ADVOCACY

The mission of the Tennessee Distillers Guild is to responsibly promote and advocate for the distilling industry in Tennessee through the collective voice of its members. Since its inception in 2014, the Guild has worked closely with its members and legislators to protect the industry and create a distillery-friendly environment in the state. The Guild’s first major achievement was to preserve the definition of Tennessee whiskey during two years of focused efforts to repeal it from the Tennessee code. The following year they worked with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Economic & Community Development to secure funding to launch the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. They also passed legislation governing distillery operations that included limiting tasting sizes and allowing distilleries to pour their own products at tastings.

Other major accomplishments for the Guild’s collective efforts have been allowing cocktail sales at distilleries; fighting efforts to tax aging whiskey barrels; and permitting distilleries to operate their retail shops at the same times as retail stores on Sundays. The Guild prioritizes staying politically engaged as an industry and creating a positive working relationship with the state legislature.