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Dear Friends in the Craft Spirits Community:
I love Costco. It meets so many of my needs, finding “treasures” I was unaware I needed. Living in Virginia, I was similarly unaware my choices are substantially limited. For example, some Costcos sell “treasures” I cannot access, like a $9,000 bottle of whiskey found in Scottsdale, Arizona. WHAT???? As my home state of Virginia is a control state, I’m limited to purchasing spirits in an ABC store. Spirits are not in grocery stores, certainly not in Costco, and even the large bev alc stores carry only beer and wine. Like most consumers, unless I’m looking for something specific (in which case I can ask if it is carried), I’m influenced by what I see on the shelves. I scan the rows looking for ACSA members’ liquid. There are some, primarily Virginia-based. Despite my longing to recreate a travel experience, savoring a perfect cocktail created with spirits not available in a Virginia ABC store, I’m out of luck. Like most consumers, I cannot have spirits shipped from outside of Virginia to my home. Bummer!
Thinking about the super, ultra- ultra-premium liquid I could have hand-carried from the desert Costco, I might have been persuaded by its description: “Hand crafted, fine ingredients, small batch, quality made with caring hands.” Wait: isn’t that what our craft spirits market is all about?
Now, more than ever, it is important for us to understand what consumers want and to rally around American craft spirits. Proud to be working with SOVOS ShipCompliant, I know I’m not alone in my quest to have spirits shipped to my home and to change the laws to make it happen. Read the full report of our newly released study below. To lend support to those who manufacture craft, show up at Binny’s Beverage Depot in Chicago to savor some unique flavor profiles and experience true innovation.
In the next Congress, ACSA will continue our push to allow the USPS to accept and ship your spirits. While UPS and FedEx might satisfy your shipping needs, might the postal service be more convenient and a better option? Take our short survey to give us additional data points.
With shelf space limited, how do you magnify your spirits’ presence? Enter the Craft Spirits Packaging Awards to see how you stack up to the competition. Is your design noteworthy? Show us! The medalists from that event, together with medalists from our spirits competition, will be showcased at our Convention & Expo, March 10-12 in Tucson, Arizona, with registration opening soon. If you’re only able to attend one event in 2025, this is the one as it is developed by fellow producers who know your needs.
If you really want to set yourself apart, have you considered becoming a part of the Harvest Host program? Distillers from across the U.S. have increased tourism by taking advantage of this stellar marketing program. Check out the Q&A below.
Finally, we know it takes resilience to build a spirits brand. Our friends in North Carolina—Oak and Grist Distilling Co., who were largely spared by the devastation so many there experienced—are no exception. For our new DSPs, you’ll want to hear from a craft pioneer, the good folks at Middle West Spirits in Ohio. Listen to their stories in The Craft Spirits Podcast.
While we witnessed horrific natural disasters this past month, for the most part, distilleries in our craft spirits family were spared. It is humbling to see neighbor helping neighbor, communities supporting communities. ACSA will continue to be here for you, educating, advocating, and creating opportunities for you to gather with fellow distillers and our supporting suppliers.
Finally, if anyone has ever tasted a bottle of spirits with a massive price tag, let me know how it compares with some of the finest product we produce right here in America! While I’m curious, I assure you, not enough to consider purchasing that Costco bottle.
Cheers,
Margie |
