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In case you missed it, we gathered up some interesting news, events, and insights from around the industry (with a touch of our own commentary) for the last Artisan Spirit Newsletter. Read on, or see the entire newsletter online.
ARTISAN SPIRIT NEWS:
Artisan Spirit Magazine: Despite the multitude of other projects, Artisan Spirit Magazine continues to be our flagship, and our baby. The Winter 2024 issue is going to have a wealth of articles covering topics such as the new recycling taxes popping up in multiple states, how to calculate inventory values, and the organoleptic characteristics of rum. Just to name a few.
Society of Spirit (SOS): Need help troubleshooting a distilling problem? We got a channel for that. Interested in voting on which education topic the SOS should do a symposium on next? We have poll for that! Want to share a picture of your favorite distillery pet? You damn well know we have a channel for that too!
Journal of Distilling Science: Big news for the JDS. We have received registration approval to begin assigning DOI numbers to all current and future JDS peer-reviewed articles. This means all articles will be published online, as completed, and will be open access for the entire community. DOI numbers will also allow JDS articles to be discoverable though academic database around the globe.
Still Talking Podcast: It's harvest time for 1/3 of the host team, so we are on another short hiatus, but we are working on guest hosts and will have new episodes out next month!
Industry News:
LEARN WHICH STATE HAS THE HIGHEST ALCOHOL TAX, WITHOUT THE CLICKBAIT
The fine folks at Yahoo have an in-depth article showcasing which states have the highest recorded tax rates in the US... and by in-depth I mean they hide it behind multiple clicks and sub-pages. I'll save you the clicks, the highest taxed states are Washington ($36.55 per gallon), Oregon ($22.86 per gallon), Virginia ($22.06 per gallon), Alabama ($21.69 per gallon), and (North Carolina ($16.4 per gallon). Seriously, WTF Washington. [YAHOO!FINANCE]
DO YOU KNOW A H.E.R.O.?
Nominations are open for a new industry award from WSWA. Named after Ray Herrmann, the H.E.R.O. Award will be presented to a member of the supplier, distributor, or retailer tiers of the industry. Along with recognition, the recipient will also receive $20,000 to donate to a charity of their choice. Back pats and cash all around. [WSWA]
INNOVATION SHOWCASE IS BACK
The 2024 DISCUS Innovation showcase is presenting finalists on November 8th at 1pm ET. I know this because, full transparency, I'm returning as a judge for the event. It's fun because I get a chance to ask a bunch of nerdy science questions. You can register to watch the presentations alongside the judges on November 8th, 15th, and 29th. (P.S. More transparency, neither ASM or I are getting paid to promote this or be a judge.) [DISCUS]
THE WILD AND EXCITING WORLD OF SUPPLY CHAIN SUSTAINABILITY!!
I added two exclamation points to the headline, so you know this article is exciting. And how can it not be when the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics and the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (that would be a great band name) provides a yearly report on the evolving world of sustainable supply chain strategies, pressures, and practices. Despite my glib tone I found the section talking about the market forces driving sustainable supply chains enlightening, with investors and corporate buyers providing the biggest push. [MIT]
NEW ADULTS ON THE BLOCK
The changing preferences of young drinking age adults is never-ending fodder for blogs and media nerds like myself. Unsurprisingly this two-part series adds another data point for the evidence that beer's popularity is declining, while spirits (and cocktails) grow significantly. They present data from sources such as the Texas College Survey of Substance Use, a LendEDU survey, and a small survey of 300 respondents. [GOODBEERHUNTING]
WANT TO KNOW WHATS CHANGING WITH EU SPIRITS TARIFFS?
Nothing. Nothing new is happing with tariffs. Despite the best efforts of groups like DISCUS the EU's retaliatory tariffs on American Whiskey are still schedule to be reimposed and doubled to 50 percent on Jan. 1, 2024. This after President Biden and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, were unable to reach terms removing the tariffs. [DISCUS]
PROXIMO UP, CAMPARI UP, REMY DOWN
A trio of articles showcase that tequila is helping Proximo and Campari's growing sales numbers (despite a slowdown in RTDs). On the flip side Remy Cointreau is projecting a delayed rebound until 2024 with an expected 15%-20% drop in sales for its full fiscal year. [SHAKENNEWSDAILY]
ICELAND'S NATIONAL DRINK IS METAL AS HELL
You think your spirits branding is hardcore? Wait until you learn about Iceland's national adult drink brennivín, or better known as "Black Death." Man, that's cool. [TASTINGTABLE]
UPCOMING EVENTS
Nov. 8
Exit Strategies for Your DSP
Webinar
Nov. 8, 15, 29
DISCUS Innovation Showcase
Online
Nov. 11-12
Miami Rum Fest
Miami, FL
Nov. 20
Annual Craft Spirits Packaging
Entry deadline
Dec. 4-6
Workshop: Blending, Maturation and Warehousing
Denison, TX
Jan. 29 - Feb.1
WSWA
Las Vegas, NV
Feb. 28-29
Mar. 1
ADI Spirits Competition
Entry deadline
Mar. 4-6
DISCUS Annual Conference
San Diego, CA