As a consumer, I am a huge fan of the craft distilling movement. Example, I drove 500 miles in a day to obtain bottles of Garrison Brothers Straight Bourbon the day it was released. I also have bought or tried at friend's or bars about every craft distilled whiskey out there.
Clay's article is mostly right on target. I would point out he is really only comparing craft distilled aged whiskey. If you are making craft distilled Vodka, ignore this article; I'm sure your product is equal to anything the big producers put out. The big guys do make good bourbon and some of what they make is exceptional whiskey.
To those that believe along the lines don't compare us to the Jim Beam's, that's not what we want to be, to an extent you are correct. As a local craft distiller, you will sell product to your local market to a certain audience that wants to support local almost regardless of quality. I will buy or try your product once as well. But if you want me or those like me as a repeat customer, you better strive to put out products that are superior in taste to what the big guys are making. Frankly speaking, you are not there yet.