All Aboard
The first stage of building a craft distilling industry involves regulations and legal questions: What licensing and safety measures does a distillery need? How must it comply with federal, local, and state laws? In the early days, individual distillers...
Tap into Tourism
After enduring significant setbacks during Covid-19, the travel industry is now experiencing a robust resurgence. Recent research from the World Travel and Tourism Council reveals that in 2023, the tourism sector contributed 9.1% to the global GDP, marking a...
When Distilleries Go Dry
Sober-curious trends, including abstaining from alcohol completely, have picked up steam in the last few years. People who normally hoist a glass of bourbon or a gin cocktail are taking time off — for health reasons, to lose weight,...
Small Town, Big Whiskey Festival
Chicago, New Orleans, Miami, Las Vegas: They each have whiskey festivals that draw in thousands of people and brands from all over the world. But what about small-town America? What about Galena, Illinois?
Galena is about 13 miles east of...
Beyond the Distillery Walls
As the craft spirits landscape expands, distilleries of all sizes find tremendous value in bringing their products directly to target consumers through creative off-site events and activations. With so many new distillery operations and spirit brands entering the industry,...
American Independent Bottlers Open New Markets for Craft Distillers
Historic independent bottling giant Gordon & MacPhail caused quite a stir when they announced in 2022 they would no longer be purchasing new make for filling casks. The move followed the opening of their own distilleries, but also came...
Are You Ready for a Brand Ambassador?
You’re an owner of an emerging brand. Your mission statement and vision are solid, and you make great products. How do you build your brand, convey your brand story, and connect with consumers outside your distillery?
One possibility? Brand representation....
Compass Box Duality Combines Craft and Legacy Whiskies
Compass Box, the London-based independent bottler and whisky maker of ethereal Scotch blends and blended malts, has traditionally sourced its whiskies from Scotland’s long-established heritage distilleries. In June of 2023, they broke with tradition to collaborate with Bimber Distillery,...
American “Chartreuse”
Earlier this year, the internet exploded over news that the Carthusian monks who have been making Chartreuse in its current form since 1840 were putting a ceiling on their production. In a short letter they noted that they had...
Porchjam Distillery Takes the Bolder Choice in the Big Easy
A calm, tropical touch from the north Caribbean is gusting through balconies in the French Quarter, taming the sultry breath of New Orleans as visitors pass long storm shutters and old torches in the night. A few strangers head...
