Craft Spirits Weekly
Welcome to the 141st 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.
Hawaii's Kōloa Rum Celebrates 10 Years with Expansion Announcement
September 2019 marks a significant milestone for Hawaii’s Kōloa Rum Co., as the brand celebrates a decade in business on the island of Kauaʻi. Having achieved year-over-year double digit sales and revenue increases since year one, the Kōloa Rum Company expansion will allow for increased production and distribution to accommodate the brand’s growth. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Dogfish Head Unveils Whiskey Finished in Palo Santo Marron Ale Barrels
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and Dogfish Head Distilling Co. of Milton, Delaware, are releasing two new offerings—Suddenly Comfy, an imperial cream ale reminiscent of freshly-baked apple pie, and Alternate Takes: Volume 2, Whiskey Finished in Palo Santo Marron Ale Barrels. Both libations are now available at Dogfish Head’s various coastal Delaware properties. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Register Now for ACSA's 7th Annual Convention & Vendor Trade Show
in Portland and Save the Date for 2021 in Louisville!
Take advantage of special early-bird registration rates for "Journey to Craftlandia," ACSA's 7th Annual Distillers' Convention and Vendor Trade Show in Portland Oregon, March 29-31. Join fellow producers and other industry experts for the largest gathering of licensed craft spirits producers in the U.S. Register by October 31 to get the early-bird rates of $595 for members and $395 for additional members. After October 31 the rates rise to $625 for members and $425 for additional members. So, register today to save some money!

Also, save the date for the 8th Annual Distillers' Convention and Vendor Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky. The convention is scheduled for Feb. 28-March 2, 2021, at the Kentucky International Convention Center, and the host hotel is The Galt House Hotel. More information to come.
Call for Entries: ACSA's Craft Spirits Judging
Registration is now open for ACSA's annual Craft Spirits Judging competition. ACSA takes great pride in conducting a rigorously professional judging program that recognizes the best craft spirits in the categories of Vodka/Grain, Gin, Brandy, Rum, Whiskey and Specialty Spirits. Just added: RTD cocktails are now being accepted . And we're now also accepting international spirits. Judging will take place October 29-30 at Cardinal Spirits in Bloomington, Indiana and category medalists will be announced on March 30, 2020 at the Awards Banquet during ACSA Distillers’ Convention & Vendor Trade Show at the Oregon Convention Center (convention dates are March 29, 30, & 31, 2020). The regular submission period ends October 4 and the late deadline is October 18.
Michigan State University to Offer Online Course in Spirits Laws
Michigan State University’s Institute for Food Laws and Regulations (IFLR) is offering a new online course examining the laws, regulations and policies that govern alcoholic beverages in the United States. Wine, Beer, and Spirits Laws and Regulations will be taught by Prof. Melissa Card, Associate Director of IFLR, and of counsel in Plunkett Cooney’s FDA Regulatory and Litigation Practice group in Detroit. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Upcoming Webinar: Cocktail Menu Design
Vineyards have their tasting rooms. Breweries have their tap rooms. These craft beverage entities have one massive advantage by serving in their own spaces – their clients get to enjoy their products how they would enjoy them at home. Craft distilleries… not so much.

Outside of a handful of passionate acolytes for spirits, most of the drinking public prefer their spirits mixed. Between murky local drinking laws, inexperienced bartenders, and a plethora of other landmines, it can be massively intimidating to try and start a cocktail program within your distillery’s tasting room. But, by not taking advantage of the depth of knowledge you have in-house, you’re missing out on a massive opportunity for brand and business growth.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to take these suggestions and ideas and begin growing a vibrant and beneficial cocktail program within your very own tasting room, suited to your individual distilling programs and philosophies.

When:  Tuesday, Oct. 15, 3-4 p.m.

Where : Online Webinar

Who : Mark A. Vierthaler (Head Distiller, Tenth Ward Distilling Company) 

Cost:  $39 for members, $59 for non-members
Ohio's Watershed Bourbon Barrel Gin Earns Double Gold Medal
The New York World Wine and Spirits Competition recently announced the 2019 medal winners, and an Ohio-made spirit took home a top honor. Bourbon Barrel Gin from Watershed Distillery has been awarded a double gold medal, earning the spirit “Best in Class” in the flavored gin category for 2019. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Colorado Springs-Based Distillery 291 Takes Home Top Honors
Distillery 291, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, earned top billing at The American Whiskey Masters Competition in the categories of “Ultra-Premium Rye” and “Bourbon Aged up to 7 Years.” The distillery also picked-up Platinum status, the highest award possible, for its Rye and Bourbon at the SIP Awards. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
Florida's St. Augustine Distillery Raises Money for Hurricane Dorian Relief
Following the devastation of Category 5 Hurricane Dorian to the Grand Bahamas and Abaco Islands, St. Augustine Distillery launched a local fundraiser to support storm victims. With the help of the St. Augustine community, the distillery raised $5,000 for World Central Kitchen’s efforts in Hurricane Dorian relief.  (The St. Augustine Record)
The New Hangout in Columbus? Distilleries
Columbus, Ohio, is no longer the meat-and-potato city of decades ago. Yes, there are the big restaurant chains. Wendy’s, White Castle and Sbarro, to name a few, have national headquarters here. But the state capital is now one of the country’s fastest-growing cities, and it has dynamic art projects, good restaurants and a revitalized riverfront. Recently, it also has been getting buzz for its spirits, with a fresh crop of homegrown micro distilleries elevating the city’s drink scene. (The New York Times)
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 .