Distiller magazine a publication of the American Distilling Institute, the Voice of Artisan Distilling; devoted to the craft spirits industry: vendors and distillers alike.
Issue link: http://distilling.uberflip.com/i/1306663
Editor's Letter To say that 2020 has been a tumultuous year would be a wild understatement. Starting in spring came the news of devastating distilling and hospitality industry job losses due to pandemic-related business closures. Since then an uncertain number of distilleries have closed for good, and those that remain are holding on the best they can, awaiting economic recovery. But even as the industry reels from pan- demic aftershocks, a number of major issues facing distillers since before the pandemic are reaching a critical point. As of this writing the national election in the US has not yet happened, although no doubt the outcome will impact distillers. Just like last year at this time, the end of the year is fast approaching and yet we still have no clarity on the fate of the soon-to-expire FET reduction. We can at best expect another eleventh-hour stop-gap extension for a year, with the pandemic having scuttled ambitions of reaching a permanent solution for now. One possible silver lining to the mandated business closures that have rocked our industry could be that relaxed alcohol retail regulations meant to bolster struggling businesses will create a clearer path to permanent direct-to-consumer sales privileges. Laws around the US that have been loosened or temporarily changed to aid bars and distilleries have given us a chance to demonstrate that it's a model that can work, to the benefit of consumers and local economies. In this issue, we take a look at some of the ways distilleries are managing the current challenges, including two profiles of farm distilleries — Frey Ranch Distillery (pg. 142) and Iron Fish Distillery (pg. 50). A feature by Adam Polonski investigates how Copper & Kings is making a major produc- tion transition (pg. 126). And we explore ways to conduct virtual tastings (pg. 36) in a time of limited gatherings, as well as considerations for businesses wanting to get involved in social justice issues (pg. 88). Despite the uncertainties ahead, staying involved in some of the longer-term concerns our industry had been facing even before the pandemic is now more important than ever. Now is the time to contact your federal, state and local repre- sentatives. We must continue to make the case that the FET reduction is critical to the survival of craft distilling, and that direct sales is good for business. Such changes will almost certainly not be universal or immediate — sales regulations in particular are handled state by state. But considering the hand 2020 has dealt our industry so far, many distilleries' long-term survival may depend on it. Brad Plu mmer, editor@distilling.com fall 2020 | 5 Pioneering a new frontier in the creation of spirits requires a vision, passion, and innovative technology like no other. Fast, flexible spirits development and turnkey production solution. Get to know Next Century Spirits and taste the transformation of refined distilling at its best. Request a quote and samples 919.324.1932 | sales@nextcenturyspirits.com www.nextcenturyspirits.com • Bulk distilled spirits for private labels, brands and craft blends • Cost-effective and far more scalable than any other option in the market • Technology Leasing and Collocation abilities C M Y CM MY CY CMY K NCSAd_111419PRINT.pdf 1 11/14/19 9:26 PM