Welcome to the 206th issue of Craft Spirits Weekly. This newsletter is 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.
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The Family Jones Releases Inauguration Rye |
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This Inauguration Day, Colorado-based The Family Jones will release a whiskey that is exactly one presidential term of office in the making. The distillery will bottle Inauguration Rye—a 100-proof, bottled-in-bond Colorado straight rye whiskey—at its Loveland production facility on the morning of Jan. 20, four years to the day it was first put into barrels on Inauguration Day in 2017. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
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Proof and Wood Ventures Releases Presidential Dram Whiskeys |
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Proof and Wood Ventures, Inc. recently announced the limited-edition Washington, D.C. release of the Presidential Dram Single Barrel Rye and Single Barrel Bourbon to celebrate the presidential election and presidential inauguration. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
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Watch a Replay of Our Recent Webinar |
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In case you missed it, a recording is available of our recent webinar, in which ACSA public policy adviser Jim Hyland detailed what's in the massive government funding and stimulus package just signed into law by the president. Upon conclusion of this webinar, you'll know what other provisions may impact your business, beyond FET relief. We created this "crash course" on this 2020 legislation for your convenience, unless you plan to peruse thousands of pages on your own. Like all past and future webinars, the recording is free to ACSA members. |
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Montanya Distillers Goes Plastic Neutral to Combat Plastic Epidemic |
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Montanya Distillers, a craft rum distillery and Certified B Corporation, is now certified Plastic Neutral. The company has partnered with rePurpose Global to fund the collection, processing, and reuse of more than 1,000 pounds of plastic waste. This total equals how much plastic Montanya uses across its operations. By making this bold commitment, every Montanya rum purchase now carries a Net Zero Plastic Footprint. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
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Catoctin Creek Announces $1 Million Plant Upgrade Set for June 2021 |
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Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. of Purcellville, Virginia, is excited to triple its capacity with a $1 million distillery production upgrade. Delayed due to COVID-19, expansion plans have been well underway for over a year and are set to be finalized in late June. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
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OOLA Distillery Relocates to Seattle’s Georgetown Neighborhood |
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After 10 years in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, both OOLA Distillery and 10 Degrees art and event space will relocate their businesses to the Georgetown district in South Seattle. Owners Kirby Kallas-Lewis and KT Niehoff have been part of the fabric of the Capitol Hill neighborhood in various capacities for over 25 years, supporting the arts and small business communities. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
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The Craft Spirits Podcast: Amber Pollock of Backwards Distilling Co. |
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Amber Pollock is the co-founder of Wyoming-based Backwards Distilling Co. and is extremely active in the distilling world and her local community. She serves on ACSA’s board of directors and she is the vice president of the Wyoming Distillers Guild and the president of ENGAGE, a grassroots organization of 18- to 35-year-olds aiming to strengthen the longevity of Wyoming. And in November, she was elected to a seat on the Casper City Council.
In this episode, Pollock spoke with editor in chief Jeff Cioletti via Zoom in mid December. Their conversation includes a look back at the early days of the pandemic, navigating uncertain waters for the hospitality industry, and some recent news from the distillery. But the discussion starts with that run for office, for which Pollock says she filed at the last minute.
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Have you registered for ACSA's Judging of Craft Spirits? |
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ACSA's 8th Annual Judging of Craft Spirits is now open for entries. 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, Ready-to-Drink, Whiskey, and Specialty Spirits.
Register now to take advantage of general registration fees until Feb. 28. The late riser fee will be from March 1 until registration closes on March 12.
All spirits must be received by March 17. The competition is open to all producers of craft spirits in the United States. Due to COVID-19 we will not be accepting international entries in this year's competition.
FEES FOR ACSA MEMBERS
General Fee: $250 per entry
Late Riser: $275 per entry
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Bourbon Women Association Welcomes New President |
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The Bourbon Women Association is ushering in its second decade with the announcement of new leadership—spirits expert, speaker and journalist Maggie Kimberl is the organization’s new president. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
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USBG National Charity Foundation Releases Report for Emergency Relief |
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This week, the USBG National Charity Foundation announces the release of the official report for its Bartender Emergency Assistance Program COVID-19 Relief Campaign. Via the campaign, modest, yet meaningful emergency grants of $150-500 drawn from generous donations were allocated to as many eligible applicants as possible so as to be as impactful as possible. These emergency grants were intended to supplement federal relief programs that are designed to help with larger, sustained expenses.(CraftSpiritsMag.com)
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Pennington Distilling Announces Hours, Schedules for 2021 |
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Nashville-based Pennington Distilling Co. announces the 2021 schedule for its gift & bottle shop, tasting bar, and tours. (CraftSpiritsMag.com) |
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Join Us for Craft Spirits Live on Instagram |
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Join ACSA for Craft Spirits Live, our Instagram Live show. In each episode, a leading craft spirits producer invites us into their distillery for 30 minutes of engaging conversation and a virtual tour—as well as an opportunity to answer all of your burning questions.
UPCOMING GUESTS
January 20th: Rob Masters, The Family Jones
January 27th: Richard Anderson, Iron Fish Distillery
February 3rd: Lorna Conrad, Corsair Distillery
February 10th: Sonat Birnecker Hart, KOVAL Distillery
February 17th: Mark Beres, Flying Leap Distillery
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Wolf Spirit Distillery Eyes Growth for Puncher’s Chance |
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Wolf Spirit Distillery launched Puncher’s Chance 100% Kentucky Straight Bourbon in September 2020, mid-pandemic. Famed sports and entertainment announcer Bruce Buffer, also known as the “Voice of Mixed Martial Arts,” explains: “A puncher’s chance means that anyone has the potential to succeed, whatever the odds or circumstances, if he or she works for it.” For certain Puncher’s Chance is living up to its name: within only four full months of sales, this independent brand has already shipped more than 10,000 6-bottle cases, as well as 30 private barrels at cask strength (115-122 proof). (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
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MGP Launches 2021 George Remus Bourbon Single Barrel Program |
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MGP of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, has launched the New Year with the release of its 2021 George Remus Bourbon Single Barrel Program. George Remus Single Barrel selections will be offered at cask strength in two mash bills that reflect MGP’s signature high-rye bourbon character. (CraftSpiritsMag.com)
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Distill Ventures Launches New World Whisky Series |
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Following Distill Ventures’ (DV) inaugural New World Whisky Summit held in September 2020, the independent drinks accelerator—designed to build and scale the drinks brands of the future—has launched a New World Whisky video series dedicated to expanding category knowledge within the industry. (CraftSpiritsMag.com) |
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Got a question? ACSA's got the answer. |
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In these challenging times, seek advice and lend your knowledge in ACSA's online forums. Our main forum topics include crisis management, services, TTB, safety, technical, equipment & materials, legislation, business and marketplace. |
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Read the Latest Issue of Craft Spirits Magazine |
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The American Craft Spirits Association proudly presents the January issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine.
This issue includes:
- All of the medalists from the inaugural Craft Spirits Packaging Awards
- A feature story on distilleries reviving pre-Prohibition distilleries and brands
- A look at the benefits of using specialty malts
- Alluring cocktail recipes from ACSA members
- And much more!
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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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The American Craft Spirits Association is the only national registered non-profit 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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