The Monthly Mash: January 2024

Volume 9.1

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

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

“Standing still breeds rumination and seeds self-doubt. Motion fuels progress and elevates efficacy.”—Adam Grant

I am a huge fan of Adam Grant, a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, an organizational psychologist, and an author of many management books. He would have cheered on the ACSA Board of Directors, who just completed an annual (in-person) retreat. On their own dime, the ACSA Board gathered at Whiskey Del Bac in Tucson, Arizona, to steer the organization, and our craft spirits industry, to a sustainable future. In many instances, discussions raised more questions than answers. But isn’t that the point of leadership: knowing where to direct the ship while conscious of the uncharted seas ahead? From reflections on the 2023 Craft Spirits Data Project to an outpouring of thankfulness for our many member volunteers during the past decade, there was ample recognition that our new class of board leadership will need to fight continuous headwinds.

For those voting members who want our craft spirits sector to succeed, and are willing to give time, energy and commitment, self-nominate and run for a board seat. Nominations will close on Feb. 5.

For those who want economic data, don’t miss the newly released Craft Spirits Data Project. And, a big shout out and THANK YOU to our partner, Park Street, who has shared its time, resources and expertise in execution and delivery of this report. A special thank you to Gina Holman, ACSA President, and to Emily Pennington, Park Street’s Senior Manager, Marketing and Content, for her media presentation. Catch Emily during ACSA’s Town Hall Meeting in Denver for additional data points.

For those who want to enliven your distillery team or inspire new ways to operate the distillery, register for ACSA’s 11th Annual Distillers’ Convention and Vendor Trade Show before it’s too late. Check out the stellar education lineup and register now. And, if you’re new to our trade, consider registering for our perennial favorite pre-convention Distillery 101 Course, for which few spaces remain. Awardees and medalists from our packaging and judging competitions will also be announced during a celebratory luncheon.

For those who want to learn about state-specific issues, read on for a slice of legislative happenings around the country.

ACSA is far from idle. Through its Board of Directors, member volunteers and annual sponsors, it is a battalion of hundreds of fighters who are persistent, determined and engaged in strengthening our community. With a renewed sense of purpose, we repeat: Together, we are CRAFT SPIRITS!

Cheers,

Margie

CONVENTION

Don’t Miss Out! Online Registration Closes Feb. 14.

ACSA’s 11th Annual Distillers’ Convention and Vendor Trade Show is a little more than three weeks away! We are eager to see you in Denver this Feb. 26-28, where our theme, MOVING MOUNTAINS TO HELP YOU SUCCEED, is all about reaching new heights by working together to secure a bright future for craft spirits. You won’t want to miss this convention!

Visit our website to see a complete schedule of events and to register today!

Please note that online registration closes on Feb. 14, but on-site registration will be available. ACSA members must be logged in to access discounted rates. Need to join or renew? Click here or contact us.

Register Now

Convention Sessions Announced: View the 2024 Program!

Learn something new! Come to Denver to find out why ACSA’s educational programming is the best around. Year after year, we offer highly-rated sessions presented by the leading craft spirits experts.

View our lineup of sessions and speakers now. From yeast health to RTD trends, to distillery valuations, there’s something for everyone!

See Education Schedule

Pre-Convention Event: Distillery 101 Course

Entering the craft spirits industry or adding a new member to your team? Join us for this intensive 1.5-day course led by experienced industry experts.

Explore key topics including equipment and material selection, flavor chemistry and biochemistry, distillery safety practices, the nuances of tasting rooms, navigating distributor relationships, assembling an effective sales team, mastering distillery finance, and much more!

Instructors include: Paul Hletko of FEW Spirits, Tyee Carr of Westward Whiskey, Scott Harris of Catoctin Creek Distilling Co., Amber Pollock of Backwards Distilling Co., Lucy Farber of St. George Spirits, Mark A. Vierthaler of Whiskey Del Bac, Mitch Codd of Lallemand, Courtney McKee, and Johnny Jeffery.

Add the course to your convention registration when you register online. The cost is $499 for members and $899 for non-members.

Register Now

ACSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Nominations Due Feb. 5

In late January, our Board of Directors wrapped up a retreat in Tucson, Arizona, where members discussed a wide range of topics pertaining to the future of the craft spirits industry. If you want to commit and give of your time, your curiosity and potential solutions for modernizing the industry, and your dedication to fighting for our small businesses to succeed, now is your time to step up.

We are accepting nominations for ACSA’s Board of Directors until Feb. 5.

Throughout a three-year term, each member of the Board of Directors shares a common goal of carrying out ACSA’s mission to elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirits producers.

The voting membership will elect five board seats in March. ACSA expresses its gratitude for the following directors whose terms will expire upon election and certification of the new board in April 2024:

  • Gina Holman, J. Carver Distillery, MN (Central/Mountain region)
  • Jake Holshue, Spirit Works Distillery, CA (Pacific region)
  • Colin Keegan, Sante Fe Spirits, NM (Central/Mountain region)
  • Jessica J. Lemmon, Cart/Horse Distilling, PA (East region)
  • Tom Potter, New York Distilling Co. NY (East region)

For questions, contact ACSA Election Chair, Renee Bemis (Driftless Glen, WI) at renee@driftlessglen.com.

Learn More About Nominations

CRAFT SPIRITS DATA PROJECT

ACSA, Park Street Release 2023 Craft Spirits Data Project

The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) and Park Street presented highlights from the 2023 Craft Spirits Data Project (CSDP) at its Annual Craft Spirits Economic Briefing in mid-January. Margie A.S. Lehrman (CEO, ACSA), Gina Holman (President, ACSA and Founding Partner, J. Carver Distillery), and Emily Pennington (Senior Manager, Park Street) shared key sales data and insights from the 2022 calendar year.

According to the report, U.S. craft spirits market volume reached 14 million 9-liter cases in retail sales, growing at an annual rate of 6.1%. In value terms, the market reached $7.9 billion in sales, growing at an annual rate of 5.3%. Also, the number of active craft distillers in the U.S. grew by 2.4% over the last year to 2,753 as of August 2023.

The CSDP, introduced in 2016, is a first-of-its-kind research initiative that aims to provide a solid and reliable fact base for evaluating performance and trends in the U.S. craft spirits industry. It seeks to quantify the number, size and impact of craft spirits producers in the U.S.

Visit our website to read more and see the full 2023 Craft Spirits Data Project.

Learn More

ADVOCACY

2024 State Policy Outlook

2024 is expected to be another busy year in state capitals across the country, with 46 states convening legislative sessions (Montana, North Dakota, Nevada and Texas will not be in session). Thirty-seven states opened their sessions in January, while six will start in February and four will start in March or April. Michael Walker, ACSA’s state policy advisor, offers a look at some of the topics we’ll be tracking this year.

Direct-to-Consumer (DtC) Shipping continues to be a top priority.

  • As a result of a 2022 law, DtC shipping into Alaska, for producers making less than 50,000 gallons, will be allowed to start. ACSA is currently evaluating rules and will be advising members on how to begin shipping.
  • Existing laws that allow intrastate shipping in California and Maryland are scheduled to expire this year. We plan to engage with state guilds and other stakeholders to expand shipping.
  • We are also monitoring a lawsuit filed in Washington State that is challenging current state law that allows intrastate shipping only to ensure distillers’ privileges are not taken away.
  • Several new pieces of legislation are expected to be considered this session that will open up DtC shipping of spirits in addition to bills that have carried over from 2023.

Other Hot Topics

In addition to DtC, we are also engaged on several other policy topics at the state level, including:

  • An anti-alcohol sentiment, which is leading to an increase in the number of tax proposals to raise excise and other taxes on beverage alcohol.
  • The continued increase in the number of states proposing to create or expand bottle deposit legislation to include distilled spirits, which includes raising fees and changing label requirements
  • An uptick in states proposing to increase distiller reporting requirements on ownership structure.

These are just a few of the topics we expect to be engaged in at the state level this year. Have a question? Contact us at legislation@americancraftspirits.org.

AWARDS

Judging Wraps in Denver

In early January, 24 judges from across the country and from many sectors of the beverage alcohol community brought their expertise to Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse in Denver to evaluate hundreds of entries in ACSA’s annual Craft Spirits Competition. We’d like to extend our gratitude to all of the judges, stewards (including our friends at The Family Jones and Bear Creek Distillery), judging co-chairs Colton Weinstein and Jeff Wuslich, LibDib, Sojourn, and of course to Ironton for generously hosting the judging event.

All gold, silver and bronze medalists, as well as Best in Show, Best in Category and Innovation Award honorees, will be announced during an awards luncheon at ACSA’s 11th Annual Distillers’ Convention and Vendor Trade Show, February 26-28 in Denver.

HELP OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS HEAL

Denver Event to Benefit Masters Family

A fundraising party in Denver on Feb. 25 will benefit the family of Rob Masters.

Rob, partner/head distiller for Denver-based The Family Jones, and his wife, Heather, are both battling cancer. While both of them are doing as well as can be hoped, they are undergoing chemotherapy and continue to face significant expenses stemming from their treatment and loss of work.

Learn More

CRAFT SPIRITS MAGAZINE

Read the New Issue of CRAFT SPIRITS Magazine

The January/February issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine is here! This issue includes:

  • A cover story exploring low- and no-alcohol spirits and cocktails
  • A look at how new wood varieties and processes are opening up new possibilities for craft distillers
  • An article about adventures (and misadventures) with alternative grains
  • And much more!
Read the Issue

Want to receive each issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine early?

ACSA members and V.I.P. Lounge members receive each digital issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine the week before the rest of our readership.

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 NEW 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 our new and returning members:

Find out more about becoming a member here.

ET CETERA

Did You Know?

The TTB has issued 4,787 DSPs! Find the full list by clicking on Spirit Producers and Bottlers here.

Don’t miss these upcoming drink holidays:

  • Feb. 7: Pisco Sour Day
  • Feb. 22: National Margarita Day
  • Feb. 24: World Bartender 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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