Vol. 331

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:

• The July 15 deadline to register for the Heartland Whiskey Competition
• A chance to get an insider's view of Congress
• A crowdfunding campaign by Cardinal Spirits
• And much more!

NEED TO KNOW

Time is Running Out to Register for the Heartland Whiskey Competition

The clock is ticking to register for the fourth biennial Heartland Whiskey Competition. If you make whiskey with corn, enter your products by July 15.

This competition is open to whiskey entries from all 50 states, but entries from the following states will have a chance to win Best of State: California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin.

Please read the judging protocols and the submission guidelines prior to entry.

You must register your whiskey by July 15 and have it received by July 29 to earn your chance to display a new gold, silver or bronze medal. This event only happens every two years so don’t let this opportunity pass you by.

ACSA members: Please note that you must login to receive discounted pricing.

Join Us for an Insider's View of Congress

When: Tuesday, July 18, 4-5 p.m. ET/3-4 p.m. CT/2-3 p.m. MT/1-2 p.m. PT

Media and pundits provide political news through their lens. Now it is your opportunity to learn from an insider—someone who lives within and contributes to the 118th United States Congress.

Brought to you by the ACSA PAC, register for an exclusive conversation with Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) moderated by ACSA PAC Chair Jordan Cotton of Cotton & Reed in Washington, D.C. 

Come inside the beltway to hear firsthand what it's like to be a freshman lawmaker in this dynamic, historical legislative session. Rep. Pettersen will reflect on her experiences serving in this body for the first time.

This is at no cost to ACSA members. We encourage you, however, to learn more about and engage with the PAC so we can champion quality members of Congress and hope they keep representing small distillers and small businesses like you, our ACSA members. For more information contact acsapac@americancraftspirits.org.

Cardinal Spirits Launches Equity Round via Wefunder

Bloomington, Indiana-based Cardinal Spirits is offering its supporters an opportunity to invest in the distillery via a campaign on Wefunder. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Junipero Gin Celebrates 2nd Annual Martini Week

Junipero Gin of San Francisco is hosting the second annual Martini Week and expanding across the U.S. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Showcase Your Expertise: Call for Presentations Now Open!

ACSA is thrilled to invite you to participate in our highly anticipated 11th Annual Distillers’ Convention and Vendor Trade show in Denver, Colorado, February 26-28, 2024. This event will serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, ideas, and insights that push the boundaries of innovation and foster collaborative growth.

We are now accepting submissions for presentations from individuals passionate about making a difference in the craft spirits industry through their expertise. Whether you have groundbreaking research, unique perspectives, or lessons learned that you'd like to share, we encourage you to seize this opportunity and contribute to our convention’s success. Submit your proposals today and be part of an incredible lineup of speakers who will inspire, educate, and ignite meaningful conversations!

We eagerly await your submissions, which are due by July 21, 2023.

Scroll down for more news.

SPONSORED

ACSA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY: SIPS OF SUMMER

This year ACSA is marking its 10th anniversary, and each month we're celebrating with a new initiative. This month, we'll be sharing Sips of Summer and hope you'll share any of the following with us:

• Cocktails and/or spirits perfect for sipping by the pool, at the beach, or during a cookout (please share recipes for cocktails)
• What you believe is the perfect cocktail or spirit pairing with a hamburger or hot dog
• Your go-to cocktail at a baseball game
• Limited summer releases from your distillery
• Photos of people having a good time on your distillery's patio, deck or outdoor space

Please send your thoughts and photos to news@americancraftspirits.org.

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.

The band Whiskey Myers has unveiled Uncle Chicken’s Sippin’ Whiskey.

The former master distiller of Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. to open Eastern Light Distilling.

Frazier Creek Brewing & Distilling opens in Stuart, Florida.

Read the Latest Issue of CRAFT SPIRITS Magazine

The latest issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine is here, and this issue examines obstacles and opportunities for U.S. distilleries producing agave spirits; the growing trend of state spirits boards; how to make your operations less vulnerable to cyberattacks; and much more.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

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.