Craft Spirits Weekly
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Welcome to the 50th issue of Craft Spirits Weekly , a service dedicated to bringing you the news most important to the craft spirits distiller. Check your inbox every Thursday to find a curated selection of articles and news pieces from the American Craft Spirits Association.
Number of Producers in NY Surges; State Now No. 2 for Craft Distillers
Consumer demand for locally made, handcrafted beer, wine, cider and spirits has caused the number of New York alcohol manufacturers to surge in recent years. The state is now the No. 4 producer of craft beer and wine in the nation, No. 2 for craft distillers and the country's leading maker of craft hard cider. (Associated Press via US News & World Report)
North Shore's Latest Spirit Inspired by...Bratwurst and Mustard?
North Shore Distillery’s latest one-off spirit, Ethel’s Eye of Newt Cordial, is weird—even for a distillery that’s previously produced limited releases that have taken inspiration from mole poblano sauce, hefeweizen beer and German krauter (herbal) liqueurs.  (Chicago Tribune) 
Ole Smoky to Open Distillery in New Nashville Venue
Ole Smoky, a popular moonshine distillery in Gatlinburg, Tenn., announced plans to open a distillery inside a new venue in Nashville's SoBro area. Ole Smoky plans to team up with Yee-Haw Brewery and Music City Roots for a complex at 6th Avenue and Peabody with a distillery, brewery, live music, bars, tasting rooms, beer & bottle shops and merchandise. (Fox-17 Nashville)
Town Branch to Add Gin to its Portfolio
While Kentucky is known for bourbon, the state’s growth in craft distilleries has cast a spotlight on other locally produced spirits and handcrafted cocktails. Town Branch Distillery is at the forefront of this exciting trend and is set to release Town Branch Gin to round out its portfolio of spirits. (The Lane Report)
Iron Smoke Distillery Gets New President
Iron Smoke Distillery announced that food and beverage industry veteran Tom Riggio will serve as its new president. Riggio brings more than 25 years of food and beverage industry experience, specifically in sales, management, marketing, distribution and organizational development. (BevNet)
Bendistillery Collaborates with Deschutes Brewery on New Malt Whiskey
Bend, Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery and Bendistillery have announced the second release of their acclaimed Black Butte Whiskey. Black Butte Whiskey is an ongoing collaboration between Deschutes and Bendistillery. (BevNet)
A Half-Decade After Privatization, Washington Spirits Sales Up
Before privatization, Washington had nearly 330 liquor stores owned or operated by the government. Now there are more than 1,600 retailers across the state, and gone are the strict limitations on when liquor can be sold. The increased availability has enabled liquor sales to spike and then continue on an upward trajectory, despite rising prices. (The Spokesman-Review)
A. Smith Bowman Hosts Next Stop on Virginia Holiday Spirits Tour
Local artisans, live music and spirits from eight Virginia distilleries will be featured when “The Virginia Craft Spirits Roadshow: Holiday Tour” is held from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at A. Smith Bowman Distillery, 1 Bowman Dr. in Spotsylvania County. (Fredericksburg.com)
American Craft Spirits Association | americancraftspirits.org