Craft Spirits Weekly
Welcome to the 95th 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.
Do Ghosts Haunt North Carolina's Southern Grace Distilleries?
Some people may need a drink after visiting Southern Grace Distilleries. This distillery in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, about halfway between Salisbury and Charlotte, is housed in a former prison that some folks say is haunted. (Winston-Salem Journal)
Hurry! Early-Bird Registration Rate for ACSA Convention Expires Oct. 31
Join fellow producers and other industry experts for the largest gathering of licensed craft spirits producers in the U.S. Register now to take advantage of our early-bird registration rate and discount room block! We'll be in Minneapolis, MN February 10-12th with some cool pre-convention programs planned. The early-bird registration rate expires   October 31, 2018 . And book your room now to take advantage of the exclusive discount rate of $119/night.
Explore the Science of Wood Aging in ACSA's October 31 Webinar
Join us for our next webinar, which will explore the extraction of wood compounds during different aging scenarios. Presenter Andrei Prida, research and development manager for Seguin Moreau, will discuss the dynamics of aging spirits in barrels, as well as methods involving wood pieces. The webinar is scheduled for October 31, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Eastern time.

Aging of spirits in barrels is an integral step in their production. The regular producers use traditional shapes for this process such as 350L barrels for Cognac or 53 gallon barrels for Bourbon. The craft distilleries find smaller barrels more suitable for maturation. Finally, barrel alternatives such as staves, chips, powders, and inserts are continuing to become integrated into the everyday practice of the spirits industry. In this webinar presentation we measured the extraction rates and speeds of different wood compounds during aging in regular, small barrels and in contact with wood pieces. This information is of practical importance for cellar masters and technical staff, who wish to optimize the sensory properties of aged spirits and to use wood barrels and alternatives in rational way. The registration fee for the webinar is $39 for ACSA members.
Travel + Leisure Ranks Top 25 U.S. Distilleries
With how the spirits industry has grown over the last decade, distilleries are back in the limelight. We’re not knocking the classic vineyard tour or evening at a brewery, but if you’re looking for a tasting with an extra kick, try visiting a distillery. (Travel + Leisure)
Liberty Pole Named One of Top 10 Pittsburgh Drinking Experiences
In naming Pittsburgh one of the “10 Best Drinking Cities in America Right Now,” a trio of possibly drunk writers from the Thrillist website said their criteria involved more than just solid bars. Every city has those. This Thrillistical missed so many of Pittsburgh’s spirited charms that the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette decided to type into the void with a list of its own. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
San Antonio's Ranger Creek Releases Its First Cask-Strength Whiskey
In celebration of its eight-year milestone sharing whiskey with the world, Ranger Creek has released its first cask-strength whiskey. (The Drinkable Globe)
Central Standard Offers Film-Fest-Goers Chance to Win 10 Years of Spirits
Movies are best debated, discussed and dissected over locally-crafted cocktails. To help and commemorate its 2018 MKE Film Fest sponsorship, Central Standard Craft Distillery will offer festival moviegoers drink specials, discount offers and a crazy contest in which one film-festival fanatic could win a free 10-year supply of Central Standard Spirits. (Urban Milwaukee) 
BevCon Goes On Indefinite Hiatus

The founder of BevCon isn’t ruling out a return of the craft beverage conference, which two years ago got its start in Charleston, South Carolina. “I have so many ideas, but I want to take a break,” says Angel Postell, who on Friday announced she was putting the annual program on an indefinite hiatus. (Post and Courier) 
Kentucky's Dueling Ground Ready to Release Bourbon
The story of Kentucky bourbon will likely always be dominated with household names the likes of Jim Beam, Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey, among others. When you look beyond these distilleries though you see an up-and-coming Kentucky craft movement producing some American whiskey of their own. One of the latest of these is Dueling Grounds Distillery, founded in 2014, and its new Linkumpinch Bourbon. (The Whiskey Wash)
Texas-Based Rebecca Creek Expands in South Carolina
Texas-based Rebecca Creek Distillery has expanded into the South Carolina market. Its award-winning spirits can now be found on shelves throughout the state. (BevNet)
American Craft Spirits Association | americancraftspirits.org