Inside the Industry
After a tough year, some craft distilleries still look to expansion.
No question. 2020 was a rough year for U.S. craft distillers. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a one-two punch: Not only were their tasting rooms forced to close, so were bars and restaurants, causing on-premise spirits consumption to plummet. Still, some craft distillers are considering expansion, even if their 2021 will be something of a reset. Their optimism is based on expectations for pent-up consumer demand and new opportunities born out of necessity during the pandemic: Direct to Consumer sales; cocktails-to-go; and scaling operations as a cost-savings measure. DISCUS refers to these kinds of developments as “market modernizations” that will help boost the industry’s recovery.
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Masters of Spirits
Songs for Distilling, Volume 3
Sometimes you just have to put your headphones on and jam on new creations. We’ve made a new playlist just for that. So, rock out while you’re rocking on making exceptional spirits.
Check out the latest MGP distilling playlist.

Masters of Spirits
Spirits seekers will get spicy.
A recent consumer survey from ingredient supplier Kalsec revealed that 37% of consumers are extremely or somewhat likely to try a spicy beverage. So, maybe it’s time to fire up some ideas with a little heat?

Inside the Industry
The spirits industry stays strong.
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Inside the Industry
Gen Z: online vs in-store booze buying.
You’d think that Gen Z would be heavily inclined to jump on the online booze-buying bandwagon. Think again. According to a recent report by alcohol e-commerce platform Drizly, Gen Z is more likely than Millennials, Gen X and even Boomers to buy alcohol from liquor stores than online.
But while this may ring true now, alcohol e-commerce is still growing at a rate of 40%, so consumers will continue to transition toward purchasing alcohol online, just like we’re seeing the growth in online food and grocery businesses.
Read more of the Drizly report highlights here.

Inside the Industry
From Still to Shelf – Finding a Distributor
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Inside the Industry
Vodka and White Spirits are Still White Hot
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Masters of Spirits
Bourbon, the All-American Whiskey
There are hundreds of types of whiskeys from all around the world, but in order for a whiskey to be classified bourbon, it has to be made in the good ol’ U.S.A. And no, it doesn’t have to be from Bourbon County, Kentucky. But it does have to come from a mash that’s at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels for at least two years (or preferably four years). Beyond those three rules, bourbon can be crafted to be incredibly unique. From rye, barley, wheat and corn come our bountiful bourbon profiles.

Get to Know Us
Interview with Josh Slawski, Process Engineer Manager and Master Distiller
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Inside the Industry
Raise a Glass to Yourself
During the coronavirus crisis, distillers across the country dedicated their time and valuable resources to producing hand sanitizer. We want to say thanks to you all. You make us proud to be in this industry and to call many of you our partners. Cheers!

Then & Now
This Month in Alcohol History
On August 29, 1935, The Federal Alcohol Administration Act was signed into law, authorizing the federal government to regulate the alcoholic beverage industry. The law also mandated that all spirit producers adhere to the three-tier distribution system.
Learn more about the three-tier distribution system.

Inside the Industry
What Are We Learning During the Pandemic?
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Masters of Spirits
Distilled Cucumber Gin – The Perfect Summer Spirit
Take the crisp, fresh flavor of premium gin, then add a crisp, garden-fresh cucumber. That’s the taste of this spectacular spirit. It opens with juniper and spice notes, then finishes with an earthy body that’s as cool as a cucumber. Mix it in cocktail recipes and you’ve got the perfect summer sip.
More about our distilled cucumber gin here.

Inside the Industry
The Power of Alcohol Brands During the Pandemic
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Masters of Spirits
Songs for Distilling, Volume 2
This time around, MGP distillers and blenders are the DJs, compiling a playlist of their favorite tunes to turn up while they’re turning out exceptional spirits.
Check out the latest MGP distilling playlist