Colorado Distillers Guild

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Colorado Spirits Trail and Hearts and Trails Spirit Festival

 

The Hearts & Trails Spirits Festival Debuts on February 24th

Festival celebrates the launch of The Colorado Spirits Trail

DENVER – January 16, 2018- Calling all spirit drinkers and whiskey imbibers, the Colorado Distillers Guild and Two Parts proudly presents the first ever Hearts & Trails Spirits Festival on Saturday, February 24th from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mile High Station (2027 Old West Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80204). This unique tasting event will highlight some of the state’s finest spirit artisans.

“While ‘craft’ distilling is a relatively young industry, Colorado has been a leader with a national spotlight for many years in this industry”, said guild member and Deerhammer Distillery sales director Ryan Negley. “We have the most distilleries per capita in the country, the ‘oldest’ craft distillers, and some of the most innovative spirits coming out of Colorado, all of which are held to the highest of self-imposed standards.”

Hearts & Trails will celebrate the launch of the Colorado Spirits Trail—a collective map guiding you through the craft distilleries of Colorado. The full web and printed map includes more than 70 stops at craft distilleries near and far. Spirit lovers experiencing the Colorado Spirits Trail will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the Colorado distilleries while enjoying perks along the way.

“What better way to explore pockets of Colorado that are home to Colorado distillers than to go on a road trip?” said Negley.

Tickets are on sale now and are sure to sell out fast. General admission ticket holder ($50) will receive one cocktail, a commemorative glass, and unlimited tastings. VIP ticket holders ($75) will receive a specialty VIP cocktail, a commemorative glass, unlimited tastings, access to the exclusive VIP area, and access to the event a full hour earlier than general admission attendees.

About the Colorado Distillers Guild

The Colorado Distillers Guild (CDG) is a non-profit association promoting the licensed distilling Industry in Colorado. It serves to educate the general public about Colorado distillers, and provides valuable information to its members regarding laws, provisions, directives and orders as may be made by the United States government, the State of Colorado, and the political subdivisions thereof serving the association.

About Two Parts

Two Parts is a Denver-based event production and promotions company that coordinates with the best restaurants, bars, music venues, and other fine establishments to create craft experiences. Two Parts produces experiences such as the Collaboration Fest, Denver Beer Festivus, The Big Eat, and The Passport Program. For more information visit twoparts.com.

Media Contacts:

Alexandra Weissner
[email protected]
720.213.6139

Chea Franz
[email protected]
720.220.4241

 

SB16-197 the guilds statement

 

This was a complex and challenging issue and I would say everyone but the large grocer’s would have preferred the law remained unchanged. That being said change is inevitable, the grocery store ballot initiative was polling consistently above 60%, there were also 5 additional initiatives that were tied to the original, the Main one being an incredibly dangerous piece that would have drastically and permanently changed the landscape with no regard for the thousands of businesses in Colorado that where established under the existing law. Effectively putting as many as 70% of Colorado’s independent liquor stores out of business overnight and choking off Colorado’s craft beverage alcohol manufacturers path to market and decimating our industry. While 197 is not perfect it does a number of things that help preserve Colorado’s craft culture:

  • It is phased in over 20 years
  • It gives proximity protection to retails that are near grocery stores
  • It requires a local buyer and local warehousing
  • It gives value to existing retail license by requiring that grocery stores buy out two before they can receive theirs.
  • Perhaps most importantly it keeps the law in the legislator where it has the opportunity to be modified as needed.

This was a can that had been kicked as far down the road as possible, the grocer interests are not going away. Perhaps the ballot initiative could have been defeated this year (very unlikely) but they would have redoubled their efforts next year or the year after until it was passed. Any initiative they would have put forth would be patently unfair and designed to give them an unfair advantage and eliminate competition.

So while 197 is not perfect it is historic and is an excellent starting point that minimizes the threat of unfair competition, helps even the playing field, providing the convenience Coloradans are asking for, looks after our craft culture and provides protections for small businesses as the rules change in the middle of the game.

With the majority of states allowing wine and beer sales (44) in grocery stores and a large number allowing liquor, wine and beer everyone involved including the CDG felt it was a matter of when not if this was going to happen and SB16-197 was the proper vehicle to get out ahead of the issue.

Cheers to our new website!

We are thrilled to have a new website for our members and community. Check back here for upcoming events and news.

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