Dave is right, you need to look at the big picture. If your going to make Vodka you need less then Whiskey due to age and barrels and so on. The amount your looking to make will change that number.
We are working on an event for June 23rd. We will have that date set in the next few days. I want to open the door to any Distillery doing white whiskey or moonshine. If you don't have distro in Mass we can help you out. Email me at Curtis@McMillanDistillery.com or call me 617.202.8906 to find out more.
My feeling is if you have the money and tools to test the water sooner or later your going to find fish (hehe) I crack myself up. I can see pros and cons to both sides of the coin. My feeling is small batch whiskey is more collector friendly. I also understand that volume helps consumers adjust to your new products. The last thing any small distillery needs is empty shelf space. I think this is a balancing act.
if your in the camp that wants to build one thing (GOOD) just remember that innovation is the mother of all new business
If your in the camp that wants to build lots of new spirits (GOOD) just remember that brand recognition is the mother of your bottom line.
I think the bigger picture is how much push does that group have. I.e scottish distillers guild can make waves any place, and if a group of low blow tequila distilleries can get away with this, whats next!