Vol. 325

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 acquisition of Bently Heritage Estate Distillery; a new episode of The Craft Spirits Podcast; a new release from Hinterhaus Distilling; and more!

THE CRAFT SPIRITS PODCAST

Bruce Tyler of Weldon Mills Distillery

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Bruce Tyler, the co-founder of Weldon Mills Distillery in Weldon, North Carolina. Tyler is a former active duty member of the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps who opened the distillery with his friend and business partner Michael Hinderliter at the start of the pandemic in 2020. One year later, the distillery’s corn whiskey, Rockfish, claimed best in show at the Heartland Whiskey Competition.

In this episode, Tyler—who is also the vice president of the North Carolina Distillers Association—discusses the surprise of that Heartland honor; the distillery’s bourbon and other products; a second location in Durham; plans for a bed & breakfast near the distillery; an upcoming North Carolina bourbon and spirits festival; and more.

HEARTLAND WHISKEY COMPETITION

Register Now for the 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 by June 16th 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!

NEED TO KNOW

NHL Team Owner Acquires Bently Heritage Estate Distillery

On Tuesday, Foley Family Wines of Sonoma, California, announced its expansion into the spirits business with the acquisition of Bently Heritage Estate Distillery and its existing inventory of whiskey. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Hinterhaus Distilling Launches American Single Malt Discovery Series

Hinterhaus Distilling of Arnold, California, announced plans to release the brand’s first American Single Malt Whiskey on May 27. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Bourbon Women Announces Women of Whiskey Awards

Bourbon Women has announced the inaugural WOW (Women of Whiskey) Awards in partnership with the Bourbon Women Foundation. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery and Top Note Tonic Collaborate on RTD

Chicago-based Maplewood Brewery & Distillery and Top Note Tonic announce the release of their collaborative ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail, Gin/Tonic. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

ACSA Summer Hours

Please note that ACSA offices will close at 1 p.m. ET each Friday through Labor Day.

Scroll down for more news.

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

A Whiskey Dinner Featuring Leopold Bros. and George Dickel

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 an upcoming whiskey dinner in Denver featuring Leopold Bros. and George Dickel. See below for the menu.

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.

London-based Distill Ventures announces the appointment of Heidi Dillon as chief executive.

Actor Kiefer Sutherland has launched Red Bank Whisky in Canada.

Pro basketball player Stephen Curry announced the launch of Gentleman’s Cut Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Alpine Distilling shared its experience and expertise at the annual Worldwide Distilled Spirits Conference.

Eugene, Oregon-based Wolf Spirit announced its spirits products will be available in Canada starting this month.

Read the May/June Issue of CRAFT SPIRITS Magazine

The May/June issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine is here, and is available for ACSA members and V.I.P. Lounge members ahead of our general subscribers. 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.

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.