Vol. 329

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:

• Our new e-book on starting and operating a distillery
• A change in leadership at New Riff Distilling
• Gin cocktails
• And much more!

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.

NEED TO KNOW

New Riff Founder Announces Retirement, Elevates Current Employees, Maintains Family Ownership

New Riff Distilling founder, co-owner and chief executive officer Ken Lewis announced he plans to retire in the spring of 2024, coinciding with the Newport, Kentucky-based distillery’s 10th anniversary. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Happy Raptor Announces Expansion of 504Syrups

Happy Raptor Distilling, a woman-owned New Orleans-based craft rum distillery, has announced the expansion of its signature line of 504Syrups. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Frey Ranch Distillery Announces Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon

Frey Ranch Distillery of Fallon, Nevada, announced the release of a new permanent expression in its portfolio: Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Freeland Spirits Releases Forest Gin

Portland, Oregon-based Freeland Spirits announces the release of Forest Gin, which is now available. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Glencairn Crystal Launches New Campaign

Scottish company Glencairn Crystal is challenging whisky companies and distilleries to think twice about the glassware they use to serve their whisky in and the vital role it plays in enhancing consumers’ experience of their brands with a new campaign featuring the Glencairn Glass. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Scroll down for more news.

SPONSORED

ACSA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY: CELEBRATING GIN

This year ACSA is marking its 10th anniversary, and each month we're celebrating with a new initiative. This month, in addition to the release of our e-book, we're sharing gin-based cocktail recipes like the Saint Meadow from Freeland Spirits (above) and the Gin Fitzgerald from 10,000 Drops Craft Distillers (below). If you have a gin-based recipe you'd like to share, please send a note to news@americancraftspirits.org.

Registration for the National Honey Board’s free Honey Spirits Competition is open now through Friday, June 30.

Browne Family Spirits will enter the Pacific Northwest wholesale market with the addition of its Straight Bourbon and Straight Rye whiskeys beginning July 1.

Sagamore Spirit of Baltimore is expanding its presence north of the border with the debut of its Cask Strength Rye Whiskey in Canada.

Holland, Michigan-based Thatcher’s Organic Artisan Spirits recently announced the release of four new liqueurs.

Wilderton of Hood River, Oregon, will open what it calls the country’s first exclusively non-alcoholic distillery and tasting room on July 1.

ACSA CONVENTION EDUCATION

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.

HEARTLAND WHISKEY COMPETITION

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 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.

Members must login to receive discounted pricing.

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.