American Craft Distillers Association appoints board

The American Craft Distillers Association (ACDA) has elected its inaugural board of directors in what has been described as a “groundbreaking moment” for US craft spirits.

Members of the American Craft Distillers Association have appointed their inaugural board of directors

Voted for by 70% of the ACDA’s members, five board members were elected for the East Coast, Central and Mountain, and Pacific areas of the US.

The elections were described as a “groundbreaking moment” by Tom Potter of New York Distilling Co and chairman of the ACDA elections committee.

“(This is) the creation of a sustaining, long-term representation of craft distillers that will drive the entire industry forward for years to come,” he continued.

Officers for the association will be appointed during the ACDA Distillers Convention and Trade Show in Denver on 14 March.

“What is so profound is the fact that America’s craft distillers can now speak with a collective voice on issues that are important and unique to the sector,” said Pennfield Jensen ACDA executive director.

“At the same time, ACDA allows our community to work more effectively with industry stalwarts such as The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), the Association of Alcohol Beverage Licensees (ABL), and the Brewer’s Association (BA) as a truly collective voice.”

The ACDA’s elected board of directors for each region are:

East
Nicole Austin, Kings County Distillery
Ralph Erenzo, Tuthilltown Spirits
Ted Huber, Starlight Distillery
Steve Johnson, Vermont Spirits
Rick Wasmund, Copper Fox Distillery

Central/Mountain
Rory Donovan, Peach Street Distillers
Paul Hletko, Few Spirits
Todd Leopold, Leopold Brothers
Chip Tate, Balcones Distilling
Andrew Webber, Corsair Artisan Distillery

West
Patrick Bernards, Bull Run Distilling
Yuseff Cherney, Ballast Point Brewing and Distilling
John Dannerbeck, Anchor Distilling
Tom Mooney, House Spirits Distillery
Orlin Sorensen, Woodinville Whiskey