Craft Spirits Weekly
Welcome to the 69th 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.
Maine's Wiggly Bridge Distillery to Fill 500th Barrel
Not only is May 19 World Whisky Day, but York, Maine’s Wiggly Bridge Distillery will be filling its 500th barrel. The distillery is planning a celebration to commemorate the milestone—huge for a small batch craft distillery in Maine. Ticket holders will be able to sign the barrel and their name will be entered in for the chance to seal the barrel by hammering in the bung after the barrel is filled. (The Drinkable Globe)
Colorado's Golden Moon Distillery Starts $6M Expansion
The owner of Golden Moon Distillery in Golden, Colorado is starting a $6 million expansion that could boost its output by 60 times. Golden Moon will upgrade from its current 2,000 square feet in an industrial part of Golden to 8,800 square feet starting next week. In the next 18 to 24 months, the distillery will take over an additional 4,600 square feet of adjacent space for a barrelhouse to age spirits. (BusinessDen)
Atlanta's ASW Distillery Moves Forward with New Outpost
Atlanta whiskey maker ASW Distillery is finally moving forward with permitting and construction bids on a second outpost at the Lee & White complex in West End. The 12,000-square-foot barrel aging and storage facility—which includes a Beltline-facing tasting room—has been tied up in permitting since owners Jim Chasteen and Charlie Thompson signed the lease last year. (Eater Atlanta)
Reminder: We Still Need Your Response for 2018 Craft Spirits Data Project
ACSA, Park Street and the IWSR are again asking for your help. We are collecting, analyzing, and reporting on economic data for our craft spirits community, the media, and Congress. Reinvestment of the FET savings, job growth, in-state versus out-of-state sales, and bottom line contribution to the U.S. economy will be reported. This year, this data is all the more important as we attempt to educate your federal Representatives and Senators on how you are using your tax savings. Tell us! We cannot do this without your assistance. We will again collaborate with our industry partners to secure updates from the wholesale and retail tier.
Chicago's Letherbee Distillers Unveils Limited-Edition Strawberry Gin
Chicago-based Letherbee Distillers drops its highly anticipated limited-edition seasonal spring gin Tuesday with a release party at the Ace Hotel in Fulton Market. The Vernal 2018 was inspired by strawberry shortcake and was primarily the work of Letherbee founder Brent Engel, said production manager Nathan Ozug. (Chicago Tribune)
Old Elk Distillery Opening Tasting Room in Old Fort Collins, Colorado
Old Elk Distillery is opening a tasting room in Old Town Fort Collins but backing away from plans to build a large distillery in the city's adjacent River District. (Coloradoan) 
Michigan's New Holland Spirits to Launch RTD Cocktails
New Holland Spirits, the craft distillery division of New Holland Brewing Co., is accompanying its already diverse spirits line up with its first-ever launch of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails. The launch will consist of three different brands. (BevNet) 
Eastside Distilling Expands Distribution of Redneck Riviera in Florida
Eastside Distilling, Inc. announced that its Redneck Riviera Whiskey will be added to the product lineup at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits. With approximately 130 retail stores, all within the state of Florida, ABC is the largest independent retailer of wine and spirits in Florida and one of the largest in the United States. Redneck Riviera Whiskey is a joint collaboration between Eastside and John Rich, the multi-platinum country-music artist and one-half of the award-winning duo Big & Rich. (BevNet)
First Distillery to Operate on Upper Midwest Tribal Land Opens
A Wisconsin couple say they will be operating the first distillery on tribal lands in the Upper Midwest. Curtis Basina and his wife are owners of the Copper Crow Distillery on the Red Cliff Tribal Reservation. After more than two years-worth of ground work, the facility will open its doors to the public on Saturday. (WDIO)
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