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From the editors of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine, Craft Spirits Weekly is produced by the American Craft Spirits Association for its members. Not a member? Click here to join.
This week, we're focusing on new releases from Manifest Distilling and Milam & Greene Whiskey; an announcement from Bar Convent Brooklyn; and more!
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Craft Spirits Data Project: Please Take This Important Survey | |
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Sometimes investors want to know if our industry is healthy. Sometimes the media has questions about our growth. Sometimes legislators want to know how our small businesses contribute to the economy. Sometimes it's all of the above and more!
In order to help us and our hand-picked partner, Park Street, provide the answers, please help us complete the 2022 Craft Spirits Data Project—the annual economic analysis which demonstrates how our craft industry is faring. The economic forecast is only as good as a retrospective look. Please complete the survey now but no later than Oct. 1 to provide the data points necessary to evaluate our economic health.
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Call for Presentations Closes Tuesday, Sept. 20 | |
The call for presentations for ACSA’s 10th Annual Distillers' Convention and Vendor Trade Show in Portland, Oregon, from February 10-12 closes on Tuesday, Sept. 20! ACSA prides itself on professional education providing the greatest possible learning experience for our industry. Each individual call for presentations will be personally vetted by the ACSA Education Committee. Click here for further instructions and submit your presentation proposal by Sept. 20. | |
Less Than One Month to Enter the Third Annual Craft Spirits Packaging Awards | |
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The deadline to enter the third annual Craft Spirits Packaging Awards is less than one month away. If you produce craft spirits with an eye-catching design, enter now!
Medalists will be announced at ACSA’s 10th Annual Distillers’ Convention and Vendor Trade Show in February and will be featured in the March/April 2023 issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine. Entries will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts. The deadline for entry is Oct. 14.
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Manifest Distilling Launches New Line of RTDs | |
Manifest Distilling of Jacksonville, Florida, announced the launch of its new line of ready-to-drink (RTD) hard seltzers, making the distillery one of the first in Florida to introduce a canned seltzer product made with real spirits. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine) | |
Milam & Greene Releases Literary Celebration of Straight Bourbon Whiskey | |
Milam & Greene Whiskey is introducing Unabridged Volume 1, a new limited-edition, literary-themed blend of straight bourbon whiskies. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine) | |
Bar Convent Brooklyn Announces 2023 Dates | |
After celebrating the biggest year in its history and welcoming nearly 4,000 industry professionals through its doors in 2022, Bar Convent Brooklyn is excited to announce the dates for its fifth in-person show. (CRAFT SPIRITS magazine) | |
Members: Download Updated ACSA Member Logos | |
Show your pride for the American Craft Spirits Association on your website and more with our updated member logos! | |
Applications Deadline for STEPUP Interns, Mentors, DSPs and Wholesalers Extended Until Oct. 1 | |
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The STEPUP Foundation is now accepting applications for 2023 interns, mentors, DSPs and wholesalers until Oct. 1, 2022.
STEPUP stands for Spirits Training Entrepreneurship Program for Underrepresented Professionals and its mission is to provide underserved and underrepresented individuals with hands-on training and education, encouragement, and opportunities to enter the spirits community through a comprehensive internship program like no other in the alcohol beverage industry.
STEPUP, working with distilleries and wholesalers throughout the United States, provides a comprehensive, hands-on training program with a living stipend and provides job exposure for those of different races, color, national origins, genders and sexual orientations.
If you or someone you know might be a good fit as an intern, mentor, host DSP or wholesale distributor, please apply here!
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UPCOMING EVENTS AND DEADLINES | |
Read the Latest Issue of CRAFT SPIRITS Magazine
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The July/August issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine is here, and our cover story explores the current state of on-premise two years after the pandemic began. This issue also features stories about barrel recipes, NFTs tied to spirits and more.
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Join Us In The V.I.P. Lounge | |
Our V.I.P. Lounge members receive each issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine one week early, and our $40- and $60-per-year supporters are invited to virtual meet-and-greets with craft spirits icons, like our recent hangout with Lisa Wicker of Widow Jane. To unlock additional bonuses, like a set of CRAFT SPIRITS-branded Glencairn glasses, join us in the V.I.P. Lounge today. | |
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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Guidance on FDA Hand Sanitizer Audits | |
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In case you missed it, yesterday the American Craft Spirits Association and the Food and Drug Administration met to discuss the issue of hand sanitizer audits.” Previously we had heard concerns that the FDA notified members about increased levels of acetaldehyde in hand sanitizer produced in 2020. Many members have already spent lots of time (and money) attempting to comply with the request. The FDA acknowledged that additional letters may be sent to producers of hand sanitizer. The FDA also confirmed that these letters are NOT audits but simply informational requests. In that light, here is what you need to know.
If you produced hand sanitizer during the pandemic and registered your products with the FDA, DEREGISTER IMMEDIATELY if you have not already done so. (You are now considered a manufacturer of over-the-counter drugs and more likely to have your hand sanitizer examined. If you continue to produce hand sanitizer, you are considered a manufacturer and must comply with all applicable regulations as a drug manufacturer.)
If you have received or do receive an FDA informational request (while no legal obligation to respond, ACSA suggests that you do so) here is what you should do:
- Provide the date you stopped manufacturing
- Provide the total volume of hand sanitizer (number of gallons)
- Although NOT required, IF your label contained an expiration date, provide that date
- If you have additional information, such as a certificate of analysis (COA), send that to the FDA, too
As ACSA will continue to advocate for distillers with FDA on the impact of these investigations, please let us know if you are impacted by such a request.
For questions or comments, please contact sanitizer@americancraftspirits.org.
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ACSA Starts Facebook Group for Voting Members | |
In an effort to use the platforms that you most often use, ACSA started a private Facebook group for voting members only (open to all employees of member DSPs). The group will be an environment to not only ask questions without judgement, but to provide input and feedback to colleagues based upon members’ experiences and best practices. If you would like to be added to the group, please send an email to carason@americancraftspirits.org.
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The ACSA PAC Needs Your Support | |
ACSA’s public policy advocacy on behalf of its members is critical to making sure our community’s voice is heard on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures. A crucial piece of this strategy is a strong Political Action Committee (PAC) and to maintain this presence, we need your support, particularly during a mid-term election year.
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ACSA would like to thank all of our annual sponsors and our key supporters of education. We are grateful for all of your support throughout the year. Cheers! | |
The American Craft Spirits Association is the only national registered nonprofit 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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