Palmetto Coast

Curious to hear how the conversation went. Anything ground breaking or Earth-shattering?

I used the business plan as a reference. I also found plans for breweries and wineries online and used them for references. If I'm not mistaken, the ADI plans only assist with the financial side, not all of the research that goes into the business plan.

My two cents... Get as many references as you can. I would also suggest SCORE if it is available in your area. SCORE is the Service Corp of Retired Executives and offers FREE and CONFIDENTIAL advice from business plans to marketing, etc. My mentor happened to be the founder of Woodchuck Cider. I couldn't ask for much better insight than that.

Todd

We also went with Mary Allen at MIV. I think the important thing is dealing with someone who has done this before. It seems either of those mentioned are very familiar with the process.

Todd

Steve is right about the cane syrup. You can check with a distributor (Batory is in a few states near you including Utah, Oregon and Washington). Evaporated Cane Juice, Cane Juice molasses + many more options. You can probably find other distributors, I just wanted to give you a starting point that I knew had many options.

Todd

I agree. Great stuff. We really appreciate your expertise here.

Todd

Your best bets would be to look in Texas or Louisiana, depending on your anticipated quantity. The problem is that it doesn't keep well. You would need to get it quickly and use quickly.

Sorry I can't be a little more help.

Todd

Yes, very impressive. Where did you find that?

Thanks. We'd like to be an anomaly and be waiting on everything except the DSP.

A brief update. As explained to me by the TTB:

1. Your application gets assigned to a specialist who does a quick look at your packet to make sure there are no gaping holes (i.e. send in 2 copies of your bond)

2. After this process, it gets assigned to a second specialist that goes over everything with a fine toothed comb. Presumably doing background checks, bank checking, etc.

After 3 weeks, we have just been passed to the second specialist. Seems to be going well thus far!

Todd

Thanks Jedd! I believe that is what I was looking for. I thought I had heard something about it, and that sounds about right.

What part of NOLA are you located? I've got a friend looking at a warehouse in the "Warehouse" District (go figure). I believe around Tchoupitoulas Street.

He said he hadn't been to your place yet, but was looking to get there (he is moving from Charleston, SC to Baton Rouge in a week, he currently commutes).

Thanks,

Todd

Actually, the valuation may be very realistic, in accounting terms. Valuations are determined by financing AND projected sales. In a previous venture, our valuation was placed between 1.5 and 1.85 million based on $500k investment, and modest sales (roughly 600-1000 cases/yr).

I would question the 20% ownership interest for $750k, while the remaining 80% presumably goes to the folks investing only $50k. We were offer a higher % ownership for less money, putting in more cash ourselves and still had negligible interest. I hope you guys know folks with tons of free cash, because that is almost what you are asking for.

Todd

I know I had seen a previous post way back, but can't seem to locate it. We would like to put "Charleston, SC" (our city, state) on the front label, or molded into the bottle. I know in terms of labeling, I would we need to include "Distilled by" (or other variations) and our name and address.

I thought I recalled someone stating that a COLA review flagged their city name on the front label as unacceptable. Can we have our logo and city molded into the glass? Can we state "Made in Charleston, SC" on the front label?

Thanks,

Todd

Note: We received our equipment over the weekend. Will be setting up this week, if anyone wants to help...

Congrats John and Brian (Happy b-day, too)! Just thought I would post an update after speaking with the TTB today. They said the average time is now up to 100 days. It's good to see that the last two folks got their DSPs in under two months. Our application went in 2/27/13. We'll keep you updated.

Check with an architect, fire marshal and or planning/zoning. You'll find different laws in every city, county, state or whatever. Where we are, a sprinkler was mandatory for square footage greater than 5000 sqft. You may not need it. If so, it could make startup costs much higher.

Todd

It reminds me of the "rum" flavored vodka that Ian Burrell was promoting last year around this time (http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2012/03/rum-flavoured-vodka-to-hit-uk/). The only difference is that his was an April Fool's Joke. If you've got time, check out the links and pay attention to the process and packaging. I think he manages to hit every point the big vodka folks play with. Quite amusing.

American Spirit Whiskey is another group putting out a Spirit Whiskey. Their marketing is somewhat less brash.

Todd

Did you include an age statement on your label? If not, that may be the reason.

Todd

On the East Coast, I can highly recommend Eric Hobbs from Weeks-Williams-Devore in Matthews, NC. I spoke with many companies. He actually asked questions, did the math and then made a recommendation. All of the others just asked what size we wanted. If you are having some boiler questions, as it seems most of us do, give him a call.

By the way, TexasGrand, that was a great post. Thanks for your expertise.

Todd

Thanks guys! Scott, do you do it in one pass? Meaning carbon AND sediment filtration? Or do you find the need to fill the plate filter with carbac pads, then go through a second pass for sediment? It would seem that you could do it all in one pass with this method.

Thanks,

Todd

I'm not great at linking to other threads, but if you search 'barcodes' on this forum, they have plenty of info for you.

I wanted to take a fresh look at an older thread (http://adiforums.com/index.php?showtopic=1072&hl=%2Bcarbon+%2Bfilter).

Not sure if I posted it correctly. We are looking to make/purchase a unit for carbon filtering. I was curious if any of you had results from your research. I know Classick and JohninWV were looking into the Carbac filter sheets for simplicity. Has anyone else given them a try?

Thanks,

Todd

If I'm not mistaken, try Ultra-pure. Sorry can't give the link from my cell (phone).

Todd

Contact Bill Owens. I seem to remember he had one included with his spreadsheets. I believe you need to be a paid member to access them not sure.

Todd

Congrats! We hope to be close behind. Maybe we'll run into.you in Colorado in April?

Todd

There is no actual cost to apply for the Federal permit. Just costs associated with making sure you are in compliance with everything they ask for in the application.

We have a great opportunity for a gravity filler. Most of my experience is with volumetric fillers. Are gravity fillers as accurate? Can anyone help me with pros and cons? What would we need to do differently?

Thanks,

Todd