Vol. 307

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 our upcoming convention; a new initiative from Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey; and more!

CONVENTION

Time is Running Out—Register Now!

Better With Age is the theme for ACSA’s 10th Annual Distillers’ Convention and Vendor Trade Show this February 10-12 in Portland, Oregon. We listened to your ideas and feedback and truly plan to make this show Better with Age, from the layout of the expo hall to ensuring education is only 100 steps from the trade show floor!

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

Uncle Nearest to Raise $1 Million for Underfunded HBCUs

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the top-selling Black-owned spirits brand in the world, announced the launch of its HBCU Old Fashioned Challenge, a nationwide initiative to raise $1 million dollars for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Nominations for the ACSA Board of Directors Due Jan. 23

The ACSA Board of Directors is pivotal to modernizing the craft spirits industry. Throughout a three-year term, each member shares a common goal of carrying out ACSA’s mission to elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirits producers.

If you are interested in running for a board seat, please contact Election Chair, Renee Bemis of Driftless Glen Distillery (Wisconsin) at [email protected]. The deadline is Monday, Jan. 23.

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.

Pączki Day Vodka Returns to Detroit City Distillery

Detroit City Distillery recently announced that Pączki Day Vodka is back and expected to sell out faster than ever. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

Good Bourbon for a Good Cause and Chase’s Place Team Up for Fundraiser

Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, a 501c3 nonprofit public charity formed by the Garrison family and the staff at Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas, is partnering with a Texas chef to raise money for the eventual creation of a scenic hike and bike trail along Highway 290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

U.S. Government Officially Recognizes Bolivian Singani After Eight-Year Effort

After an assiduous eight-year effort, the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), has officially recognized Bolivian Singani as a unique type of brandy and a distinctive product of Bolivia. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine)

THE CRAFT SPIRITS PODCAST

Our latest guest on The Craft Spirits Podcast is Mark A. Vierthaler, the head distiller at Tucson, Arizona-based Hamilton Distillers Group—producers of Whiskey Del Bac. He was also elected to ACSA’s board of directors in 2022, and he has experience working at Tenth Ward Distillery and Boot Hill Distillery. In this episode, Mark discusses his journey from a distillery that dabbles in nearly all categories to one that focuses on American Single Malt, including his general path to distilling and much more.

Pronghorn has announced its most recent capital investment in Hella Cocktail Co.

Infinium Spirits Inc. announced the appointment of Jan Tharp as president. 

Tropical Distillers opens a Miami distillery.

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery is upgrading its facility.

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].