Craft Spirits Weekly
Welcome to the sixth 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.
Ind. Distillers Guild Approves By-Laws, Names President
On the eve of Bloomington-based Cardinal Spirits' second anniversary, one of its co-founders has been tapped to lead an organization focused on the growing Indiana craft spirit industry. Inside Indiana Business has learned Jeff Wuslich has been named president of the Indiana Distiller's Guild, which has just approved bylaws and its inaugural team of leaders. (Inside Indiana Business)
Legislation Strengthens Economic Partnership between VA Distillers Industry and the Commonwealth
 
Last week members of the  Virginia Distillers Association  (VDA) visited the State Capitol during their first Annual Legislative Day to thank their Senators and Delegates for their support of  Senate Bill 1448  and  House Bill 2029 , which are identical bills designed to allow Virginia distilleries to sell bottles at events conducted for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about spirits. (Virginia Distillers Association)

Ore. Craft Spirits Scene Heats Up
Fueled by a dynamic cocktail scene, soaring national demand for whiskey and the relaxation of post-Prohibition regulations, Oregon craft spirits have been seriously heating up. Industry insiders call its popularity hardly accidental, given the prominence of wine and craft beer in the state. (Oregon Wine Press)
Iowa Distillers Push for Serving Rule Change
The Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division wants to level the playing field between micro-distilleries and micro-breweries. So it’s recommending allowing the smaller makers of whiskey, gin, rum and other spirits in the state to serve alcohol by the glass. (KCRG)
Grand Rapids, Mich. Distiller Unveils Gin with Only Michigan Ingredients
We all know Grand Rapids is Beer City, USA,  but it's a locally distilled liquor that's now getting some attention. Grand Rapids-based, Long Road Distillery has released their "MICHIGIN." It's a new, seasonal gin made with all Michigan ingredients, starting with water from Lake Michigan. (WZZM)
N.J. Craft Spirits Biz Grows with Launch of Skunktown
Throughout Central Jersey, craft breweries have been popping up as quick as you can pop off a cap, pulling in visitors eager to tour the facilities, sample beer and learn about brewing. However, in terms of distilleries, Hunterdon County has been lacking. That is until Skunktown Distillery—named for the original name of Sergeantsville, "Skunktown," which is the hometown of co-owners Caine Fowler and Paul Hyatt — opened for business on Dec. 22. (MyCentralJersey.com)
Delaware’s Painted Stave to Expand
Owners of Painted Stave Distilling in Smyrna, Del. say they have finalized the purchase of the Old Smyrna Theater and plan to expand. The distillery had been renting the first floor of the theater for the past four years, but co-owners Ron Gomes Jr. and Michael Rasmussen said that in order to meet increased demand, they plan to construct 4,800 square-foot warehouse behind the current building. (The News Journal)
Barrell Craft to Open Distillery
Joe Beatrice launched Barrell Craft Spirits and his first batch of Barrell Bourbon in January 2014, and since then, interest and sales of the unconventional product have climbed. Barrell Craft has been a non-distiller producer, but it is now getting into the distilling game with a newly acquired space. (Insider Louisville)

Atlanta Distiller Teams Up with Local Brewer to Produce Single Malt
Two of Atlanta’s hottest purveyors of craft alcoholic beverages have teamed up to produce a craft whiskey. Atlanta-based Monday Night Brewing and Atlanta-based ASW Distillery will brew and distill a Scottish Style Single Malt Whiskey. (Atlanta Business Chronicle)

Philly Distillers Join Forces for Downtown Tasting Room
Philadelphia will soon have a lot more local spirits—and the tasting room to go with it—courtesy of a whiskey-fueled partnership between two of Philadelphia’s most prominent distillers.
American Craft Spirits Association | americancraftspirits.org