SinglemaltTV

As we start delving into more involved coverage of Craft Distilling we'd like a definition too. Brainstorming in our office today we had an idea:

Make us a short video with YOUR definition of what it means to be a Craft Distiller. We'll take your submissions to make a piece for Singlemalt TV, a video culmination of sorts, exploring the term as defined by the people who are passionate about it.

You can submit your videos on Singlemalt TV (just follow the instructions for viewer submitted content) or get in touch with us via the forum if you have any questions at all. We look forward to hearing from you!

The following is meant as a jumping off point, though it does seem to cover the meat of the subject. Time to define the terms: "craft" and "artisan" distillers. Here's my first attempt. Comments welcome.

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PROPOSED DEFINITION OF "CRAFT" OR "ARTISAN" DISTILLER

"Craft distillers produce alcoholic beverage spirits by distillation, or by infusion through distillation or redistillation. Maximum production for a "craft" or "artisan" distiller should not exceed 50,000 proof gallons per year. The "craft" or "artisan" distiller utilizes a pot still, with or without rectifcation columns, for distillation of beverage spirits. A distiller starting with neutral spirits produced by others, who redistills without substantially altering the neutral character of the spirit may not be said to be a "craft" or "artisan" distiller.

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This definition deliberately excludes producers of infused products making use of alcohol which the producer has not made from the fermentation and/or distillation process. It is inclusive of the distiller who starts with grain neutral spirits and then redistills as a function of infusion or some other process which substantially alters the neutral character of the original spirit. It excludes the distiller who starts with gns and merely runs it through a still again to create another neutral spirit; or starting with grain neutral spirits only adds flavoring and/or color unless those changes are introduced as the result of distillation, not merely as additives. It excludes blenders or bottlers who buy spirits from another distiller to blend and bottle it under another brand. The "distiller" must distill.

Ralph Erenzo

Tuthilltown Spirits

Gardiner, NY

Thanks Jonathan!

We had a great time talking with you and we're looking forward to getting the interview online shortly.

We just talked with Mark Reynier at Bruichladdich on Islay (a fiercely independent distillery) about the future of the Scotch Whisky Industry and his personal feelings on some of the issues impacted distillers in Scotland. He speaks quite a bit about the juxtaposition of micro distilleries and conglomerates and the direction of the industry.

Click here to see the interview.

Have a great weekend.

Cheers,

Singlemalt TV

Hello,

We're pleased to be here and looking forward to contributing to the ongoing discussions on the ADI forums. Check us out online and feel free to share your feedback and ideas.

Cheers,

Singlemalt TV