I had a fantastic opportunity this week to participate in MSP Business Journal’s Craft Spirits forum…a few thoughts.

As a supplier to the industry and a native Minnesotan, I am proud to be able to purchase alcohol made in my home state by folks who believe in the hard-working, can-do spirit that we all share.The craft spirits boom – already vibrant in many states – shows no signs of slowing down, especially as state laws, particularly in Minnesota, relax, making it easier to attain the proper permits to legally manufacture beverage alcohol.

Minnesota craft distilleries can now offer a cocktail room to specifically market their products.  A continuing issue the craft distilleries are having, however, is overcoming the state’s stringent blue laws – on-premise bottle sales being one of them. Without the ability to sell their product on-site, these craft distilleries are missing an opportunity to turn their crafted cocktails offered in their cocktail rooms into sales.

Minnesota is uniquely poised to become a leader in the craft world due to its abundant resources.  We have both the natural  resources and the creative, innovative, entrepreneurial spirit that is required.  The only thing left is for the lawmakers of the state to “catch up” with the industry.