Five Michigan Distilleries Receive Collective 16 Awards at American Craft Spirits Association 2nd Annual American Spirits Competition

Five Michigan distilleries were honored with 16 individual awards last week at the 2nd Annual American Spirits Competition, presented by the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA)—a not- for-profit trade association dedicated to protecting and promoting American craft spirits.

According to the Michigan Craft Distillers Association, New Holland Artisan Spirits received “Best of Class” in the Gin category for its Barrel Aged Knickerbocker.

Other awards included:

The ACSA reports that 329 entries were submitted from more than 200 craft dispirit distillers from across the country in six main categories: Whiskey, Brandy, Rum, Gin, Liqueurs, Distilled Spirits Specialty (DSS), and Vodka. Almost half (155) of all the spirits entered were whiskeys.

“We’re seeing more whiskies than ever,” states Ted Huber, ACSA vice president and Judging Committee co-chair. “They are literally and figuratively ‘coming out of the woodwork,’ as these spirits have now been aging for up to four years and are ready to be appreciated. It’s a clear sign of the maturing of our craft industry.”

The Michigan Craft Distillers Association was formed in 2014 as a non-profit organization charged with marketing the individual member businesses, their products and events, but also help bring a voice for the industry when it comes to legislative issues that affect the overall beverage industry.

*These distilleries are current members of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association