Microdistillery boom/trend... are we getting closer?

[NGICA]

I keep readin articles in the NYT, other big newspapers about how the number of small distilleres here has tripled in just a few years

I just joined bout a month ago, but it seems that a few dozen people are joining here per week, more than in the past (looking at the member list and dates).

Do you think this is just a trend, or is this goin to be like the craft beer movement in the 70's and we'll be able to do this legally soon? Do you think that craft stillin is here to stay? We might have some decent hooch at the store soon?

[goose eye]

aint sure what craft stillin is but makein likker aint goin nowhere

so im tole

[DrTorque]

I've received a few books on making moonshine from friends recently (after they learned my hobby) and one talks about just that possibility. It put a smile on my face, but I'm not about to get my hopes up. I think the best we could possibly hope for is a little loosening of the ridiculous process one must go through to start a legal distillery. Legal craft distilling? I don't think I'll see that in my lifetime. And I'm not that old.

[NGICA]

Well I hope so

Another thing Ive noticed is that like, 4 companies own almost all of the name-brand spirits sold in the US and Europe
CRAZY

[goinbroke2]

Don't know if you guys are aware of the recent "coup" that Charlie Rangel put over on the US tax payer, but if you go to ADI and check out the posts about "your government working for you" and a couple others by Ralph you'll see we have some major hurdles to cover now. "whisky" made from cane juice, penny's for the gallon of GNS, the big boys just got a whole hell of a lot bigger!

There will be no way in hell for a small micro starting out to compete with the big boys now. The "Craft" or "artisinal" side will have to be pushed as well as the "buy local" movement. Not that it hasn't always been that way, but more profit for the big boys gives them that much more to promote over your product.

I see the micro trend growing, just as a matter of course. But like anything there will be lots of guys go belly up and the percentage will be higher than would of been without this Rangel clown. More micro's will shine the spotlight on the whole idea of local small distilleries and once it's "accepted" by the media and public at large, rules will change to make it easier to open. Only after that can talk of legalizing home distilling.

Time frame?
Micro's becoming fashionable Now-5 years
Micro's being common 5-10 years
Rules changes 3-6 years
talk of legal home distilling 15-20 years

Other stuff has to take place and has to happen on a time line. Barriers and old mindsets have to be broken. Once the general public see's homedistilling as just a hobby, then the seeds of legalization can be sown.

[JethroBodine]

Lotta sense there, GB. Sorry if I've missed, but how you comming on your venture?

[goinbroke2]

Unfortunately, I've got a bunch of non related shit I have to sort out. Back on it when I can, in the new year I would suspect. It's been sidelined for a few months now. When I can get it back on top of priorities then I'll smash away again. A possible move will change everything, but it could be changed for the better. I haven't even had a chance to see my friends down at Ironworks distillery this summer like I said I would.

[regulardaddy]

It will become legal when they can effectively charge (read TAX) enough to equal or surpass what they are getting through prosecuting offenders.

[King Of Hearts]

You can take a look at http://www.georgiadistilling.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow and see their gdcprospectus or business plan. Right now they are selling stock. Very interesting if your so inclined.

[Liquid_Luv]

It will become legal when they can effectively charge (read TAX) enough to equal or surpass what they are getting through prosecuting offenders.

It has always been about the TAX... Almost since the Roman Empire, some ruling MFr.. figured out, it isn`t worth trying to stop it(after all, it is God given)... just tax the sh_t out of it!!!

[Bushman]

I just toured a micro distillary in the state of Washington called Dry-Fly. They offer a one week school on the whole process from choosing grains, etc, fermenting to distilling. They also go over legal issues and how to get started. The cost is $1500 for one week of hands on instruction. It goes from 8-5 and they said their classes are filled until next November but they teach one-on-one. They make 3 products Gin, Vodka, and Whiskey. They were bottling their Whiskey the day I was there and they sell some to our state liquor board and some to the public. They will start selling on Wednesday at 8:00 am until 10:00 when they figure they will be sold out. The Whiskey is $49.00 a bottle and the vodka and gin $29.00 Their vodka was just voted best in the world. While talking to them during the tour he said they cannot sell as vodka unless when they produce it it's at 190 proof. He also said as a small distillary they throw out about 30% of each batch only keeping the hearts. I recognized their stills as made in Germany. They are a very small distillary but well know in Washington State

[Bull Rider]

Bushman. Did you get to taste the Whiskey? A friend of mine drove to Spokane and waited in line for the distillery to open to buy their Whiskey, but I haven't been able to connect for a taste test.

Bull.

[exon]

...It just seems like something that should be done at home...

I guess it's alexander hamilton that is initially responsible for the sad state of affairs forced upon us here in the land of the fee and home of the slave.

High time we sent all them tax collectors home... we don't need the burden... they could get a productive job and work for a living.
exon

[Bushman]

Bushman. Did you get to taste the Whiskey? A friend of mine drove to Spokane and waited in line for the distillery to open to buy their Whiskey, but I haven't been able to connect for a taste test.

Bull.

Yes, I did get to taste all three of their drinks. Well worth the money if we didn't make our own. Also those stills made in Germany are really a work of art. I had only seen them in pictures before. I bought their vodka so I can do a side by side taste test