Craft Spirits Weekly
Welcome to the 134th 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.
North Carolina Distillers Celebrate New Law
A boon for craft distilleries, North Carolina’s new ABC Regulatory Reform Act has been signed into law. The new law, effective on September 1, 2019, lifts the cap on on-site bottle sales at distilleries and also allows distilleries to sell beer, wine and cocktails, providing equity with the state’s breweries and wineries.

“The new law supports the economic growth of our craft distilling industry, in turn, supporting local farmers, jobs and tourism,” says Pete Barger, co-owner of Southern Distilling Company and president of the Distillers Association of North Carolina. “Our distillery members, our vendors and our communities are now looking forward to enjoying the growth that will result from the many dedicated years of lobbying for these exciting changes."

Tastings at NC ABC stores and easier access to craft distillery products for mixed beverage permittees are also included in the law’s provisions.

Scott Maitland, proprietor of Topo Distillery and past-president of the Distillers Association of North Carolina, is also pleased with the bill signing. “As one of the first licensed distillers in North Carolina since Prohibition, it is very satisfying to know that this hard-fought-for new law now positions our NC craft spirits industry, at over 80 distilleries strong, as a leader nationwide,” says Maitland.

Before Prohibition, North Carolina’s rich agricultural resources bolstered spirits production across much of the state, with cities like Statesville even being touted as the “Liquor Capital of the World” back in the late 1800s. The new law throws the door open for the industry to grow by leaps and bounds, to continue to revitalize its storied Carolina spirits heritage.
Craft Spirits Magazine Debuts Next Week!
Watch your e-mail inboxes on Friday, August 16. That's when you'll receive your link to the inaugural issue of Craft Spirits Magazine, ACSA's bi-monthly digital magazine, packed, cover to cover, with articles and insights on the entire craft spirits marketplace! We are excited to share the publication with you!
Durham Distillery Launches Canned Conniption Gin Rosé Spritz
Durham Distillery has released its third canned cocktail–Conniption Gin Rosé Spritz–made with Conniption American Dry Gin. Taking its inspiration from the classic French 75 cocktail, fruit forward spritzes, summer rosé wine season and the popular pink gin trend, this pink-hued cocktail combines award-winning Conniption American Dry Gin with rosé wine, natural strawberry and lemon, house-made simple syrup and club soda. (BevNet) 
Stay Tuned! Craft Spirits Data Project Results To Be Unveiled 9/24
Mark your calendars! Results of the Craft Spirits Data Project (CSDP), which ACSA conducts in conjunction with Park Street and the IWSR, will be unveiled on Tuesday, September 24. The CSDP provides the industry's most detailed picture of the size, scope, growth trajectory and economic contributions of the craft distilling industry. We thank everyone for their input!
Charles Barkley Listed As New Owner of Alabama's Redmont Distilling
After more than a year of silence, Redmont Distilling has re-emerged. The spirits company says it is now owned by a group led by Charles Barkley, and its new distillery is set to open in Avondale. (AL.com) 
Pernod Ricard Acquires Texas-Based Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co.
One of the world's largest producers of wines and spirits is buying Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co., owner of the TX craft whiskey and bourbon brands and a distillery near downtown Fort Worth. (Dallas News)
Syracuse Alumni and Fans Shame University for Action Against Cuse Juice
Thousands of fans and alums of Syracuse University have signed a petition, asking SU’s lawyers to allow a local distillery to continue making Cuse Juice. (WSYR-TV)
Raleigh, N.C. Police Officer Says He Was Fired for Owning Distillery
A now-former Raleigh police officer says he lost his job with the department because of his ownership stake in a distillery in Clayton. (CBS-17)
Virginia's Twin Creeks Distillery Celebrates Five Years
Twin Creeks Distillery celebrated five years in the Moonshine Capital of the World, Saturday, Aug. 3 at its tasting room in Rocky Mount, Virginia. (The Franklin News Post)
Send News to Craft Spirits Magazine
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our new, bi-monthly digital publication,  Craft Spirits Magazine , arriving this summer. The launch will coincide with the unveiling of the magazine’s official website, which will offer original content, as well as showcase some of the items that will appear on the pages of the 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 .
Eastern Long Island, N.Y.'s Montauk Distilling to Open Tasting Room
Downtown Riverhead, New York, will soon be home to a small batch spirits tasting room. Montauk Distilling Co. is eyeing a fall opening in the former Riverhead Fire Department headquarters on East Second Street — the same building that is home to North Fork Brewing Company. (Northforker.com)
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