Business Development Class for Distilling Entrepreneurs

(Mount Vernon, WA)  The Northwest Agriculture Business Center (NABC) will host a one day business development class for producers interested in establishing a distillery in the state of Washington.  The day will focus on start-up and operating costs, federal and state licensing, federal and state regulations, bonds and insurance policies as well as the marketing of fine craft spirits.  The class will be held on September 26th at the Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, WA.

The NABC is bringing together a group of industry experts to discuss the finer details of starting an artisan distillery.  Berle W. Figgins, Jr. of Ellensburg Distillery, will be joined by retired Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Senior Inspector, Richard Gahagan, to provide a firsthand perspective on the economics and logistics of getting a craft distillery licensed, up and running.  The Washington State Liquor Control Board will also be on hand to provide information about the new craft distilling law and its regulations.

Berle “Rusty” Figgins, Jr. recently completed the process of licensing his facility in Ellensburg and hopes to have his first product release later this fall.  His goal is to be the first in Washington State to commercially produce and legally sell high quality brandy made from Washington grown apples and grapes.  Richard Gahagan brings to the class 37 years experience in federal & state distillery licensing, production formulas, label compliance and TTB monthly reporting. 

According to Maryon Attwood, Project Manager for the NABC, “High quality craft spirits are opportunities and possible answers to farmers’ lingering question of what to do with the portion of the state’s fruit & row crops that can’t be sold on the market.”  There is currently about 100 distilleries throughout the United States today, including Washington’s first distillery, Dry Fly Distilling in Spokane.

For registration information about the September 26th Artisan Distilling Workshop, call NABC at 360-336-3727 or visit NABC’s website at www.AgBizCenter,org. Space is limited.