Vol. 345

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:

• Registration for the Fourth Annual Craft Spirits Packaging Awards
• Uncle Nearest's purchase of an estate in the Cognac region of France
• A new release from Koloa Rum Co.
• And more!

NEED TO KNOW

Register NOW for the Fourth Annual Craft Spirits Packaging Awards

Presented by the American Craft Spirits Association and CRAFT SPIRITS magazine—and sponsored by the Glass Packaging Institute—the fourth annual Craft Spirits Packaging Awards celebrates excellence and creativity in the design of craft spirits labels and packaging.

Medalists will be announced at ACSA’s 11th Annual Distillers’ Convention and Vendor Trade Show in February and will be featured in the March/April 2024 issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine. Entries will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts. If you entered last year and did not earn a medal, fear not! We are adding several new judges to the mix, so a new set of eyes will be on your spirits.

Sponsored by

Uncle Nearest Acquires Estate in Cognac Region of France

Uncle Nearest of Shelbyville, Tennessee, has proudly secured ownership of Domaine Saint Martin. Nestled along the scenic Charente River in the city of Cognac, France, this esteemed estate traces its lineage back over 350 years, first to the Lord Mayor of Cognac, Philippe Fé de Ségeville, and subsequently to various cognac-making luminaries including the Martell family, its four-generation custodian. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Koloa Rum Partners with Foodland on Mango-Pineapple Rum Cocktail

Koloa Rum Co. of Kalaheo, Kauai, Hawaii, announced it has partnered with Foodland to celebrate the iconic chain supermarket’s 75th anniversary with the launch of an exclusive rum bottle. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Fortune’s Fool Launches The Prelude, Straight Rye Whiskey

Woman-founded whiskey producer Fortune’s Fool announces its debut release, The Prelude, a premium straight rye whiskey raised in the heart of Kentucky. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Southern Star Bourbon Commemorates Carolina Panthers 2003 Season

Proudly made in North Carolina, Southern Star bourbon is building on its partnership with the Carolina Panthers with a limited release whiskey commemorating the team’s 2003 NFC Championship season. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Malkin Law, P.A. Welcomes Alison Herman as Of Counsel

Miami-based Malkin Law, P.A. announces the addition of Alison Herman as of counsel to its team, further strengthening the firm’s deep commitment and industry-specific knowledge in the beverage industry. Herman’s appointment coincides with Malkin Law’s 10th anniversary, signifying a decade of excellence in providing legal services in the beverage and cannabis industries. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

PUBLIC POLICY

ACSA's Legislative Fly-In: Come Let Your Voice Be Heard

ACSA's Legislative Fly-In on Capitol Hill is back—and in person—this Nov. 7-9!

Register here to let your voice be heard before members of Congress and meet with senior leadership from TTB. This event is complimentary to all members who want to help educate Congress on issues facing our small business manufacturing sector. No experience is necessary—we will provide a full briefing and get you up to speed on issues that can change our economic landscape. 

ACSA'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY

First-ever American Craft Spirits Festival Scheduled for October 26

This year ACSA is marking its 10th anniversary, and each month we're celebrating with a new initiative. On October 26, the country’s top craft spirits producers will be pouring for consumers and select members of the trade during the first-ever American Craft Spirits Festival at Binny’s Beverage Depot in Chicago. We expect over 50 distilleries and hundreds of attendees!

The event will feature education by industry leaders as well as an opportunity for

sponsors to connect with distilleries during trade-only festival hours. An exclusive ACSA-published Cocktail Booklet featuring recipes from participating distilleries will also be distributed to all attendees.

Tickets for the festival are now available.

Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskeys are taking flight, with new distribution agreements in 10 markets.

Amante 1530, a new Italian amaro aperitivo, launches in the United States and Italy.

Milwaukee-based Top Note announces a partnership with Bourget Imports to bring its lineup of craft mixers and soft drinks to retail shelves across Minnesota. 

Louisville, Kentucky-based Barrell Craft Spirits announced the launch of Barrell Foundation Bourbon, its first non-cask strength bourbon, in select U.S. markets.

Georgetown, Kentucky-based Blue Run Spirits announced a special collection of 8-Year-Old Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys.

Read the Sept./Oct. Issue of CRAFT SPIRITS Magazine

The September/October issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine is here! This issue includes:

• A cover story exploring what motivates brandy makers in such a challenging category
• An outlook for the upcoming OND season
• A primer on distilling with whey
• A closer look at the distilling scene in Chicago, 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.

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!