Chuck - This is an issue that I am glad someone is addressing. While there are a few of us 'Craft' Distilleries in the state of Colorado (very few), most buy their product in bulk, perhaps filter it, place it in a wonderful bottle, with the words 'made in Colorado' and sell it. Some don’t even bottle it here in the state! (I think that these guys should be termed ‘private label’!)
I am sure that their profit margins are much better than mine.
I think the real issue is how are we going to define the term ‘Craft Distillery’. Is a Craft Distillery one that starts with the grain and works it to the finished product or is a Craft distillery one that buys from ADM, filters, adds additives, flavoring and bottles?
It is not so much an issue for us as ‘distillers’, but could prove to be a major issue in the market place: consumer perception. This would help, down the road, to educate the public.
Many great products are out there, where one buys in bulk, mixes, blends and re-packages and there are just as many great products where one buys raw material, cooks, and package. But the definition can hurt as well as help in the market place. The guy that contracts his product from start to finish is a marketer, not a producer. In my experience, the marketer takes too many ‘short cuts’.
I don’t want to infringe on those that take wash, made to their specs, and begin the process of creating something fun and unique. But at the same time, one that has no control over the process, one that never touches the grain, mash, wash or bottle (other than in the liquor store) should not be classified as a Craft Distillery.
My two-cents anyway.
Fred Linneman
Mystic Mountain Distillery
Larkspur Colorado