Vol. 321

From the editors of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine, Craft Spirits Weekly is produced by the American Craft Spirits Association for its members. Not a member? Click here to join.

This week, we're focusing on the Heartland Whiskey Competition; a new release from Lagunitas Brewing Co. and Griffo Distillery; and more!

NEED TO KNOW

Registration Opens for Heartland Whiskey Competition

If you make whiskey, here's an exciting opportunity to claim bragging rights!

The American Craft Spirits Association, along with the Illinois Corn Marketing Board and related corn growers associations in another 20 states, are excited to announce that registration is now open for the fourth biennial Heartland Whiskey Competition. The competition celebrates the cream of the crop—CORN, the key ingredient for eligible entries into this competition.

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 right 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.

Enter early and receive a 25% discount on each spirit entered!

ACSA Members*: $132 per spirit ($175 normally)

Non-Members: $147 per spirit ($195 normally)

*Members must login to receive discounted pricing. Not a member? Click here to join us!

Lagunitas Brewing Co. and Griffo Distillery Collaborate on Still Waldos

Petaluma, California-based Lagunitas Brewing Co. and Griffo Distillery have concocted a rare spirit: Still Waldos, a single malt whiskey accented with hops. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Fast Penny Spirits Partners with Ladies Who Launch

Seattle-based Fast Penny Spirits, makers of Amaricano Rossa and Amaricano Bianca, are partnering with Ladies Who Launch as the amaro distillery’s latest Pretty Penny partner. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Copperworks Announces Partnership with Talking Cedar

Seattle-based Copperworks Distilling Co. recently announced that it will increase whiskey production and continue its expansion thanks to a partnership with Talking Cedar of Rochester, Washington. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

THE CRAFT SPIRITS PODCAST

Listen to a Conversation with Lucy Farber of St. George Spirits

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Lucy Farber, the operations manager for St. George Spirits in Alameda, California. She’s also a board member for the American Craft Spirits Association and one of the tri-chairs for ACSA’s education committee. In March, Lucy chatted about her early days at the distillery; being a part of a reinvention when ownership transitioned from founder Jörg Rupf to Lance Winters; some of her biggest challenges throughout the years; her decision to run for ACSA’s board; and her passion for education.

ACSA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY: ACSA Member Spring Cocktail Showcase

Spring-friendly Cocktails: Desert Bloom

This year ACSA is marking its 10th anniversary, and each month we're celebrating with a new initiative. This month we welcome the ACSA Member Spring Cocktail Showcase. All month, we've been sharing cocktails perfect for spring.

This week, Whiskey Del Bac of Tucson, Arizona, puts a Southwestern accent on its first foray into rye whiskey, which forms the base for Desert Bloom, a refreshing concoction.

Next month, we'll celebrate Craft Spirits & Food Month!

Watch a Video Tribute to a Decade of ACSA

We celebrate the distiller's decade as the American Craft Spirits Association marks its 10th anniversary.

Read the Latest Issue of CRAFT SPIRITS Magazine

The March/April issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine is here and this issue highlights all of the medalists from our Third Annual Craft Spirits Packaging Awards. We also explore the challenges and opportunities of exporting; how artificial intelligence is weaving its way into the world of craft spirits; and much more.

Blackland Distillery of Fort Worth, Texas, will officially launch its highly anticipated flagship bourbon, Prairie Gold Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Distill Ventures announced the latest brands to join its award-winning Pre-Accelerator program.

Barrell Craft Spirits of Louisville, Kentucky, will add Rye to its already expansive Private Release offerings.

E-BOOK

Pre-Order 'The ACSA Guide to Starting and Operating a Distillery' E-Book

In mid-June, the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) is launching an exclusive e-book, “The ACSA Guide to Starting and Operating a Distillery.” 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. In addition to serving as a textbook for craft spirits producers in their first one to three years in operation, it’s an invaluable resource for onboarding new members of your team, as well as a reference for existing staff to gain a more holistic view of how a distillery operates. The ebook is scheduled to arrive in June.

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 [email protected].