Vol. 290

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 an update on the FDA's recent hand sanitizer inquiries; a new look for Rogue Ales & Spirits' Dead Guy Whiskey; a rebranding for a Louisiana distillery; and more!

NEED TO KNOW

Guidance on FDA Hand Sanitizer Audits 

In case you missed it, yesterday the American Craft Spirits Association and the Food and Drug Administration met to discuss the issue of hand sanitizer audits.” Previously we had heard concerns that the FDA notified members about increased levels of acetaldehyde in hand sanitizer produced in 2020. Many members have already spent lots of time (and money) attempting to comply with the request. The FDA acknowledged that additional letters may be sent to producers of hand sanitizer. The FDA also confirmed that these letters are NOT audits but simply informational requests. In that light, here is what you need to know.

 

If you produced hand sanitizer during the pandemic and registered your products with the FDA, DEREGISTER IMMEDIATELY if you have not already done so. (You are now considered a manufacturer of over-the-counter drugs and more likely to have your hand sanitizer examined. If you continue to produce hand sanitizer, you are considered a manufacturer and must comply with all applicable regulations as a drug manufacturer.)


If you have received or do receive an FDA informational request (while no legal obligation to respond, ACSA suggests that you do so) here is what you should do:

  • Provide the date you stopped manufacturing
  • Provide the total volume of hand sanitizer (number of gallons)
  • Although NOT required, IF your label contained an expiration date, provide that date
  • If you have additional information, such as a certificate of analysis (COA), send that to the FDA, too


As ACSA will continue to advocate for distillers with FDA on the impact of these investigations, please let us know if you are impacted by such a request.


For questions or comments, please contact sanitizer@americancraftspirits.org.

Craft Spirits Data Project: Please Take This Important Survey

Sometimes investors want to know if our industry is healthy. Sometimes the media has questions about our growth. Sometimes legislators want to know how our small businesses contribute to the economy. Sometimes it's all of the above and more! 


In order to help us and our hand-picked partner, Park Street, provide the answers, please help us complete the 2022 Craft Spirits Data Project—the annual economic analysis which demonstrates how our craft industry is faring. The economic forecast is only as good as a retrospective look. Please complete the survey now but no later than Oct. 1 to provide the data points necessary to evaluate our economic health.  

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Enter the Third Annual Craft Spirits Packaging Awards

The American Craft Spirits Association and CRAFT SPIRITS magazine are thrilled to announce that registration is open for the third annual Craft Spirits Packaging Awards. Sponsored by the Glass Packaging Institute, the competition celebrates excellence and creativity in the design of craft spirits labels and packaging.


Medalists will be announced at ACSA’s 10th Annual Distillers’ Convention and Vendor Trade Show in February and will be featured in the March/April 2023 issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine. Entries will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts. The deadline for entry is Oct. 14.

Click Here to Enter
Sponsored by

Rogue Expands Dead Guy Whiskey Portfolio with New Look

Newport, Oregon-based Rogue Ales & Spirits is unveiling a new custom bottle for its award-winning American single malt, Dead Guy Whiskey, and expanding the portfolio with the release of new Dead Guy Whiskey expressions—Dead Guy Whiskey Stout Cask Finished (originally Rolling Thunder Stouted Whiskey) and Dead Guy Whiskey Wine Cask Finished (a brand new expression). (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

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SPONSORED

Three Roll Estate Rebrands as Oxbow Rum Distillery

The owners of the formerly named Three Roll Estate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, recently announced a new name: Oxbow Rum Distillery. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

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Lost Lantern Announces Fall 2022 Single Cask Collection

Lost Lantern, an independent bottler of American whiskey, is pleased to announce their fall 2022 collection, featuring five limited edition single casks from Boulder Spirits in Colorado, Cedar Ridge Distillery in Iowa, Copperworks Distilling in Washington, and Breuckelen Distilling in New York. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

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Members: Download Updated ACSA Member Logos

Show your pride for the American Craft Spirits Association on your website and more with our updated member logos!

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TAKE ACTION

Applications Deadline for STEPUP Interns, Mentors, DSPs and Wholesalers Extended Until Oct. 1

The STEPUP Foundation is now accepting applications for 2023 interns, mentors, DSPs and wholesalers until Oct. 1, 2022.


STEPUP stands for Spirits Training Entrepreneurship Program for Underrepresented Professionals and its mission is to provide underserved and underrepresented individuals with hands-on training and education, encouragement, and opportunities to enter the spirits community through a comprehensive internship program like no other in the alcohol beverage industry.


STEPUP, working with distilleries and wholesalers throughout the United States, provides a comprehensive, hands-on training program with a living stipend and provides job exposure for those of different races, color, national origins, genders and sexual orientations.


If you or someone you know might be a good fit as an intern, mentor, host DSP or wholesale distributor, please apply here!

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UPCOMING EVENTS AND DEADLINES

September


20-21: 2022 ACSA/DISCUS Public Policy Conference


Join us as we meet virtually with officials from Capitol Hill and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau before setting off for virtual Congressional meetings. Register by Sept. 9.


20: Deadline for our call for presentations for the 10th Annual Distillers' Convention and Vendor Trade Show


October


1: Applications close for interns, host distilleries and mentors for the STEPUP Foundation


1: Deadline to complete the Craft Spirits Data Project Survey


14: Entry Deadline for Third Annual Craft Spirits Packaging Awards

February 2023

10-12: 10th Annual Distillers' Convention and Vendor Trade Show

Save the date for our 10th annual convention in Portland, Oregon!
SPONSORED
IN THE KNOW

Hood River Distillers announced the promotion of president David Ballew to the position of president and CEO.  

Columbus, Ohio-based Watershed Distillery is launching batch 003 of its award-winning Watershed Barrel Strength 6 Year Bourbon.

Award-winning author and Bourbon columnist Susan Reigler recently received the ninth annual Lois Mateus Networking Award.

Los Angeles-based Filmland Spirits announces its world premiere in the U.S. market, unveiling three core whiskey expressions.

CRAFT SPIRITS MAGAZINE
Read the Latest Issue of CRAFT SPIRITS Magazine
The July/August issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine is here, and our cover story explores the current state of on-premise two years after the pandemic began. This issue also features stories about barrel recipes, NFTs tied to spirits and more.
Click Here

Join Us In The V.I.P. Lounge and Virtually Meet Lisa Wicker

Our V.I.P. Lounge members receive each issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine one week early, and our $40- and $60-per-year supporters are invited to virtual meet-and-greets with craft spirits icons, like our recent hangout with Lisa Wicker of Widow Jane. To unlock additional bonuses, like a set of CRAFT SPIRITS-branded Glencairn glasses, join us in the V.I.P. Lounge today.

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Send News to CRAFT SPIRITS Magazine
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.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
ACSA Starts Facebook Group for Voting Members
In an effort to use the platforms that you most often use, ACSA started a private Facebook group for voting members only (open to all employees of member DSPs). The group will be an environment to not only ask questions without judgement, but to provide input and feedback to colleagues based upon members’ experiences and best practices. If you would like to be added to the group, please send an email to carason@americancraftspirits.org.
The ACSA PAC Needs Your Support
ACSA’s public policy advocacy on behalf of its members is critical to making sure our community’s voice is heard on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures. A crucial piece of this strategy is a strong Political Action Committee (PAC) and to maintain this presence, we need your support, particularly during a mid-term election year.
 
The easiest way to engage and learn more is to go to our website and log in to ACSA. 
 
Should you have any questions about ACSA’s PAC, or ACSA’s public policy initiatives, please write to acsapac@americancraftspirits.org.
THANK YOU, SPONSORS!
ACSA would like to thank all of our annual sponsors and our key supporters of education. We are grateful for all of your support throughout the year. Cheers!
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The American Craft Spirits Association is the only national registered nonprofit trade association representing the U.S. craft spirits industry. Its mission is to elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirits producers, and membership in ACSA is open to anyone. 

ACSA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the eligible voting members of the Association. Voting members must be independent licensed distillers (DSPs) annually removing fewer than 750,000 proof gallons from bond (the amount on which a Federal Excise Tax is paid.)