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Michigan distillers form craft alliance

A group of craft distillers in Michigan, US, have formed an alliance to support the sector’s rapid growth.

The Michigan Craft Distillers Alliance is welcoming spirits members from across the state

With the state’s craft distilling industry the fourth largest in the country – behind California, Oregon and Washington, five distilleries have banded together to form the Michigan Craft Distillers Alliance.

The group aims to strengthen its association with other Michigan-based groups and national distiller organisations such as the American Craft Distillers Association (ACDA) and the American Distilling Institute (ADI).

It will also develop a distillery directory and map to boost tourism, as well as encourage local residents to discover Michigan-made spirits.

The five founding members of the Michigan Craft Distillers Alliance are Rifino Valentine of Valentine Distilling as president; Kent Rabish of Grand Traverse Distillery as vice-president; Don Coe of Black Star Farms as secretary; Kris Berglund of Red Cedar Spirits & Artisan Distilling at Michigan State University as treasurer and Brett Vander Kamp of New Holland Artisan Spirits as director.

Dianna Stampfler of Promote Michigan, who will also serve as the association’s part-time executive director, said she was approached by several distillers in 2012 to form an organization after the industry was exempt from a new “farm to glass” bill.

“Even though the association wasn’t officially formed, the board and many of our future members have been working on various levels to raise awareness for Michigan’s craft distilling industry,” Stampfler said.

“Not only is there is regular communication among the distilleries, but our social media channels are full of news clips focused on this rapidly-expanding industry. We’ve been busy – and now, we can formally move forward as the state’s official organisation.”

Membership to the Michigan Craft Distillers Association is open to any craft distillery within the state, as well as suppliers and retailers. Individuals will also be able to join as an “Enthusiast”.

The association’s board is due to meet with other Michigan craft beverage producers this month, and will assist the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in planning a B2B summit in November.

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