“Craft Distilled” or "Craft" describes a unique, drinkable liquid that is produced by producing in small batches. That definition, while informative, doesn’t give any justice to the quality, refinement, and creativity that goes into a micro-craft spirit, liquor or beverage. Across America, there are over 160 craft distillers passionate about creating high quality spirits that are complex and gourmet; one small batch at a time. The Master Distiller generally uses organic and/or sustainable ingredients to evoke the assertive qualities of their respective liquor. The most common distilled spirits are vodkas, gins, and rums however more and more whiskies, brandies, tequilas, aquavits, eaus de vies, grappas, and liqueurs are being distilled as well. It is the personal care, attention for detail, and eye for homemade quality that distinguishes craft distillers from the large international producers of spirits. Before we decide to represent and market a new distillery or beverage, we sit down and discuss with each other, their company, their goals and their passions. We take the time to find out the story behind each product, why they make a particular beverage and what they feel makes their product better than all the others. We gain an external perspective about the beverage by talking to others in the industry. Reputation is of central importance with artisan products. WE ONLY REPRESENT THE BEST. So each of the products we offer are individually graded to ensure they’re up to snuff. here are the 5 key things we look for when deciding to offer a product. HOW DOES IT TASTE? We look for unique flavor characteristics – Not just any old vodka, gin or beverage. We choose the standouts, the award winners. HOW DOES IT LOOK? We believe packaging and overall aesthetics of the product is important. So we take everything from design of the bottle label to the quality of glass into consideration. We look for products that are creative, eye catching and distinctive. WHERE DOES IT COME FROM? We look for smaller producers that are environmentally conscience and sourcing their ingredients and labor locally. We are also conscious of where the distillery is located because freight is a factor. WHAT IS IT MADE FROM? We believe the best artisan beverages are made with the highest quality, natural ingredients; thus we look for brands that use premium, organic, sustainably produced ingredients. We try to find products made with the purest, highest quality, filtered water. To appeal to the growing locavore trend, we also seek craft beverages that locally source their ingredients – supporting local business and offering the “from the farm to the bottle” benefits. Uniqueness of the ingredients is another aspect we consider – elements that intrigue and tantalize. HOW IS IT MADE? In the nature of a craft beverage we appreciate a producers enthusiasm for the craftsmanship and passion in the production. We look for brands that concentrate on the art of producing, brewing and/or distilling and the homemade quality of creating one small batch at a time. We look at the type of equipment they use and how they use it – as well as batch consistency. We want to ensure the beverages we represent are not only the best, but are the best on every batch. For us, it’s all about taking the time to find out what these brilliant manufacturers are doing to establish their unparalleled spirits above all the rest.