Crunch Time for Craft Distillers

U.S. craft distillers are facing a crisis, with an average of one distillery shutting down each week over the past year. Inflation and cutbacks in consumer spending get part of the blame, but there’s also a distribution crisis. Just three companies control the route to market for many craft distillers, and their focus is on high-volume brands as opposed to the low-volume craft distillers. Margie Lehrman of the American Craft Spirits Association is one of the leading advocates for “direct to consumer shipping,” which would allow distilleries to ship their whiskies directly to consumers. The option is only available in 10 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, and wholesalers have vehemently opposed any attempts to expand that number. We’ll talk with Margie Lehrman on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, economic headwinds cut into sales for both Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman, while Angel’s Envy co-founder Wes Henderson plans to build a $93 million dollar distillery in Kentucky.