Craft Spirits Weekly
Welcome to the 102nd 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.
U.S. Treasury Dept. Rejects Tax Drawback on Spirits Produced for Export
The U.S. Treasury Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a final rule on Modernized Drawback this week that prohibited the excise tax drawback spirits, beer and wine that are produced in the United States for export. (The Spirits Business) 
Register Now: ACSA Convention & Vendor Trade Show 7 Weeks Away!
Join fellow producers and other industry experts for the largest gathering of licensed craft spirits producers in the U.S. We'll be in Minneapolis, Minnesota February 10-12 with some cool pre-convention programs planned. And book your room now to take advantage of the exclusive discount rate of $119/night.
Louisiana Distillery Trail in the Works
Louisiana distillers want to create a state-sponsored distillery trail next year as a way to boost tourism and spotlight the state’s burgeoning craft spirits industry. The Louisiana Distillers Guild met last week with Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser to brainstorm ideas for the trail, says guild secretary and treasurer Ricci Hull, and they’re planning to meet again Jan. 14 to finalize details. (Greater Baton Rouge Business Report)
Buffalo's Lockhouse Distillery Launches Gin Inspired by Breakfast Cereal
Just in time for the holidays, Buffalo’s first distillery since Prohibition will be releasing a brand new “fresh and spicy” spirit that was inspired by the cereal smells that emanate from the General Mills plant at the waterfront. Lockhouse Distillery & Bar is calling its latest creation Lockhouse Ginnamon. (Buffalo Rising) 
Neversink Spirits Moves to 100 Percent Apple Base for Gin
Neversink Spirits, the craft spirits producer based in Port Chester, N.Y. has announced a move to a 100 percent apple base for its flagship spirit, Neversink Gin. (BevNet) 
Jeptha Creed Nears Launch of Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Jeptha Creed opened its doors two years ago when CUB helped finance a new 15,000-square-foot facility in Shelbyville featuring a distillery, cocktail bar, event space, gift shop and expansive outdoor patio for entertaining. This spring, Jeptha Creed will host a launch party to unveil its first 2-year-old signature straight Kentucky bourbon. (Insider Louisville)
Finger Lakes Distilling Releases Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon
Finger Lakes Distilling is pleased to announce the release of a new whiskey, McKenzie Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon. This spirit is made from local corn (70%), red winter wheat (20%) and malted barley (10%). It meets the strict requirements of the Bottled-in-Bond Act: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. (BevNet)
Capital Distillery Opens Tasting Room in Albany

Capital Distillery, which makes vodka, gin, maple whiskey and honey brandy, opened its bar, tasting room and bottle shop at 32 Learned St. in Albany, a block off Broadway in what was once a Bruegger's Bagels production facility. The owner is Doug Estadt, who had a winery and distillery in the Windham area and recently relocated to the Capital Region. (Times Union)
Five Siblings Run U.S.'s Only Baijiu Distillery
Michelle Ly has coached countless Americans through their first sips of baijiu. Even though it’s the world’s most popular spirit, few of her non-Chinese customers have tried it, and even in Portland, Oregon, where having adventurous tastebuds is a lifestyle, its funkiness and potency can provoke puzzlement and polarized reactions. (Atlas Obscura) 
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