Mash

That's great. How about a little detail?

Consider me a prospect for the program.

In the state of Virginia it is not allowed. Our law states that Liquor By the Drink can only be served from the original container. Barrel aged cocktails are not allowed. Nor can they fill their own barrel.

Go no further than Artisan Still Design, I own two.

Stencil and black paint.

Unless you put the bottles on the palate it is not doable. UPS has busted cases of liquor and will no longer ship them after I filed a claim.

I'm on the ISC waiting list, oh maybe.. we can get a load of barrels in say....August of 2015. I had a buyer group willing to buy a tractor trailer load.

After 14 long, expensive months, the Virginia ABC will contract Appalachian Mountain Spirits to become a government ABC store. This will allow us to wholesale products to ourselves and sell them at retail to the general public for the ABC. Since we will staff our own ABC store we will be allowed to do tastings. Customers try it and then buy it. Our dream of becoming a destination distillery is about complete, with two plants and a 4000 sf retail store we are ready to take off. I may write a book about the trials and heartaches of doing a start-up, 'cause it has not been pretty. The emotional toll, money, and sharks put me in the hospital, almost cost me my marriage, but he absolute worst was the state government. We have a beautiful tasting room and a wall of whisky ready to be sold. This has been the most difficult journey I have ever undertaken and I hope its finally worth it.

Virginia and control states- No

Here is my experience- UPS would ship and break nearly all my spirits, until I filed a claim. Every single claim was denied as per "improperly packaged". That was a load of crap. Then refused to ship anymore spirits. Fed Ex- Much better job, very little breakage. They don't ask, I don't tell. USPS- no liquids, but never had a bottle break. We do not ship spirits to consumers, but to industry and distributors.

For me, I only enter competitions that are of my peers; Craft Distillers. Secondly, paying $450 per spirit to enter a competition is beyond my sensibility. I may change my mind over time, but I am most proud of the awards I have won that are judged within the Craft Distilling Industry.

It's a way to start, but for a professional distillery it would be a tough go.

Price reduced to $500.00. Shipped free. One available and that is the one pictured. appmtnspirits@yahoo.com

Several distilleries in Seattle do it this way. Makes for a lot less mess. Logistics is the key though.

I have two of these controllers. One has 2 upgraded breakers. Both in excellent condition, just dusty. I have a couple of extra breakers and PMA's. $650 each or $1200 for both and spare parts. Free Shipping. My still needs bigger elements and the elements are bigger than the controller can handle. appmtnspirits@yahoo.com 276-782-0932

Update- There is a small crack in the bottom and I will weld it up this weekend. It is a very serviceable piece of equipment and I want someone to get a great deal. If your within 300 miles or so of SW Virginia, off I81, come look at it. This one is now priced at $1000.00. I also have a like new, 40 gallon Groen, with dual jet burners, never used, on wheels, tilt kettle, with a condensate drain petcock, for $1900. Call 276-782-0932

I hope they have an easier time at it than me. What a struggle. For a division that makes more money than any other governmental entity, they really don't have a clue of what craft distilling can bring to the state.

Just received our first "Out of State" purchase order. Not a big deal to some, but we are proud to get beyond the borders of Virginia. What a relief.

Now.... the fun or pain begins.

Your cost to the distributor, he marks it up 30 to 100%, the the retailer marks it up 30 to 100%. It makes it tough on the craft distiller. The margins very greatly.

If it is historic and so registered, the issuance of the DSP will be far more difficult. You will have to involve several more government agencies and the time added is exponential. I speak from experience. If it is not so registered at the time of application, then say NO and get it done before it becomes one.

It is the land of Jimmy Buffet. You'd do well.

What is the relationship between ADI and ADIforums.com? I thought this was part of ADI. I would be willing to contribute. Sharing our experiences with each other is vital. The responsible parties are accountable to each other. Equipment and vendor reviews are an important part of the forum. I want to know the good and bad, and make my own decision. Post the financial needs,add a PayPal link and don,t carry all the burden.

So true.....

Don't feel bad, my amendment filed in March of 2013 didn't get reviewed until September and I had to reapply, it was approved in November. 2 months to get the VA license and now I'm waiting on a store contract. That's expected in 5 more weeks. I've lost $150k since last spring on what should be a 30 day process. Oh,... and the strengthening bond got sent back because it did not have a POLN as a COB. (Change of Bond). So hang in there.