While consulting for FIVE x 5, I’ve been lucky enough to meet distillers from all walks of life, and at all stages of the learning process. One of the appealing things about this industry is that you can always learn more – I’ve been doing it since 2018 and I still learn something new most…
3 Most Common Accidental TTB Violations
As we wrap up a dynamic 2024, it’s wise to take a moment to reflect on some common TTB audit findings. Avoiding these pitfalls can save you significant time and expense – and you’re required to follow all the regulations, anyway! 1. Incomplete Gauge Records TTB regulations require you to gauge your spirit at various…
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What Does Fx5 Consulting Do, Anyway?
As a Consultant, I’m often asked what exactly I have to offer. My gut feeling is to say: “everything!”, but my therapist would probably push back on that. Joking aside, I love this question because it has many different answers – I’m fortunate enough to work with nano-distilleries that produce 10 proof gallons per year…
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All About Bottling
The bottling department of your distillery is a paradox: your biggest value-add is putting corks in glass, but bottling carries a lot of technical and regulatory challenges. Let’s go through these challenges and examine some solutions. When I refer to a bottle, I’m speaking of a standard 750mL filled with 80 proof spirit. Technical Bottling…
Are you reporting your Imported Spirit (e.g. Agave, Tequila, Irish Whiskey) correctly?
Regulations require you to track and report your bulk Imported Spirit separately from your domestic spirit. This applies to spirit held in the Storage liquid account as well as the Processing account. We’ll cover the scenarios and ‘gotchas’ so that you can stay on TTB’s good side. And, be aware that we’re not going to…
Funding Craft Distilleries: A Conversation with Whiskey Capital’s John Shumate
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…
When to Hire a Distilling Consultant
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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4 Things to Consider When Expanding Your Product Line with RTDs
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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Partner Spotlight: Thoroughbred Spirits Group
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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Client Spotlight: Detroit City Distillery
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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