E D I T O R ' S N O T E
Editor
Jeremy Nedelka
Tel: 203-855-8499 x213
jnedelka@epgmediallc.com
Associate Editor
Kyle Swartz
Tel: 203-855-8499 x225
kswartz@epgmediallc.com
Art Director
Jean Blackmer
Contributing Editors
Melissa Dowling, Jonathan
Newman, Melissa Niksic,
Marnie Old, Robert Plotkin,
Jack Robertiello, Thomas Henry
Strenk and Nicholas Upton
Sr. Regional Sales Managers
Bruce Kostic
Tel: 203-855-8499, ext. 215
bkostic@epgmediallc.com
Mark Marcon
Tel: 248-761-6231
mmarcon@epgmediallc.com
Debbie Rittenberg
Tel: 215-431-8787
drittenberg@epgmediallc.com
Senior Research Analyst
Adam Rogers
Vice President, Beverage
Amy Collins
acollins@epgmediallc.com
Production Director
Cherri Perschmann
Tel: 763-383-4425
cperschmann@epgmediallc.com
Reprints
Circulation and Audience
Development Manager
Debra Welter
Tel: 763-383-4439
dwelter@epgmediallc.com
List Rental
Jim Scova
Tel: 914-368-1012
jscova@MeritDirect.com
StateWays is published by
by Beverage Information
Group, a division of EPG Media
& Specialty Information
Editorial offices
17 High St., 2nd Fl.,
Norwalk, CT 06851
Tel: 203-855-8499
Fax: 203-855-9446
Executive offices
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Minneapolis, MN 55441
Tel: 763-383-4400
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StateWays Goes
to Washington
ABL (American Beverage Licensees): www.ablusa.org
DISCUS (The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.): www.discus.org
NABCA (National Alcohol Beverage Control Association): www.nabca.org
WSWA (Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America): www.wswa.org
T
his issue has an American theme, as we celebrate spirits that reflect the culture,
craftsmanship and spirit of the U.S. (See "A Global Phenomenon," page 34, and
"Bourbon Isn't Having All the Fun," page 30). September is Bourbon month, and
the category continues to grow beyond anyone's expectation — especially the suppliers who
are running low on stockpiles.
Beyond Kentucky, the overall American Whiskey category is riding the Bourbon
bandwagon. Tennessee whiskey, moonshine, blends and especially rye are all finding renewed
interest as Millennials continue to experiment.
As more distilleries open, and companies continue to innovate, questions about labeling
requirements, production methods, origin restrictions and preferences toward local products
abound. Local, state and federal regulatory agencies are creating a patchwork of rules to
govern these start-ups, but that process is still in the early stages.
Speaking of regulations, last month I took a trip to the nation's capital to meet with a
number of industry associations and organizations to learn more about the people who are
fighting on behalf of the beverage alcohol industry.
I spoke to groups representing retailers, on-premise licensees, distributors, control a
gencies and suppliers about the biggest challenges facing the industry. What I learned is that
each of those organizations wants what's best for the industry in the long-term: sensible regu-
lation and responsible consumption.
Get Involved in the Future of Our Industry
The biggest threat facing the beverage alcohol industry is apathy among stakeholders.
Generations of retailers, wholesalers and brand managers have spent decades creating and
defending our industry. Many of the most active members will soon retire, and it's up to the
next generation to fill the void.
I encourage all readers to take an interest in the local, state and federal laws and regula-
tions that impact your business or organization, if you haven't already. Join a trade group,
learn more about the industry and get involved.
Don't know where to start? Below are some of the best national resources – register as a
member, join a mailing list or just use them to keep up on the biggest issues facing beverage
alcohol. There's no excuse for apathy.
Jeremy Nedelka, Editor
StateWays n www.stateways.com n September/October 2015 4