You’re tracking production against a threshold that could swing your duty bill. One miscalculated batch date means HMRC reassesses your entire year. That’s not theory, it’s the day-to-day reality of claiming small producer relief as a UK distillery. Small Producer Relief (SPR) cuts alcohol duty for producers under 4,500 hectolitres of pure alcohol annually. But…
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Your recipe is done. Your batch is ready. Then the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) formula approval lands on your timeline like a wall you didn’t see coming. It’s a federal requirement most distillers hit without a clear roadmap. You get form instructions that assume you already know the process. TTB formula…
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Alcohol Excise Tax for Distillers Explained Most distillers don’t feel the weight of excise until that first removal hits. Suddenly there’s a line item that rivals the cost of goods. It’s often a distillery’s second-largest cost, and it catches a lot of operators off guard. Federal alcohol excise tax applies per proof gallon removed from…
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One flipped decimal in a batch calculation doesn’t stay contained. It carries forward into your monthly production report, your excise tax filing, and potentially an Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) audit. When you’re running proof gallon math manually across multiple batches, that kind of error is inevitable. Calculating proof gallons is the…
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The Iceberg Look at an iceberg from a boat, and you see maybe 10% of it. The other 90% is underwater, hiding just below the surface. TTB compliance works the same way. Your monthly reports are the tip and recordkeeping and daily operations are the mass underneath. It’s ignoring what’s underneath that sinks a distillery,…
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Starting this week, Lot Tracking is available to every distillery running Dx5. Reach out to Customer Success and we’ll get it switched on for you. Here’s the simple version: every lot of raw material you receive, every batch you bottle, and every case you ship now keeps its own identity — from the day it…
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Great Conversations, & What’s New at FIVE x 5 We’re back from Miami Beach, still buzzing from two days at ADI’s Annual Craft Spirits Conference, and we wanted to say one thing first: thank you. If you stopped by booth, pulled up a chair for a demo, or just came by to say hi and…
Month-end reconciliation surfaces a gap between your physical count and the spreadsheet. The TTB filing deadline arrives, and no one can verify proof gallons with confidence. These are the moments spreadsheets fail loudly. Spreadsheets were a fair choice at low volume. But they fail silently, as errors compound across tabs and formulas until damage shows…
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You already track production records, batch logs and inventory. If you sell to pubs, shops or distributors, HMRC also expects you to hold AWRS approval. If you buy alcohol to resell, HMRC expects you to check that your suppliers hold it too. AWRS isn’t a form you file once and forget. It’s an ongoing compliance…
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The ATO says you need a compliant record-keeping system before you lodge your excise manufacturer licence application. Most operators prepare the forms without preparing the systems being evaluated. But the ATO isn’t checking whether you filled in the boxes. They’re assessing whether you can track excisable goods from the moment production starts. Excise manufacturer licence…
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The notice from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) Tax Audit Division lands on your desk. Suddenly you’ve got three weeks to pull years of production and tax records. If those records live across a dozen spreadsheets, that timeline gets tight fast. A TTB audit covers excise tax compliance, product integrity, and…
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When it’s time to file your federal excise returns, the form is the easy part. Getting the numbers into it isn’t. Until now, Dx5 showed you your excise data in month-oriented views that didn’t line up with TTB filing periods. This meant you had to export it, re-sum it in a spreadsheet, and hand-key the totals onto Form 5000.24. Every one of…
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Every bottle you sell moves through gatekeepers you don’t control. Distributors hold the retailer ties. States set the rules. You absorb the margin at every step. Most producers figure this out after the contracts are signed. The three tier system alcohol distribution sets your route to market. It shapes what you can charge, who you can sell to, and…
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Stop Rebuilding Products from Scratch: Meet Duplicate Finished Products in DISTILL x 5 There’s a moment that comes up again and again in distilleries. You’re creating a new variation of an existing product, maybe a different proof, a cask strength release, or part of a limited series. Operationally, it’s straightforward.You’re using the same materials.The same…
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Founded in the mid-2010s, Boann Distillery was built with a clear mission: to revive and celebrate the historic tradition of Single Pot Still Irish whiskey. The distillery is located in Drogheda, an area once known for its thriving whiskey production but which had gone more than a century without distilling before Boann’s arrival. By commissioning…
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Align Your Distillery’s records with reality in a Fraction of the Time Twice a year, every U.S. distillery feels it. Inventory day. The warehouse slows down. Teams count every case. Discrepancies are identified. And then you have to bring your the system back into alignment. Our Inventory Reconciliation Tool was built to dramatically reduce the…
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In the vibrant and ever-evolving spirits world, Redmont Vodka stands out not just for its smooth, gluten-free profile, but for the remarkable story it carries behind every bottle. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Redmont Distilling Co. represents a bold blend of local pride, innovation, and community, all distilled into one exceptional vodka. Founded in 2014, Redmont…
FROM DAIRY BYPRODUCT TO DISTILLED DELIGHT Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin’s dairy country, Knowlton House Distillery is redefining what it means to craft spirits with local heritage and ingenuity. What began as a family tradition rooted in farming and cheesemaking has blossomed into an award-winning distillery that marries old-world agriculture with innovative craft distilling….
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A data-driven look at a craft spirits industry entering its Systems Era. For anyone scanning top-level metrics from the latest Craft Spirits Data Project, it would be easy to conclude the craft spirits market trends show an industry contracting. Volumes softened. Fewer producers were counted. Investment slowed. Employment dipped. But that reading misses the real…
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As distilleries scale, barrel storage decisions become more than a warehousing question, they impact inventory accuracy, financial risk, operational efficiency, and long-term brand strategy. In a recent joint webinar, Barrel Scout joined us to explore the realities of palletized barrel storage, the risks that come with it, and how technology-enabled barrel management can turn complexity…
If you run a distillery you already know the importance of understanding of the distilling process, and you also know how quickly things can fall out of sync when members of your staff don’t. Cuts drift, yields shift, compliance data gets messy, and flavor profiles become inconsistent from batch to batch. For growth-stage DSPs distillation…
We’re excited to welcome MKD Collective to the FIVE x 5 Distillery Consulting Partner network! If you haven’t met her yet, MKD Collective is led by Katie Gezon, who brings more than a decade of experience in the alcohol and beverage industry. She’s managed operations at Coca-Cola, Anheuser-Busch, and Pepsi, leading large production teams and…
California has officially passed Assembly Bill 1246 (AB 1246), a major milestone for craft distillers both within the state and across the country. The new law, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, extends and expands California DtC (direct-to-consumer) shipping privileges, opening new sales channels for producers and more convenience for craft spirits enthusiasts….
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At FIVE x 5, innovation isn’t just about adding new features, it’s about making life easier for the people who bring great spirits to life. Every update to DISTILL x 5 starts with a simple question: how can we help our customers work smarter, not harder? In the past, introducing a new proof or variant…
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INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST PARTNER: AMBER + OAK At FIVE x 5, we’re always looking for ways to bring more value to our customers — not just through software, but through trusted relationships with industry experts who understand what distilleries need to succeed. Amber + Oak specializes in TTB compliance, regulatory consulting, and audit readiness for…
At FIVE x 5, we’ve been talking a lot about partnerships — what they mean, why they matter, and how they’re shaping the future of our industry. Spoiler alert for this month’s Letter from Leadership: That’s exactly why we’re excited to spotlight one of our newest ecosystem partners: Barrel Scout THE BARREL STORAGE SOLUTION YOU…
The world of distilling is full of complex decisions—from sourcing ingredients to compliance and beyond. But one of the most overlooked decisions that can have major financial consequences? Choosing the right distillery software partner. At FIVE x 5®, we’ve spent years working alongside distillers, and we’ve seen firsthand how other software vendors take advantage of…
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Are you a distillery, brewery or winery/cidery in New York State? If so, there is a substantial NY spirits tax credit available to you based on the quantity of product that you bottle each year. Commodity Rebate Cap, gal Max Rebate Amt Effective Bottle COGS Discount Beer, Cider $0.14/gal 500,000 $70,000 355ml: 1.3 cents Wine …
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“Container Deposit” schemes are State regulations aimed at reducing waste and/or increasing return rates of used beverage containers. The legislation that creates these programs is often called a “Bottle Bill”. While Bottle Bills are commonplace for soda cans and other beverage containers, distilled spirits have long enjoyed an exception to those regulations in most states….
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There are two things we all can use more of: time & money. So when you come across an idea that: Well, that’s worth something. Here’s just such an idea: While at the American Distilling Institute trade show in Las Vegas I met Tyler Derheim from FIVE x 5 Solutions. In addition to working with…
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Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) is an accounting metric used by manufacturers and other businesses to weigh the direct cost of making a product. COGS is broadly split into three categories: materials/supplies, overhead and labor. DISTILL x 5 and Whiskey Systems have built-in functionality to track Material COGS from grain receipt through to production, storage…
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A conversation with Chris Farmand, CEO of Small Batch Standard Running a distillery is no easy feat, it requires detailed planning, hard work, and dedication to make it successful. While there are certain goals that you may be focused on, such as building up inventory, aging your product, and developing a brand, profitability is a…
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We have a new position open on our team! We are looking for a Training & Education Content Specialist with the below skill set requirements. 4+ years in software sales, customer service, success, or support, preferably for SaaS OR, a bachelor degree in Marketing or Education and 2 years of same experience. AND; 1+ year…
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Here’s a quick recap of 2022! We are looking forward to some really exciting things coming in 2023, keep an eye out for those announcements here or in our monthly newsletter!
In the age of fast-paced marketing, where today’s tactics are already yesterday’s news by the time you’ve implemented them, there is still one truth that remains; brand storytelling is the most compelling way for you to build your distillery’s brand and connect with your audience. There is a reason the most successful companies continue to…
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How do you know when the time has come and your distillery needs distillery management software? You’ve received your license— Many distilleries don’t think they need software early on in their development. However, in the United States the TTB requires reporting as soon as a license is issued, whether you are producing or not. Having…
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FIVE x 5 Solutions has partnered with Whiskey Capital Secured Financing Fund to bring non-traditional distillery funding to our clients. Whiskey Capital specifically provides funding for American Whiskey distilleries who have capital tied up in the whiskey aging in their rack houses. Fx5 Solutions CEO Caroline Calhoun recently sat down with Whiskey Capital Secured Financing…
Time is the most valuable resource any of us has. With a finite amount to use, how we choose to spend our time is the most important decision we make every day. Couple that with the fact that most modern humans deal with time famine – a universal feeling of having too much to do…
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We recently checked in with Jeremy DeWitt, Assistant Distillery Manager at 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co., about how things have been going with Whiskey Systems since the beginning, and how they have been since they switched back to Whiskey Systems after a brief hiatus. FIVE x 5: Tell us more about your journey into…
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The most critical thing distilleries must track is spirit production, on which tax (duty) must be paid. Consumers enjoy distilled spirits, and so do governments – if only because of the revenue gained from alcohol production! In the United Kingdom, HMRC oversees the license and oversight of distilled spirits producers and requires distilleries report and…
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The Beginning Several years ago, Chris Montana of Du Nord Social Spirits (formerly Du Nord Craft Spirits) walked in the doors of a trade show and realized he was the only person of color in the room. When he became President of the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), Montana voiced his concerns over the lack of diversity – due to lack of touch points for…
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Sometimes you don’t know your distillery needs outside help until it’s too late. Here are a few signs it’s time to bring in the experts – and what to look for when hiring a consultant.
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You’ve seen the statistics and the headlines – RTDs are catching a buzz right now with consumers. If you’re contemplating adding a Ready to Drink (RTD) cocktail to your product lineup, now is the time to do so. Keep reading for our compilation of important considerations for distilleries of any size when expanding into RTDs.
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Denver, CO – Today, FIVE x 5 Solutions, the leader in operations management software for distilleries, introduced a new, redesigned website and new branding for its distillery management software, DISTILL x 5.
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The Excise Tax: the bane of all distillers’ existence, and part of the reason FIVE x 5 exists! Thoroughly understanding excise tax is essential for the success of a distillery of any size. With partner distilleries in more than 10 countries around the world, the Fx5 team is constantly working to keep abreast of legislative…
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Navigating change is always going to be difficult. Navigating change while trying to mobilize an entire organization with you? Even more difficult. We have witnessed many of our client distilleries experience change over the years, and the common themes we found among those that did so with grace and ease: they know who they are,…
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Written by Megan Alexander Our meeting with Rohan McGowan, distiller and wearer of many hats at The Pokeno Whisky Company, was exciting in many ways. A quick Google search will yield only scant traces of interviews and other articles written about the distillery, located about an hour south of Auckland, New Zealand. Furthermore, their bottles cannot be bought in stores – or anywhere – yet! We were eager to get an exclusive look…
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FIVE x 5 SOLUTIONS INTRODUCES NEW WHISKEY SYSTEMS A new Whiskey Systems product designed for small and startup distilleries Denver, CO – Today, FIVE x 5 Solutions, the leader in operations management software for distilleries, introduced a new, redesigned Whiskey Systems specifically designed to provide the company’s best-in-class solutions to small and startup distilleries at a…
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March is International Women’s Month – so what better month to recognize and celebrate some of the amazing women who have forged their way into the industry (guns blazing) to create some of the most well-known craft spirit brands around? Scroll (and click) through the profiles to read the inspiring stories of the boss ladies…
The TTB: A letter with their name on it in your mailbox is enough to make any distillery owner’s heart skip a beat. If you have a DSP license, the TTB wants to hear from you – whether you’re in production or not. It’s important to cover your ass(ets) with proper tracking, reporting, and filing from the very beginning – or you…
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Missed our Cost Accounting 101 Webinar? Want to make your distillery more efficient and sustainable by implementing a simple practice? Watch our webinar recording and get up to speed with: a) Why it’s important to implement cost accounting in the early stages of your distillery business b) Why WIP is your most valuable asset c)…
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New year, new business goals? With the recent permanency of the Federal Excise Tax reduction, now is the perfect time to take your DSP license (or craft spirits concept) to a full-blown distillery operation.That said, turning a passion for craft spirits into a successful distillery is a giant leap. Luckily, you have us to serve as your trusted resource in helping you get on your feet – and way, way…
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Thinking outside the still: Why distillery management software is a must-have for every distillery, at any stage of life. Thoroughbred Spirits Group has distilling in their blood – generations of it, in fact. It’s a lineage that lends a solid foundation to Scott Shiller and the Thoroughbred team, giving them the experience and expertise to build an industry-leading consulting…
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Getting Started Steve VanderPol, co-founder and distiller at Eastern Kille Distillery, found his love of craft distilling in the same place FIVE x 5 Solutions found its start – Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, in Denver. “I drove past Stranahan’s every day on my way to work and eventually stopped in to take a tour,” Steve recalled…
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Days before the world is turned upside down, FIVE x 5 Solutions’ Global Sales Rep Megan Alexander took a short trip to Long Road Distillers to meet Kyle Van Strien, co-owner and co-founder, and Jordan Muschiana, head distiller, to learn more about their path to distilling, as well as lead a remote tasting with the…
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Before talking to Andrew Rall, founder and distiller at Distillery 031 in Durban, South Africa, we did a quick Google search to figure out the time difference. We caught him at the tail end of his day to get to know the distillery’s journey, the challenges they were faced with starting up, as well as…
Walking into The Whiskey Factory at Detroit City Distillery was completely unlike my last visit two years ago – with more equipment, more barrels, and more people in a beautiful new event space, it was like a completely different distillery. I was excited to hear about what the team had been up to, and what…
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