Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/343292
SPRING/SUMMER 2014 • 7 Portfolio Manager, Northern California JoelTeitelbaum@southernwine.com It's "handmade," it's "small batch," it's "locally- sourced." Oh yeah? Prove it. Let's talk about the process from grain-to-mash, fermentation and distilla- tion. What's that you say? It's a "proprietary process"? I'm sure your spirit is "special," but the process of making spirits has been happening for thousands of years and it has all been done before. If you cannot share what is in the bottle and how it got there, here's what I have to say to you: Houston, we have a problem. It's time to reward the distillers and brands who are doing it right—who put as much passion into making their spirits as you do when selecting what makes the cut to stock your shelf and list. The spirits community that is steering the direction of this industry is one of artisans. Artists make it once and make it great. Artisans create something great and then reproduce that greatness in real time, for real people so that everyone can enjoy it. I will keep it short and sweet, but not too sweet: The Artisanal Group is looking to provide the best spirits created by the best Artisans so that we can share them with bartenders, restaurateurs and shop- keepers. The men and women who produce the spirits in these pages will tell you what you want to know about what, where and how these spirits came to be. bartenders take heed, Cheers, Joel teitelbaum