Vol. 308

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 a new release from Tattersall Distilling; new episodes of The Craft Spirits Podcast that celebrate ACSA's 10th anniversary; and more!

CONVENTION

Announcing Our Keynote Speaker

We are very excited to announce that Portland's renowned bar industry personality Jeffrey Morgenthaler will be presenting "Behind the Bar: The Craft, Culture and Commerce of the Modern Cocktail" for the keynote address at our upcoming convention.

Morgenthaler is an award-winning bartender and author from Portland, Oregon. He has worked behind the bar full-time since 1996, everywhere from neighborhood taverns and college nightclubs, to fine restaurants and upscale cocktail bars. He is the co-owner of Portland’s newest cocktail bar, Pacific Standard. Prior to this, he managed the seven-time James Beard Award-nominated bar program at Clyde Common, and the highly celebrated Pepe Le Moko.

Online registration for the convention is closed, but on-site registration will be available.

Don't Miss Our Pre-Convention Distillery 101 Course

Are you just entering the craft spirits industry, or do you have a new hire on your team? Our 1.5-day Distillery 101 Course is presented by seasoned industry veterans and will cover equipment selection; material selection; flavor chemistry and biochemistry; distillery safety; pros and cons of tasting rooms; working distributors; building a sales team; distillery finance and MORE!

This is a special pre-convention course that begins on Feb. 9 and has a separate fee from our convention. The course is sponsored by Lallemand.

Presenters include:

Paul Hletko, FEW Spirits

Scott Harris, Catoctin Creek Distilling Company

Johnny Jeffery, Bently Heritage Estate Distillery

Mark A. Vierthaler, Whiskey Del Bac

Amber Pollock, Backwards Distilling Co.

Courtney McKee, Headframe Spirits

Tyee Carr, Westward Whiskey

Gina Holman, J. Carver Distillery

To register, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page. Space is limited so sign up now!

Please note that ACSA members must be logged into ACSA’s website to receive discounted attendee pricing.

NEED TO KNOW

Tattersall Distilling Releases WI-SKI

In partnership with the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF), Tattersall Distilling has released a limited edition collaboration spirit, Tattersall WI-SKI, a straight rye whiskey aged in used maple syrup barrels.(CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

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

This spring, 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. 

We have extended the special Pre-Order Discount. If you order by January 31, 2023, you can take advantage of a special discount. The regular price for the e-book will be $199 for ACSA members and $349 for non-members. The Pre-Order Discount price is $129 for ASCA members and $279 for non-members. Please note that if you are an ACSA member, you will need to be logged in to our site to see member pricing.

Fast Penny Spirits Names Next Recipient for Pretty Penny Giveback

The next beneficiary of Fast Penny Spirits’ quarterly giveback program will be SMASH, Musicians Access to Sustainable Healthcare. The Seattle-based maker of Amaricano and Amaricano Bianca will donate 3% of all bottle sales to the non-profit from the first quarter of 2023. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Louisiana-Based J.T. Meleck Distillers Launches Year-Round Sales of its Rice Whiskey

J.T. Meleck of Branch, Louisiana, will now offer its J.T. Meleck Rice Whiskey year-round, including a single-barrel cask strength option for select retailers in its home state. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

THE CRAFT SPIRITS PODCAST

New Episodes with ACSA's Founding Members and First Board Members

ACSA is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and to help kick off the celebration, we're chatting with some of ACSA’s founders and first board members. Some of these guests will also be appearing at a founders forum at ACSA’s 10th Anniversary Distillers’ Convention and Vendor Trade Show Feb. 10 in Portland, Oregon. You can listen now to conversations with Ralph Erenzo and Ted Huber (above), and in the coming days look for more interviews with Thomas Mooney, Paul Hletko and Nicole Austin.

Traverse City Whiskey Co. officially broke ground on the future site of its new whiskey production facility in Traverse City, Michigan. 

Speakeasy Co. has received funding for its third seed round, with $6.8 million raised.

ReserveBar announced the launch of Get Stocked, which will serve as a content-centric destination dedicated to exploring and purchasing a curated selection ready-to-drink cocktails and more.

Read the Latest Issue of CRAFT SPIRITS Magazine

In the latest issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine, our cover story explores the growth of e-commerce and what it means for the future of spirits retail. This issue also features stories about a decade of distilling at Headframe Spirits; crafting eau de vie in Alsace; and more.

Join Us In The V.I.P. Lounge

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. To unlock additional bonuses, like a set of CRAFT SPIRITS-branded Glencairn glasses, join us in the V.I.P. Lounge today.

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].