
Small craft distilleries are popping up in unexpected places all over the U.S.! There is currently at least one craft distillery located in every state, with approximately 1,280 total craft spirit producers on record in 2015. There are many reasons to purchase a craft distiller's small batch vodka, craft bourbon or handmade gin, but here are my top five.
This article is intended for those who are of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
- Passionate
Small batch craft distilled spirits are personally created and hand-made with love and passion by imaginative entrepreneurs. - Local
Craft distillers generally prefer to use local raw ingredients such as corn, fruits and grains in their products. A New York farm licensed craft distiller also uses local state products as a requirement under their license. This in turn supports local agriculture, creating a new demand for the farmer. In addition to the agriculture benefits, distillers are also utilizing old industrial buildings in their communities. They are awakening real estate that may have been sitting dormant for years, re-purposing defunct structures into unique distilleries and tasting rooms. - Unique
Each craft distilled batch is often unique. The small handmade batches are crafted in an atmosphere that allows for creativity and experimentation. - Destination
In New York, craft distillers have special tasting room privileges and generally encourage visitors to taste and learn. If available, craft distillery tasting rooms and tours are typically as distinctive as their products and in New York can range from full service sit down cocktails and bar food to a small cozy tasting/merchandise room. - Employment
The craft distillery characteristically begins as a small operation, but as it grows tends to employ local people for anything from assisting in the distillery to office management and distribution.
This article is intended for those who are of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.