Craft Spirits Weekly
SPECIAL BULLETIN: THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Welcome to the 166th 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.
ACSA Responds to the COVID-19 Pandemic
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues, ACSA remains committed to our mission of elevating and advocating for the community of craft spirits producers. ACSA has been working closely with industry leaders and partners to assemble information to help distillers respond during this unprecedented time. Our website has a growing list of resources , including:

  • Federal guidance for production of hand sanitizer and sprays
  • Links to complimentary ACSA webinars
  • Letters to Capitol Hill conveying the need for support for the craft distilling industry
  • Tips for timely processing of TTB approvals and requests
SURVEY 1: Community Support During This Challenging Time
ACSA is seeking your input on your involvement in community support initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please take a moment to answer this very brief survey. Your answers will help us serve you better.
SURVEY 2: Hand Sanitizer/Cleaning Solution Supplies Needed

If you are planning to make hand sanitizer or other cleaning solutions, please let us know which ingredients/supplies you require to fulfill this function.
House Poised to Pass $2 Trillion Stimulus
After receiving unanimous approval in the Senate on Wednesday, the House of Representatives is poised to pass a $2 trillion economic stabilization package on Friday. ACSA has been closely monitoring the measure and advocating for relief for craft distilleries. The bill contains an FET exemption for hand sanitizer through the end of 2020. The legislation does state it has to be under FDA guidelines, so some work remains to be done on this as we know there is a conflict between guidance promulgated by FDA and TTB. Stay tuned for updates.
In Case You Missed It: ACSA Postpones Convention
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ACSA postponed its 7th Annual Distillers’ Convention and Vendor Trade Show, which was originally scheduled to take place in late March in Portland, Oregon.

We recognize many of you, like our ACSA team, have been preparing for over a year to visit Portland. We share your disappointment. Your health, however, is our paramount concern. We will notify you as soon as we reschedule. We cannot thank you enough for your understanding, support, and well wishes during a difficult time for all. We extend our heartfelt wishes that you and your families remain in good health.
Join us for Free COVID-19 Webinars
ACSA is regularly hosting complimentary webinars related to COVID-19. Click on the following links to see recorded webinars:


Upcoming webinars include:


When: Friday, March 27, 3-4 p.m. Eastern
Complimentary to members and non-members
What: If you’ve looked at the FDA registration form and felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone! This webinar will cover how to get your facility and hand sanitizer product registered with the FDA with step-by-step guidance.
Presenter: Scott Harris of Catoctin Creek Distilling Co.


When: Monday, March 30, 3-4 p.m. Eastern
Complimentary to members and non-members
What : Tune in to discuss the Congressional Stimulus Bill, the Small Business Administration’s lending provisions, and how both impact you.
Presenter: Jim Hyland of The Pennsylvania Avenue Group
Updated: Distilleries Spring to Action to Make Hand Sanitizer
A growing number of distilleries are making or plan to make hand sanitizer or spray. To see a running list of these distilleries,  click here . If you are a distiller (or know of a distillery) that should be on this list, write to us at  news@americancraftspirits.org .
State Liquor Control Groups Adapting During COVID-19 Pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hamper business for producers of craft beverages, many state liquor control groups are temporarily suspending certain restrictions on the sales of alcoholic beverages. Click below to see a list of states and updates on how they are reacting to the pandemic. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Distillery 291 Offers Virtual Tours, Tastings
As the food and beverage industries scramble to adapt to social distancing as a result of COVID-19, Distillery 291 of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is getting creative with its tasting room during its quarantine period by offering both virtual distillery tours and virtual whiskey flight tastings. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Iron Heart Canning Continues Services Uninterrupted
While the closing of taprooms, bars and restaurants across the nation due to the COVID-19 pandemic is creating an unprecedented crisis for the craft beverage industry, Iron Heart Canning is continuing mobile canning services uninterrupted to provide for an increased demand for packaged product. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Coronavirus Threatens American Craft Spirits Industry
A new survey released this week by ACSA indicates that without federal assistance more than two-thirds of domestic distilleries could permanently close in the coming months. The impact goes far beyond the bottle. (Forbes)
From Craft Spirits Magazine: A Family Affair
How a family-run store turned into an Arizona liquor legacy.
Lonerider Spirits Releases Bourbon Finished in Tequila Casks
Lonerider Spirits of Holly Springs, North Carolina, is launching a straight bourbon whiskey finished in tequila casks. This unique bourbon is available in North Carolina ABC stores, restaurants and bars. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Bardstown Bourbon Co., Moonshine University Announce Contest
The Bardstown Bourbon Co. of Bardstown, Kentucky, is launching an online search for the “World’s Top Whiskey Taster,” presented by Moonshine University. The contest calls on whiskey lovers, enthusiasts, fans and connoisseurs to compete for a grand prize of $20,000, a scholarship to Moonshine University’s Executive Bourbon Steward program, and the opportunity to represent Bardstown Bourbon Company as a Distillery Ambassador at some of the world’s most preeminent whiskey festivals in 2021. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Dixie Vodka to Donate $10,000 to COVID-19 Relief Fund
Dixie Vodka  will make a $10,000 contribution to The NASCAR Foundation, which will serve as the centralized organization for those in the NASCAR industry seeking to make charitable donations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
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 .