Vol. 323

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 launch of Shiner Craft Spirits; a new release from Freeland Spirits; and more!

NEED TO KNOW

Spoetzl Brewery Announces New Distillery

Shiner, Texas-based Spoetzl Brewery, the family-owned and independent craft brewer of Shiner Bock, announces the addition of a new onsite distillery, the K. Spoetzl Distilling Co., which is distilling a line of Shiner Craft Spirits. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

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!

Freeland Spirits Releases Cherry Blossom Liqueur

Freeland Spirits of Portland, Oregon, has released a limited-edition Cherry Blossom Liqueur, featuring locally harvested cherry blossoms. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

291 Colorado Whiskey Strengthens Texas Presence

291 Colorado Whiskey of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is excited to announce its new Texas partnership with Green Light Distribution. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Sugarlands Introduces Sour Blue Raspberry Moonshine

Sugarlands Distilling Co. of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, announced the newest flavor in the award-winning craft distillery’s moonshine portfolio—Sour Blue Raspberry—made in partnership with Folds of Honor, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled military service members and first responders. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

THE CRAFT SPIRITS PODCAST

Jamie Hunt of Fast Penny Spirits

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Jamie Hunt of Fast Penny Spirits, a Seattle-based company that makes amaro. In this episode, Hunt discusses her love of amaro and how her former experience as a vp of digital strategy helped her launch Fast Penny during the pandemic. She also shares details about the company’s Pretty Penny giveback program and becoming a Certified B Corporation.

ACSA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY: Craft Spirits & Food Month

A Four-Course Cocktail Pairing Menu, Courtesy of J. Carver Distillery

This year ACSA is marking its 10th anniversary, and each month we're celebrating with a new initiative. This month we welcome Craft Spirits & Food Month. This week, we're highlighting the menu of a four-course food-and-cocktail pairing event that J. Carver Distillery of Waconia, Minnesota, presented this past Tuesday in collaboration with The Lake Room, a restaurant in Navarre, Minnesota.

First Course and Cocktail Pairing

Tuna Poke

Skin on house chips, ginger soy marinade, avocado, black sesame seeds, wasabi and sriracha cream

Paired with Lake House Vodka Vesper Cocktail

Second Course and Cocktail Pairing

Green Goddess Mini Wedge

St. Pete's bleu cheese, man-candy bacon, soft boiled egg, heirloom tomatoes

Paired with J. Carver Gin and Jam Cocktail

Third Course and Cocktail Pairing

Braised Short rib with Pappardelle

Red wine demi glace, sautéed garlic spinach garnish

Paired with J. Carver Straight Bourbon Lake Room Manhattan Cocktail

Fourth Course and Cocktail Pairing

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

Toasted brioche, creme anglaise, caramelized bananas

Paired with Runestone Straight Rye Whiskey Infused Sweet 'n Savory Nip

If you have food and cocktail recipes, pairing suggestions or more and want to share them with us, please send a note to news@americancraftspirits.org.

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 latest 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.

The Colorado Grain Chain has announced the Brewers & Distillers Microgrant Program.

San Antonio-based Maverick Distilling is releasing its limited-edition Samuel Maverick Barrel Aged Texas Dry Gin.

Koloa Rum Co. of Kauai, Hawaii, has partnered with Allied Beverage Group to expand distribution of eight premium rum products into the New Jersey market.

Key West, Florida-based Papa’s Pilar Rum announces that it has added a Rye-Finished Rum to its national portfolio.

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 news@americancraftspirits.org.