American Distilling Institute
The American Distilling Institute, is a professional association for the craft / micro distillery industry in the United States representing the over 2600 licensed craft distilleries operating in the United States.
History
The American Distilling Institute was the United States' first association for the craft distillery industry since prohibition. It was founded in 2003 when there were only ~25 craft distilleries as state regulations in the United States eased and began to allow small distilleries to operate again. Prior to prohibition there were over 2000 local distilleries. However, after prohibition was lifted, careful management of government regulation by the largest distilleries and wholesalers to minimize competition blocked most distilleries from reopening.Membership
ADI's membership comprises mainly small to mid-sized distilleries and their employees.Annual conference
The first conference was held in 2004 at St. George Distillery in Alameda, CA.International spirits competition
The American Distilling Institute has held its annual spirits competition since 2007 and is the oldest and largest craft spirits competition. Distillers from all over the world submit entries which are blind tasted and evaluated by experts in the Spirits industry. All entries are scored and feedback is provided on all entries. Results for best in class winners are announced at the annual Awards Gala.Awards:
Best of Category
Best of Class
Excellence in Packaging Awards: awarded to a gold medal bottle
Bronze, Silver, Gold and Double Gold Medals
Craft spirits awards
Announcement of the Distillery of the Year Award called "Bubble Cap" award happens annually at the conference gala.Bubble Cap Awards: Awarded to Distillery of the Year
;2024 Bubble Cap Award
- Distillery of the Year – St Augustine Distillery
- Distillery of the Year – Garrison Brothers Distillery
- Distillery of the Year – New Liberty Distillery
- Distillery of the Year – Ironroot Republic Distillery
- Distillery of the Year – Spirit Works Distillery
- Distillery of the Year – Golden Moon Distillery
- Distillery of the Year – Copperworks Distilling, Founders Micah Nutt and Jason Parker.
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Hubert Germain-Robin, Master Distiller, Master Blender & Spirits Consultant
- Best Farm Distillery – Sourland Mountain Spirits, Founder Ray Disch
- Best Distillery Experience – Lost Spirits, Founder Bryan Davis
- Distillery of the Year – Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery
- Distillery of the Year – Kings County Distillery
- Distillery of the Year – Leopold Bros.
- Distillery of the Year – Corsair Artisan Distillery
- Distillery of the Year – Montanya Distillers
- Distillery of the Year – Peach Street Distillers
- Distillery of the Year – Dry Fly Distilling
- Distillery of the Year – Tuthilltown Spirits
- Distillery of the Year – Starlight Distillery
- Distillery of the Year – St. George Spirits