The Monthly Mash: May 2024

Volume 9.5

ACSA’s Mission: To elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirits producers.

Join us.

From the Desk of Margie A.S. Lehrman, Chief Executive Officer

Dear Friends in our Craft Spirits Community:

One of my favorite distillers (and I have many) recently told me about an app I now habitually follow: WeCroak. While its messaging may appear dour, it actually has the opposite impact, a stark reminder that at the end of the day, we all reach the same end. It isn’t about the finale, it’s about all the acts leading up to that last curtain. So, how do we choose to live out our days?

Without getting too preachy, one of the recent quotes, from George Eliot, asserted: “What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?” Equally applicable to personal and professional/business life, what a cool mantra to begin each day. It certainly percolates through the activities of our association.

For instance, the Craft Spirits Data Project seeks to provide the economic data necessary to validate the impact of our industry and demonstrate loud and clear that our businesses matter. We again ask distillers—membership in ACSA is NOT necessary—to complete the survey and help us paint an accurate picture of how the headwinds are affecting us. Take the survey now!

While you’re at it, register for our Legislative Fly-In taking place in D.C. September 17-18. You may have heard that nonprofits are having a harder time engaging volunteers. Numbers are down across the country. ACSA is different. We know we can count on you to help us advocate for our craft spirits industry. Don’t think of this as a volunteer advocacy experience. Reframe a visit to the halls of Congress as a part of your business plan. It is your time to tell staffers and elected officials alike how market access and competition is becoming even more difficult. It is your platform to fight for small business initiatives.

The STEPUP Foundation—with applications now open for 2025 distilleries, mentors and interns—embodies the essence of the above quote. It was created to allow a career pathway for those underserved and underrepresented in our community. If you’re a distiller, how about applying to host an intern next year? If you’re a good listener and pride yourself in giving solid advice, how about applying to be a mentor? If you’re a part of an underrepresented community within craft distilling, how about applying for an internship. If you care about advancing diversity within our industry, apply now.

ACSA staff took a short hiatus from our desks to gather in Philly to brainstorm ways to be better stewards of your member dues and sponsorship dollars at our annual staff retreat. It may sound corny, but at our core, we deeply care about making your businesses profitable and sustainable. A big shoutout to Philadelphia Distilling for hosting us for a tour, tasting and incredible cocktails.

CRAFT SPIRITS magazine, once again, is providing intel you can use in your daily business activities. Please make sure we are reaching everyone on your team. Furthermore, if there is news we should be aware of, don’t forget to notify us at news@americancraftspirits.org.

I’m about to jump on our weekly government affairs call. Certain to be discussed, is the battle New York distillers are facing with a newly launched smear campaign suggesting that a bill in support of DtC shipping of spirits will make it easy for children to buy alcohol. Will the other tiers stop at nothing? This inflammatory, deceitful campaign is reprehensible. Join with your voice to lend support to fighting this ridiculous assertion. See below for more background.

Finally, please answer this simple question: Do you operate as an LLC or pass-through entity? We need to know, as reductions in taxes you may have received during the tax cuts in 2019 will expire in 2025.

In closing, think about what you’re doing today. Challenge yourself to consciously take one action to help another. I’ll do that and up you one!

Cheers,

Margie

CRAFT SPIRITS DATA PROJECT

Your Voice Matters: Share Your Story in Our Annual Survey

Craft spirits producers frequently cite the essential statistics and insights from our Craft Spirits Data Project. Results like the number of active U.S. craft distilleries, category volume, and market share are crucial for shaping policy and promoting our industry’s growth.

However, without your participation in completing the survey, we can’t produce these vital results. Your input is crucial for generating the comprehensive data that supports our collective story and strengthens our advocacy efforts.

Now is the time to share our economic realities and change the conversation by completing the Craft Spirits Data Project.

This annual study, conducted with our partner Park Street, enables us to communicate your experiences and achievements to:

  • Members of Congress at both federal and state levels
  • The media
  • Financial institutions
  • Agriculture groups
  • Guilds
  • And more

We urge you to take 15 minutes to complete the survey yourself, or forward it to someone in your business who can provide the necessary economic data. Rest assured, all information will be reported in aggregate to maintain your privacy, and membership in ACSA is not required to participate.

Complete the Survey

ADVOCACY

RSVP Now for Our Legislative Fly-In

The craft spirits industry sluggishly moves forward. Economic headwinds continue to hit hard. But we can work—together—to change that! Join us Sept. 17-18 in Washington, DC., at our Legislative Fly-In as we educate Congress on the issues facing our small businesses. Let’s teach them about the hardships we have with market access. Come share your story with those on Capitol Hill.

The 2024 agenda will include an early afternoon meeting at the TTB (space is limited) on Tuesday, followed by an evening reception at Cotton & Reed. On Wednesday, we’ll have a full day of Capitol Hill briefings and meetings, and an evening closing reception in which your own spirits may be poured.

This is your opportunity to speak directly with lawmakers and regulators, and to discuss issues that directly impact the craft spirits industry. Join us this September! No experience is necessary—we will provide a full briefing and get you up to speed on issues that can change our economic landscape.

Register today and reserve your room with our hotel block.

RSVP Now

MARKET ACCESS

DtC Efforts in New York Need Your Immediate Support

The New York State Distillers Guild and all supporters of direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping of spirits in New York urgently need your help to combat a misleading smear campaign.

Recently, a bill supporting DtC shipping of spirits successfully passed through two state assembly committees and now needs to clear one more committee before heading to the floor for a vote. Unfortunately, a coalition of retailers and wholesalers has launched a deceitful campaign falsely claiming that the legislation will make it easier for children to buy liquor without showing ID. This campaign even includes an absurd video depicting teenagers drinking and driving.

To support DtC efforts in New York, please like and share this tweet from NYS Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, a staunch advocate for the bill.

Let’s stand with our friends in New York. While our numbers may be small, united we can demonstrate the true strength of our community.

Show Your Support

LLC AND PASS-THROUGH ENTITIES

Please Take a Quick, One-Question Survey

An important tax benefit is expiring in 2025 that helps small businesses that are an LLC or pass-through entity. Please take this one-question survey.
Take Survey

CRAFT SPIRITS CLASSROOM

Webinar: Logistics Choices Impact Distillery Success

A strategic and thoughtful logistical plan can save a distillery significant amounts of money, spark growth and help your business not just survive, but thrive, in any economic climate.

Proper logistics management is fundamental to the success of every facet of a distillery. From sourcing raw materials to delivering the final product to customers, logistics ensures efficiency and cost savings. Effective supply chain management can streamline operations, improve productivity, and facilitate data-driven decision making, while optimizing distribution and profitability.

We are excited to share some insights on ways to implement these concepts in your day-to-day distillery operations!

When: Friday, June 7 at 3 p.m. ET

Who: Lisa Wallace of Luel Solutions

Cost: Free to ACSA members; $59 for non-members

Sign Up Now

Complimentary Webinar—Worry, Not Happy: How to Manage Anxiety in a World Full of Worry

Anxiety disorders and worrying are on the rise in the U.S. Between politics, the environment, our personal and professional lives and more it is easy to see why. Left unchecked, anxiety and worrying can lead to sleep problems, obesity, depression, mistakes at work, relationship problems and many other negative outcomes. In this webinar we’ll cut through the myths about anxiety disorders and how people can effectively prevent and manage anxiety so that it doesn’t worsen and interfere with our daily lives.

When: Thursday, June 20 at 3 p.m. ET

Who: Matt Vogl of VXVY Mental Health

Cost: Complimentary to ACSA members and non-members alike

Sign Up Now

SPONSORED

STEPUP FOUNDATION

STEPUP Foundation Accepting 2025 Applications

The STEPUP Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2025 class of interns, mentors, host distilleries and wholesalers.

Uniquely created to bring diversity into our industry, the STEPUP Foundation offers underrepresented individuals hands-on training to learn our trade from the ground level up.

STEPUP seeks host distilleries to provide the venue in which to teach. The commitment could be as short as four weeks to host an intern, at zero cost to the distillery.

STEPUP also seeks mentors to provide an additional motivation, positive push and guidance to interns. Mentors can operate remotely, with a flexible schedule and no experience in mentorship is required.

Join us in shaping a more inclusive future for our industry by participating in the STEPUP Foundation’s 2025 program.

Apply Now

GETTING TO KNOW OUR BOARD MEMBERS

Q&A with Greg Eidam of Sugarlands Distilling Co.

Greg Eidam is the master distiller for Gatlinburg, Tennessee-based Sugarlands Distilling Co. In addition to leading research and development and engineering projects, he oversees the production of Sugarlands Shine, Appalachian Sippin’ Cream, High Rock Vodka and Roaming Man Whiskey.

Citing the craft spirits community’s collaborative nature and driven by a motivation to give back, Greg was recently elected to ACSA’s Board of Directors. This month, he answered a few questions about his background and joined us for a conversation on The Craft Spirits Podcast.

Who are some people or other distilleries that inspire you?

Eidam: I’ve probably visited 80-plus distilleries, from large operations to tiny mom-and-pop start-ups. I’ve also attended industry conferences for more than 10 years, so that list is extensive. I don’t think I’ve ever left a distillery or conference without being inspired by something I learned or leaving with a new friendship within our industry. I like to say, “The more we know, the less we know, or the more we recognize how little we know.” We can’t be experts at everything, so the most inspiring thing I’ve taken away from the people I’ve met and the distilleries I’ve visited is the brotherhood and shared passion within our industry.

What’s the most important thing you’d want people to know about Sugarlands?

Our people, family values and culture are a priority. We’ve got really good people from production to retail, which shines through in everything we do. We strive to connect personally with our suppliers, vendors, partners and, most importantly, our consumers. That is particularly evident in our tasting room. Our retail staff and tastemakers make everyone who enters our doors feel like part of our family.

The other thing I’d like to brag about our Sugarlands family is our passion for creating great products, whether that is getting serious about our Roaming Man Whiskey and our transparency in sharing everything we do and learn as we grow this brand, or in having fun with all our moonshine and cream flavors. It is hard not to have fun with moonshine. The thing I like most about it is that it’s the only alcohol that is just accepted to be shared. You don’t share a cocktail. You don’t share a beer. You don’t share a glass of wine or a whiskey. However, when you pull out a jar of moonshine and crack the lid, it’s just a given you’re going to pass it around, and that is where stories are shared and friendships develop.

What’s currently going on or coming up at Sugarlands that you’re excited to share?

Our Sugarlands family has been blessed to work with some fantastic partners, like the Moonshiners, Master Distiller, NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt Jr., the PGA Championship, and most recently, Eggo, among many others. We’re excited to grow some of these relationships further and introduce new partnerships and collaborations in the coming months. I should probably leave it at that or risk getting in trouble with our marketing team. LOL.

However, for me, it is all about the whiskey. Until the last couple of years, our Roaming Man Straight Rye Whiskey has been a labor of love that we’ve only been able to share with our closest super fans. Roaming Man had always taken a back seat because we lacked the still capacity to meet demand. Now, with our new distillery and the largest whiskey pot still in the country, whiskey gets to take the front seat as we look to grow the brand and followers and take them on the ride with us. To date, we’ve only released rye whiskey, but we’ve got bourbon and Tennessee whiskey aging, and it will be released when it tells us it is ready. We are also playing with some finishes, which I’ve come to realize I’ve got a lot to learn about, so that’s exciting!

Any advice or words of wisdom for your peers in the distilling community?

Have a goal, have a vision and work your butt off to get there and figure out a way. For newer distilleries right now, I feel like it’s a struggle. It was a struggle for us and everyone else who started 10-12 years ago. But as the market gets increasingly saturated, it’s more challenging. So, I would say, find your niche and own your local area. Surround yourself with good people. Get out there, work it, push it, be your own salesman. Be passionate about everything you do, and people will follow. Passion is contagious!

Listen to The Craft Spirits Podcast

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Q&A with Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits

This Aug. 18-23, Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits will host the next installment of The Alcohol School in Montreal. We recently checked in with Haley Churchill, technical sales manager for Lallemand, to learn more about the course and its value to craft spirits producers.

ACSA: What is The Alcohol School?

Churchill: For nearly four decades, the spirited minds at Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits have been teaming up with the Ethanol Technology Institute to host The Alcohol School. In addition to the full week-long school, we offer a two-day Craft Seminar for those distillers that are seeking focused expertise and hands-on insights.

The agenda dives into a mix of topics related to alcohol production. From the secrets behind crafting top-notch spirits to the science of fuel ethanol, we’ve got it all covered.

Our Alcohol Schools pop up in various corners of the world, serving local distillers their dose of knowledge. Whether it’s Scotch in Scotland, tequila in Mexico or whiskey in North America, we’ve got the spirit (pun intended) of each locale swirling in our beakers.

With our comprehensive agenda comes an extensive list of speakers from around the globe. We are joined by spirit experts from Scotland, France, Estonia, Mexico, India, Thailand, North America and many more!

Our courses cater to production, laboratory and management personnel and include lectures, lab demos and plant visits. As global markets shift, our commitment to knowledge remains unwavering. Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits gladly supports both established and emerging distillers.

What makes The Alcohol School Craft Seminar agenda unique and valuable for craft distillers?

The Craft Seminar agenda has been specifically designed to address the questions and issues relevant to craft distillers, deep diving into each step of spirit production and encouraging discussions of innovation and the future of the industry. Delegates experience a dynamic classroom buzzing with energy, where curiosity is encouraged.

We encourage the sharing of products and give attendees the opportunity to bring their spirits for our experts and the other delegates to taste and comment in a structured format. Our tasting sessions foster discussion about individual processes and delegates get to experience spirits from across the globe.

Participants will leave our training with several new tools to maximize and increase both yield and profit of their distilleries, improve the quality of the aromas of spirits, and achieve invaluable interactions with an extraordinary network of connections. At The Alcohol School, we don’t just teach—you experience.

How does this course complement IBD Diplomas and continuous improvement?

Though not associated or affiliated with the IBD program, attendees will find that The Alcohol School agenda will be great preparation for the IBD exams. Attendees will examine the biochemistry of raw ingredients including, feedstocks, nutrients, enzymes and yeast (and other microorganisms) as well as spirit production in processes utilizing continuous or batch distillation through column and/or pot stills. There is always a focus on fermentation and distillation, ensuring attendees gain an understanding of how and why their equipment functions as it does, and how to potentially improve their own processes. Even if not preparing for the IBD exams, all attendees will benefit from the ideas gained and shared, and the industry contacts made.

Does the school cover more than fermentation?

Yes! While we are experts in fermentation, our global team and invited guest speakers approach the spirit production process holistically. We will discuss everything from agricultural practices and feedstock preparation to distillation, effluent management and sustainability. It is a primary goal of ours that our attendees gain knowledge on the process as a whole, and an understanding of how each process step is interconnected.

Biofuels and distilled spirits? What is the connection to biofuels?

The distilled spirits industry can (and has) learned a great deal from the biofuels industry. There is a significant amount of overlap in process—we are all concerned about consistency, yield and operating costs. Both biofuels and distilled spirits begin their journey with the humblest of ingredients: sugars. Whether it’s corn, sugarcane or barley, these raw materials serve as the base for all ethanol production. In all cases, yeast is responsible for converting sugars to ethanol, though the end goal in each process is very different. The biofuels industry is innovative and creative, establishing solutions to variable feedstocks, changing markets and regulations, process optimizations. We can learn from this industry and adapt many of these processes and new technologies in spirit production.

Is this applicable to someone with a small distillery or someone who is just getting started?

Absolutely! The full week-long school will give you a complete, in-depth look into a variety of topics including fermentation and distillation at every scale. The two-day craft seminar is an in-depth exploration into craft-specific topics, including feedstock variety, batch fermentation and distillation and troubleshooting process issues.

The Alcohol School not only offers valuable content but also connects you with industry professionals who willingly share their experiences and become future contacts. Our expert speakers aren’t just talking heads; they’re your mentors, your guides and your fellow enthusiasts.

Learn More About The Alcohol School

ACSA STAFF

ACSA Hosts Staff Retreat in Philadelphia

In late May, ACSA staff (joined by media sales consultant Annette Schnur and STEPUP Foundation program manager Sharlí Ward) traveled to Philadelphia for a team retreat. Our mission was clear: to explore innovative ways to better serve our vibrant community. Amidst our productive sessions, we also enjoyed a walking tour of Philly’s food scene and took a delightful break at Philadelphia Distilling, where we toured the distillery and savored sips of gin and cocktails.
Members of the team with Aaron Selya (far right) of Philadelphia Distilling

CRAFT SPIRITS MAGAZINE

Read the Latest Issue of CRAFT SPIRITS Magazine

The May/June issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine is here! This issue includes:

  • A showcase of the most dynamic, craft spirits-friendly bars across the U.S.
  • A look at how spirits clubs help distilleries foster consumer loyalty and expand market reach
  • Reviews of point-of-sale systems for tasting rooms
  • Spotlights on craft distilleries
  • And much more!
Read the Issue

Receive a Limited-Edition Cocktail Mixing Glass

If you’d like to receive early digital versions of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine, join the V.I.P. Lounge today. Members of our Toast Tier also have their choice of receiving an exclusive, limited-edition cocktail mixing glass emblazoned with the CRAFT SPIRITS magazine logo from Distillery Products OR a set of two Glencairn glasses emblazoned with the CRAFT SPIRITS magazine logo.
Join the V.I.P. Lounge

Check Out the CRAFT SPIRITS Magazine Media Kit

Want to get your products and services noticed? Be a part of upcoming issues of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine, the all-digital, bi-monthly publication of the American Craft Spirits Association! Check out our 2024 media kit to see what’s in store.

Share Your Story with CRAFT SPIRITS Magazine

If you’re not already sending news and updates about product releases and general happenings at your distillery, please add news@americancraftspirits.org to your mailing list.

WELCOME, NEWEST MEMBERS!

ACSA extends a warm welcome to:

Find out more about becoming a member here.

ET CETERA

Did You Know?

The TTB has issued 4,903 DSPs! Find the full list by clicking on Spirit Producers and Bottlers here.

Don’t miss these upcoming drink holidays:

  • June 2: National Moonshine Day
  • June 8: World Gin Day
  • June 14: National Bourbon Day
  • June 19: National Martini Day

Social Media

Follow our social media channels and tweet at us (@craftspiritsus)tag us on Instagram, connect with us on LinkedIn, follow us on YouTube or post to our Facebook Page and we’ll be sure to share it!

©2024 American Craft Spirits Association; All Rights Reserved. Member Owned, Industry Driven.

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