Craft Spirits Weekly
Welcome to the 180th 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 Craft Spirits magazine and the American Craft Spirits Association.

While this is normally a members-only benefit, we are distributing this newsletter to all DSPs as a public service during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also offering a 15-month membership for the price of 12 months (existing members will receive an additional three months). If you are not a member, learn more about joining here .
Register Now for Craft Spirits Virtual Summit: A New Journey
The global pandemic has forced the world to swiftly adapt to new ways of life. ACSA is no different. While we would have preferred to gather in person for our Annual Distillers’ Convention & Vendor Trade Show, we are thrilled to present an exciting digital gathering for the entire community of craft spirits producers and suppliers. 

Please join us Aug. 11-12 for Craft Spirits Virtual Summit: A New Journey. Via an engaging, innovative online platform, we will join together —from the safety and comfort of our homes and craft distilleries— for a program tailored for these times. The Summit will feature:

  • Opportunities to network with distillery owners, operators and suppliers 
  • Educational presentations designed and led by industry experts for the current and post-COVID-19 world
  • A virtual trade show floor and the ability to connect with suppliers at their booths
  • Plus much more!

Registration is now open for members and exhibitors. For questions, please contact ACSA's Operations Administrator Teresa McDaniel at  teresa@americancraftspirits.org   or (502) 807-4249. Exhibitors: Click here to see a booth demo.
Iowa Passes Law Permanently Allowing Cocktails to Go
Iowa this week has become the first state in the U.S. to permanently allow the sale of cocktails to go, which up to this point, has been a temporary measure in the states that permit it, an element of regulatory relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Michigan Approves Cocktails to Go Through End of 2025
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) today signed HB 5811 into law allowing restaurants and bars to sell cocktails to go in sealed containers until December 31, 2025. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Treasury Denies Congressional Request to Further Delay FET Payments
The U.S. Department of the Treasury this week denied a Congressional request to extend the delay of federal excise tax (FET) payments for all domestic distilled spirits, wine and beer. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Poll Results: Are Tariffs Impacting Your Business?
Last week, we asked if the threat of impending U.S. tariffs on the U.K. and EU were impacting your business. 33% of respondents said yes.
Caledonia Spirits Joins #StopHateForProfit Campaign
Caledonia Spirits —the Montpelier, Vermont-based distiller of Barr Hill Gin, Tom Cat Gin, and Barr Hill Vodka—announced today that it will pause all advertising on Facebook and Instagram, effective today, as part of the #StopHateForProfit campaign. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Westward’s MESO Benefit Barrel to Support the Fight Against Racism
This week, out of respect for all members of the community and in solidarity with Black Lives Matter,  Westward Whiskey  has announced the release of Westward’s MESO Benefit Barrel, a limited-edition single barrel expression. The release kicks off a broader company partnership with Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO), a Portland-based non-profit dedicated to improving the economic opportunities for underserved individuals through empowerment, education and entrepreneurship. 100% of the barrel proceeds will support the organization’s work in the Portland community and beyond. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
USMCA Brings Changes for Distilleries Doing Business in Canada, Mexico
A new trade deal between the United States, Mexico and Canada took effect on Wednesday. The USMCA replaces NAFTA, and with it comes a few changes of note for food and agricultural products. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Join Us for Craft Spirits Live on Instagram
Join ACSA for Craft Spirits Live, our new Instagram Live show. In each episode, a leading craft spirits producer invites us into their distillery for 30 minutes of engaging conversation and a virtual tour—as well as an opportunity to answer all of your burning questions.

UPCOMING GUESTS

July 8: Heather Shade, Port Chilkoot Distillery
July 9: Bob Gunter, Kōloa Rum Co.
July 15: Gina Holman, J. Carver Distillery
July 16: Jessica Lemmon, Cart/Horse Distilling Co.
July 21: Tanya Smith, Driftless Glen Distillery
July 22: Jeff Kanof, Copperworks Distilling Co.
August 5: Gabe Spencer, Whistling Andy Distillery

Not sure how Instagram Live works? Click here to learn more.
Hawaiian Craft Distillers Petition Governor to Allow DtC Shipping
Kōloa Rum Co., with support from Hawaii distilleries including Kō Hana Distillers, Koʻolau Distillery, Kuleana Rum Works, Lanikai Brewing Co., Kupu Spirits (Maui Brewing Co.) and Pau Maui Vodka, kicked off a public petition on Change.org to encourage Hawaii’s Gov. David Ige to create an Executive Order allowing direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping of spirits. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Kōloa Rum Co. Introduces Hawaiian Rums to Colorado
Hawaii’s award-winning  Kōloa Rum Co.  announces expansion of mainland U.S. distribution for its premium rums and ready-to-drink cocktails to Colorado via a distribution partnership with CTS Distributing. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Reminder: Importance of Registering Sanitizer
Recently, ACSA leadership met with the FDA and the biggest takeaways were the importance of following current FDA guidelines and the necessity  to register  if you are producing hand sanitizer, packaging or labeling for distribution (either for sale or donation). You must also register with the FDA if you are manufacturing ethanol for use by others in making sanitizer.

If you believe a distillery is producing or distributing hand sanitizer or ethanol in a manner that is inconsistent with recent federal regulations and guidelines published for use during the COVID-19 public health emergency, please click here .

And if you haven't already added your distillery to our list of DSPs producing hand sanitizers, click here .
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation announced this week that it has postponed its annual conference,  Tales of the Cocktail , and Spirited Awards announcements and programming until September 2020. The conference will remain fully digital and will run from Sept. 21-24. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Campaign for Du Nord Craft Spirits Nears Finish Line
We are just shy of the $100,000 goal in the GoFundMe campaign for Minneapolis-based Du Nord Craft Spirits, which was severely damaged amidst citywide protests on May 29. Several fires were set inside Du Nord's distillery, owned by Chris Montana, ACSA's immediate Past President and unsung craft spirits advocate.
Members in the Media
A Roundup of Stories, Videos and More Featuring ACSA Members
ACSA Extends Membership Term by Additional Three Months
As distillers continue to operate during a difficult time of uncertainty, ACSA is extending its membership term by three months at no additional cost for existing members, and new members will receive a 15-month membership for the price of 12 months. Read more about the decision here.
Got a question? ACSA's got the answer.
In these challenging times, seek advice and lend your knowledge in ACSA's online forums. Our main forum topics include crisis management, services, TTB, safety, technical, equipment & materials, legislation, business and marketplace.
Read the Latest Issue of Craft Spirits Magazine
In case you missed it, the latest issue of Craft Spirits magazine is online. Click here or on the cover photo to read the full issue.
Send News to Craft Spirits Magazine
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 .
The American Craft Spirits Association is the only national registered non-profit trade association representing the U.S. craft spirits industry. Its mission is to elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirits producers, and membership in ACSA is open to anyone. 

ACSA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the eligible voting members of the Association. Voting members must be independent licensed distillers (DSPs) annually removing fewer than 750,000 proof gallons from bond (the amount on which a Federal Excise Tax is paid.)