s Costing You, and How to Do It Better


OCTOBER


1: Deadline for completing the Craft Spirits Data Project Survey


6: Deadline for applying to take part in the STEPUP Foundation


26: American Craft Spirits Festival at Binny's Beverage Depot in Chicago


NOVEMBER


7-9: ACSA Legislative Fly-In


FEBRUARY


26-28: 11th Annual Distillers' Convention and Vendor Trade Show

NEED TO KNOW

URGENT: Please Complete the Craft Spirits Data Project Survey by Oct. 1

If you are a distillery owner and/or operator, we need your assistance to complete the 2023 Craft Spirits Data Project by Oct. 1.


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

BENDT Unveils Bottled in Bond UNBENDT Straight Rye Whiskey

Lewisville, Texas-based BENDT Distilling Co. is releasing the latest extension in the UNBENDT Straight whiskey lineup, UNBENDT Straight Rye Whiskey – Bottled in Bond, the fourth release in the UNBENDT straight whiskey line. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Read More

Fast Penny Spirits Launches First RTD, Amaricano Shakerato

Seattle-based Fast Penny Spirits has launched the company’s first ready-to-drink cocktail. The Amaricano Shakerato is a canned cocktail that combines Amaricano Amaro, Madcap coffee, and Scrappy’s Bitters. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Read More

Lost Lantern Unveils Fall Collection Featuring Top-Requested Distillery Partners

Independent bottler Lost Lantern of Weybridge, Vermont, is ushering in autumn with the release of its Fall 2023 Single Cask Collection, showcasing five new single casks from some of America’s most sought-after distilleries. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Read More

Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Inducts Eight New Members

The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame this week inducted eight luminaries into its elite ranks, including distillery founders and craftsmen, influential government leaders, a groundbreaking activist and the first father and son to share the prestigious honor in the same class. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Read More

STEPUP Applications Due Oct. 6


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 Oct. 6.

Apply Now

Sagamore Spirit Launches Rye-Distillate-Based Amaro

Baltimore-based Sagamore Spirit is innovating from grain to herb to glass, with the release of its first-ever liqueur: Sagamore Spirit Amaro. (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.

CRAFT SPIRITS CLASSROOM

Webinar—Proofing & Gauging: What You’re (Probably) Doing Wrong, What It’s Costing You, and How to Do It Better

When: Thursday, Sept. 21, 3-4 p.m. ET


What: Proofing and gauging are some of the most common measurements a DSP is required to collect – and the most frequently inaccurate. Starting with a brief history of gauging, we’ll give an overview of the two common methods (hydrometer/thermometer, densitometer) and their relative benefits and risks. You will learn about equipment options and costs, and tactics for improving and ensuring accuracy.


Cost: Free to ACSA members, $59 for non-members


Who: Tyler Derheim of FIVE x 5 Solutions

Register

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.

IN THE KNOW

Santa Rosa, California-based Foley Family Wines announced the reintroduction of Charles Goodnight Bourbon.

Root Shoot Spirits’ American Single Malt Whiskey has earned a gold medal at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition.

Louisville, Kentucky-based Barrell Craft Spirits recently launched a gift box and announced a new partnership with Martignetti Companies for distribution in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

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.)