Welcome to the 185th 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). This offer will expire on Sept. 1. If you are not a member, learn more about joining here.
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Craft Spirits Virtual Summit Kicks Off Tuesday, Aug. 11 |
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ACSA's Craft Spirits Virtual Summit: A New Journey is just 5 days away. Register now so you don't miss out on this digital gathering of the craft spirits community. The summit will feature:
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A virtual exhibit hall, where you can connect via online chat and webcam with partners and suppliers of the craft spirits community.
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Numerous chances to win prizes—at exhibitor booths and at our trivia happy hour. Prizes include books, free entries to our 2021 Judging of Craft Spirits, access to past and future webinars, and a grand prize free admission to our next convention in Louisville, plus two free nights at our guest hotel. Click here to see a list of all exhibitors.
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A distinguished lineup of expert speakers will deliver presentations on various aspects of distilling, sales, packaging, safety and more, including several presentations tailored specifically for operating a business during these challenging times. Click here to see the agenda.
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The opportunity to ask questions and show your support to Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), a key sponsor of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act.
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A keynote address from Joth Ricci, the president of Dutch Bros. Coffee, the nation's largest privately held drive-through coffee chain.
We know that many distilleries and businesses are weathering uncertain financial challenges, which is why we are offering a reduced rate compared to in-person conventions, including an even bigger discount for groups of four people and more. Considering that there’s no need for travel and accommodations, this summit may be the best time to gather your entire team alongside the craft spirits community.
We look forward to seeing you Aug. 11-12!
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Exhibitor Registration Closes Friday, Aug. 7 |
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As an exhibitor, you'll not only have the ability to virtually interact with distillers and friends in the industry via webcam and online chat, but you'll have complete access to all of our education sessions, Town Halls and group activities. Don't miss out, sign up today before registration closes on Friday, Aug. 7.
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Freeland Spirits Introduces New Dry Gin |
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Freeland Spirits of Portland, Oregon—a craft distillery founded, owned, and operated by women—announces a new addition to its lineup: Freeland Dry Gin. This London Dry, Navy-strength gin leads with juniper and is backed up with notes of pine forest, mulled spices, green olive and a hint of citrus. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
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Craft Spirits Data Project Survey Responses Due Aug. 13 |
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Attention all owners/operators or team members of a distilled spirits plant:
Since the Craft Spirits Data Project (CSDP) first launched in 2016, we (together with Park Street and the IWSR) have demonstrated substantial growth in terms of sheer numbers of DSPs, and volume and value in the craft spirits industry. That information has been critically important to educate the U.S. Congress on the impact of your small business on jobs, among other items.
This year, survey results are even more vital as we continue to fight for relief, in the form of a continued (or permanent) FET reduction and additional economic stimulus, as we know many of your tasting rooms have been compelled to close.
Please complete your survey no later than Aug. 13. If someone else within your distillery is better qualified to answer, please alert him or her right away. And, as a reminder, all responses will be kept confidential with reporting in the aggregate.
Fifteen minutes of your time today could make a substantial difference in years to come. Please help us understand the state of our industry.
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ACSA, DISCUS to Co-Host Annual Public Policy Conference Sept. 15-16 |
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Distillers from across the country will gather virtually Sept. 15-16 for the distilled spirits industry’s annual Public Policy Conference co-hosted by the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) and Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).(CraftSpiritsMag.com) |
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West Fork Whiskey Co. Releases the Brand's First Canned Cocktail |
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West Fork Whiskey Co. of Indianapolis is launching the brand’s first canned cocktail, a new take on a whiskey smash called Mint Condition. The cocktail, which was released Friday, is currently only available at the distillery's tasting lounge, but it will hit retail shelves in the coming weeks. (Indy Star) |
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Join Us for Craft Spirits Live on Instagram |
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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
August 19: Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest, Inc.
August 26: P.T. Wood, Wood’s High Mountain Distillery
September 2: TBA
September 9: Thomas Mote, Balcones Distilling
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New York State Legalizes Ice Cream Made with Liquor |
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New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo this week signed legislation (S7013/A8732) authorizing the manufacture and sale of ice cream and other frozen desserts made with liquor in New York State. The legislation will help New York’s dairy farmers, liquor and craft beverage producers, dairy processors and manufacturers, food retailers and restaurants meet the increasing consumer demand for these new and innovative products. (CraftSpiritsMag.com) |
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Pennsylvania Pure Distilleries Wins Awards at Ultimate Spirits Challenge |
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Pennsylvania Pure Distilleries of Pittsburgh announced that its Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka and BLY Silver Rum have both been named the number one spirits in their respective categories by the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, each earning Chairman’s Trophies. This is the second year Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka was ranked as the top vodka. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
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Reminder: Importance of Registering Sanitizer |
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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.
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Members in the Media
A Roundup of Stories, Videos and More Featuring ACSA Members
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Expiring Soon: Get a 15-month Membership for the Price of 12 Months |
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As distillers continue to operate during a difficult time of uncertainty, new and lapsed ACSA members are receiving a 15-month membership for the price of 12 months. This offer will expire on Sept. 1.
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Got a question? ACSA's got the answer. |
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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. |
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Read the Latest Issue of Craft Spirits Magazine |
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Send News to Craft Spirits Magazine
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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.
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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.)
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