stevenstone

Consider a complete disruption in retailing. Add to that a complete disruption in the distribution system. Then, go ahead and add a 10% tax on distribution and a 17% tax on retailers on top of the EXISTING highest taxes in the country (20.5% sales tax + $3.77/Liter). As you would guess, the initial implementation was pretty tough to get through. Fast forward to today and business has started to get better, but it's still not as good as before. So, yes, you should definitely learn from WA mistakes. We have a mess on our hands here. Don't get me wrong, privatization could be a good thing for OR. It all depends on how the laws are written. One of the main things you'll need to have people understand is that the state of OR will lose money unless taxes are raised. Right now, the state gets to keep the profit and the taxes. When privatized, they would only get to keep the taxes. The profits would obviously go to private business owners. I can go on and on about this. Give me a call if you have any questions. Cheers, Steven Founder / Head Distiller Sound Spirits Distiller 206-651-5166

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2013/06/distilling-deceit/309308/

See below for more info on the Washington Distillers Guild Spirits Festival - Proof to be held on June 15th in Seattle. If you'd like to joing us, we currently have 10 spaces left for out of state distilleries. More may free up, so we'll also keep a waiting list if there is more interest than available tables. The Washington Distillers Guild invites you to present your distilled spirits at “PROOF - The Washington Distillers Festival”--the official WA guild-sponsored tasting event on June 15, 2013. The event will take place in two sessions at the stunning Urban Enoteca in Seattle’s SoDo district. * Who Will Be There? We have around 47 spaces to fill on a first-come-first-serve basis (37 Washington Distilleries have already signed up). The remaining spots will go fast, so if you're interested please sign up here by May 30, 2013. To be eligible to attend, all distilleries must be associate members in good standing of the WA Distillers Guild (state law requirement). Out of state distillers will be charged only the special event dues assessment of $200, collected to help pay for this event. As added incentive, the event will include a liquor store to sell your products. Please let us know you plan to attend by registering at https://varsitycommunications.wufoo.com/forms/proof-washington-registration/ by May 30, 2013. *Event details: • A beautifully appointed space that will wow the public and truly showcase your products. • A staffed store where you can sell your bottles. • Four cocktail bars featuring a cocktail you submit, one per distillery. (Details to follow to those registered.) • One table per distillery to display your bottles, plus room for banners behind your table. • Free parking for 150 cars. This will be one of the biggest and best showing of craft spirits this year. To participate, all we need is your special assessment guild dues of $200 by May 30th, then show up and pour samples on June 15! Once you’ve signed up, we’ll send you more details of the event.

Nope, I had to figure it out on my own. Each city will be different. You'll want to work with your city permit office to make sure you're satisfying their requirements. Go down and talk to them early on.

Hi Tom, Yes, it looks like you have it right. See below for a graphic that the WA Dept. of Revenue posted. http://dor.wa.gov/Do...gram1262012.pdf Good luck with your venture, Steven

Thanks Ishan, will do.

Looks like the Saver Kendo to me.

As of this month, Washington has 69 licensed distilleries and 20 more pending. Around 63 of those are operating under the craft license. Steven Stone President Washington Distillers Guild & Founder / Head Distiller Sound Spirits

Chris, The $13.50 per proof gallon equates to $2.14 for a 750ml bottle at 80 proof. That's better than $4, but still hard to come by at the end of the day! Steven Sound Spirits

Thanks John. Coop, for my spirits still, I've been using packed columns of various designs. I'm looking to expand now, but have ceiling height restrictions. So, I'm weighing all of the options. Steven Founder / Head Distiller Sound Spirits

I'm curious, how do two side by side columns work on a vodka/hybrid still? On a single column that is situated to the side of the kettle, you can have gravity feed the reflux back in to the kettle. If you have two columns, the first one can again drain back in to the kettle. But, what about the second column? Would you use a pump to get it's reflux back to the top of the first?

I think that's a great idea. You're in a tough position where your equipment is set at great prices compared to the competition, but you have no track record. Once you prove what your stills can do, your sales will probably take off.

Could it be they're having difficulties after the sale? http://blogs.westword.com/cafesociety/2011/09/stranahans_bartenders.php

Ben, I can help you with this. Come by or give me a call. Steven Sound Spirits

I have some extras too.