Craft Spirits Weekly
Welcome to the 97th 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. Note: ACSA will be observing Veterans Day on Monday, November 12th and our offices will reopen on Tuesday, November 13th. Give thanks to all our veterans who raise our spirits with their service, dedication, and love for our country.
Industry Mourns the Loss of Distilling Icon Dave Pickerell
On behalf of the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), we are heartbroken to learn of Dave Pickerell's sudden passing. In addition to serving as an early industry visionary, Dave left an indelible mark on the entire craft spirits community, and his contribution as a founding affiliate member of ACSA can never be overlooked. 

As an original member of the Board of Directors (ex officio), Dave offered keen insight, thoughtful reflection, and a genuine interest in furthering ACSA's mission to elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirits producers. Unafraid to voice his opinion, even if holding a minority view, Dave pushed the board to new heights. As a master in his field, Dave also helped bring to market countless small brands, contributing to the overall growth and strength of our craft spirits industry. He left Maker's Mark in 2008 as its master distiller and moved on to build WhistlePig, igniting a new wave of rye whiskey producers and consumers. As a consultant, Dave raised the bar on what could and should be achieved in so many segments of the business.

On a personal note, ACSA's events were all the better because of Dave’s warm and engaging personality and larger than life presence. He was a master not only at distilling, but also of teaching and providing visionary leadership to so many wanting to follow in his footsteps.

We will miss him greatly and extend our deepest sympathies to Dave's family and friends. 
Register Now: ACSA Convention & Vendor Trade Show Just 3 Months 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.
Mad River Distillers Readies Release of 3rd Hopscotch Vermont Single Malt
For Northeastern whiskey and craft beer fanatics, that wait is almost over, as Mad River Distillers of Warren, Vermont and 14th Star Brewing Co. of St. Albans, Vermont have teamed up for the third annual release of Mad River’s Hopscotch Vermont Single Malt Whiskey. (The Drinkable Globe)
Traverse City Whiskey Tasting Room to Open in Italian Restaurant
Popular Michigan distillery Traverse City Whiskey Co. will open its first tasting room in Metro Detroit when Como’s restaurant relaunches in Ferndale this spring. The bar will be inside the longstanding neighborhood restaurant, which is being revived by Peas and Carrots Restaurant Group after several decades of ownership under the Grego family. (Detroit News) 
Florida Distillery Building 9/11 Memorial with Steel from Ground Zero
A new distillery in St. Petersburg is building an important art plaza unlike anything the city has previously seen. The American Freedom Distillery which is slated to open early next year, is owned by a group of former Special Forces and Green Beret combat veterans, including Mark Nutsch, who led a team of Green Berets on horseback. (Orlando Weekly) 
Pennsylvania's Boardroom Spirits Expands Distillery and Tasting Room
With an additional 528-gallon still, a new automated bottling line and more space, the recently unveiled addition at Boardroom Spirits gives the distiller the ability to make four times as much vodka, rum, gin and other distilled beverages as it previously could. (The Times Herald)
Richmond, Virginia's Reservoir Distillery Completes 2nd Capital Raise
Reservoir Distillery, a whiskey maker based in the Scott’s Addition area of Richmond, has completed a second-round capital raise as it looks to expand its market footprint and its operations in Richmond. (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 
Michigan's Long Road Distillers to Open New Tasting Room

Grand Rapids-based Long Road Distillers will be opening a new tasting room in Boyne City, Michigan. The Northern Michigan outlet will be the company’s first offsite tasting room apart from its headquarters on the West Side of Grand Rapids where the distillery houses its production facility, cocktail bar and restaurant. (My North) 
Ohio's March First Brewing to Build Standalone Distillery
March First Brewing plans to build a standalone distillery in downtown Milford to expand its Sycamore Whiskey brand. The Cincinnati brewery, which also produces cider, says it needs a dedicated distillery to meet the growing demand for its whiskey and boost its brand awareness. (Akron Beacon Journal) 
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