A L e TT er F r O m TH e e DITO r :

I admit, the last couple letters from the editor have been a bit gloomy regarding the industry. There are hard times now, and potentially more on the horizon for distillers and other alcohol beverage folk. However, I'm a sucker for an optimistic viewpoint. In fact, more than that I’m a sucker for a challenge.

It’s hard to just sit back and watch businesses and individuals in the industry struggle. So we decided not to just sit back. Instead, a group of distillers and other industry pros got together and built a new organization to help each other survive, and thrive. This group has taken the form of the Society of Spirit (SOS). Apt, I know.

SOS isn’t another competing trade association. That field is well tended by groups like the American Craft Spirits Association, American Distilling Institute, and Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. Those organizations are fantastic and they are the main reason initiatives like the federal excise tax reduction succeeded. Seriously, go join all three of those associations, they are the rockstars of our industry.

SOS, on the other hand, isn't driven by business advocacy, political lobbying, or conventions. Instead we are focused on individuals building a community where anyone can ask questions, share knowledge, network, and offer much-needed peer support. Perhaps more importantly, we also want to begin helping the industry authenticate reliable distilling education. We are creating a network of member-approved workshops, classes, books, journals, papers, and more. If it's quality education, it goes on the list.

This is our way of meeting the challenges facing the industry head on, and unifying the distilling community's diverse and exceptional minds. We can’t build it on our own, but luckily we don't have to. A growing number of SOS members are already coming together to make this a reality. If you want to learn more and become a member, turn to page 109 for FAQs and board interviews.

Speaking of this issue, there is A LOT here. Need to know about “Made in America” labeling? Got that (page 35). Worried about the silent terror of bacterial infections in your facility? Oh boy, we have that covered (page 112). Distillery franchises? That's a thing (page 116). American peat and innovative new applications? You betcha (page 41). That just scratches the surface of the Summer 2023 issue of Artisan Spirit.

I can't thank you enough for supporting Artisan Spirit Magazine, the Journal of Distilling Science, the Still Talking Podcast, and now the Society of Spirit. We only get to do this because you let us. With

Brian Christensen