The spirits industry is growing rapidly, with new brands entering the market each year. However, navigating the tax landscape around distilling and co-packing can be complex, especially with different tax implications for craft and large-scale distilleries. For businesses partnering with a co-packer like Big Storm Distillery, understanding how tax savings are achieved and passed on to clients can make a significant impact on profitability. 

Comparing Craft vs. Large-Scale Distilleries: Why Choosing a Craft Distillery Benefits Customers 

When selecting a manufacturing partner, brands face a choice between working with craft or large-scale operations. Craft distilleries, like Big Storm Distillery, offer distinct advantages that go beyond small-batch production. Here’s a look at how craft distilleries differ from large-scale operations and why they can be a better fit for customers. 

Craft Distillery Benefits 

Craft distilleries focus on quality, creativity, and flexibility. These benefits translate into a unique customer experience: 

• Customized Production: Craft distilleries often allow for small-batch production, making it easier for brands to test new products or create limited-edition releases without the commitment to massive volume. 

• Enhanced Quality Control: Smaller batch sizes allow for close monitoring and precision, resulting in a high-quality product with consistent flavor and character. 

• Local Sourcing and Unique Ingredients: Many craft distilleries prioritize local or unique ingredients, providing brands with distinctive flavors that are difficult to replicate on a large scale. 

• Personalized Service: Craft distilleries, like Big Storm, prioritize direct communication with clients, making it easier to adapt production methods to fit each brand’s needs. 

• More Flexible Pricing and Lower Minimum Orders: Unlike large-scale distilleries, craft distilleries offer flexibility with pricing and order quantities, making them more accessible for emerging brands. 

• Tax Savings on Small-Batch Production: Craft distilleries benefit from lower federal excise tax rates on the first 100,000 proof gallons produced annually. Big Storm Distillery passes these savings directly to customers, helping reduce overall production costs. 

Large-Scale Distillery Characteristics 

In contrast, large-scale distilleries are optimized for efficiency and mass production, which offers some benefits but also limitations: 

• High Volume Production: Large distilleries are best suited for brands requiring millions of proof gallons annually, limiting flexibility for smaller or boutique brands. 

• Standardized Processes: To maintain efficiency, large-scale operations often use automated processes and standard recipes, which can reduce options for customization. 

• Bulk Ingredient Sourcing: While cost-effective, bulk sourcing can limit ingredient variety and product differentiation. 

• Less Direct Communication: With high production volumes, large distilleries may not provide the same level of personalized service and flexibility as craft distilleries. 

Why Working with a Craft Distillery Like Big Storm Distillery Benefits the Customer 

Partnering with a craft distillery offers unique advantages for brands seeking a competitive edge: 

• Innovative Product Development: Craft distilleries specialize in innovation, giving brands the freedom to experiment with flavors, limited batches, and custom branding. 

• Cost Efficiency Through Small Batch Production: With lower minimum order requirements, craft distilleries provide a cost-effective way for brands to enter the market without the need for large investments. 

• Exclusive Brand Positioning: Partnering with a craft distillery emphasizes quality and authenticity, helping brands attract customers who value artisanal products. 

• Enhanced Tax Savings on Small-Batch Production: Big Storm Distillery leverages excise tax benefits on smaller production volumes, and these savings are passed directly to clients, making products more affordable. 

In today’s market, where consumers are increasingly seeking unique, high-quality spirits, working with a craft distillery like Big Storm offers brands a way to stand out. Through dedicated service, customized production, and flexible pricing, Big Storm provides a co-packing experience that large-scale distilleries simply can’t match. 

Tax Implications in the Spirits Industry 

The tax structure in the spirits industry varies based on production volume, location, and specific business activities. Craft and large-scale distilleries face different tax rates and requirements, particularly when it comes to federal excise taxes. 

Federal Excise Taxes on Spirits 

The federal excise tax (FET) on distilled spirits is levied by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and applies to both craft and large-scale distilleries. Key details include: 

• Lower Rates for Craft Distilleries: Smaller producers benefit from reduced excise tax rates on the first 100,000 proof gallons, paying $2.70 per proof gallon, compared to the standard rate of $13.34 per proof gallon. 

• Impact on Production Costs: The reduced FET for craft distilleries allows them to keep prices competitive, though smaller production volumes mean higher overall costs per unit. 

State and Local Taxes 

In addition to federal taxes, distilleries are subject to state and local tax requirements that can vary widely: 

• Excise Taxes: Some states impose additional excise taxes on distilled spirits, often influenced by volume and alcohol content. 

• Licensing and Permit Fees: Each state has unique licensing fees, which can add to the cost structure, especially for interstate distribution. 

• Environmental and Compliance Fees: Distilleries must sometimes pay additional fees related to environmental protection, recycling, and compliance with health standards. 

Co-Packing and Taxes: What Brands Need to Know 

For brands without their own distilling facilities, co-packing presents an efficient way to produce and distribute spirits. However, co-packing introduces unique tax implications that affect both the distillery and the contracting brand. 

How Taxes Impact Co-Packed Spirits 

When a brand partners with a co-packer like Big Storm Distillery, tax considerations include: 

• Federal and State Taxes on Co-Packed Goods: Both the distillery and the brand face taxes on the production and sale of co-packed spirits. 

• Retail-Level Taxes: Some states apply taxes based on retail sales price, impacting the cost for the end consumer. 

• Distribution-Related Fees: Additional taxes may apply to distributed goods depending on the destination, which can increase costs for brands with widespread distribution. 

Benefits of Co-Packing with Big Storm Distillery 

Big Storm Distillery provides co-packing services designed to streamline tax compliance and lower costs: 

• Expert Knowledge of Tax Regulations: Big Storm’s in-depth understanding of federal and state tax regulations ensures clients remain compliant while minimizing unnecessary costs. 

• Efficient Licensing Options: The distillery offers licensing solutions that reduce compliance burdens for brands, particularly those without production facilities in each state. 

• Integrated Tax Strategies: By handling excise and sales tax implications, Big Storm Distillery simplifies tax management, reducing expenses for contracting brands. 

How Big Storm Distillery Passes Tax Savings to Contracting Customers 

At Big Storm Distillery, we believe in transparency and delivering maximum value to our clients. One of the key ways we achieve this is by passing along significant tax savings directly to our contracting customers. Here's how we do it: 

Understanding Federal Excise Tax (FET) in Distilling 

In the distilling industry, the Federal Excise Tax (FET) is a substantial cost component. Distilleries are required to pay an FET on each proof gallon of spirits produced, which can significantly impact the final cost of the product. However, thanks to recent tax reforms, small and medium-sized distilleries like Big Storm Distillery benefit from reduced FET rates on the first 100,000 proof gallons produced annually. 

Transparent All-Inclusive Pricing 

Unlike many co-packers and distilleries that surprise clients with additional tax bills or require hefty security deposits to cover future tax liabilities, Big Storm Distillery adopts a straightforward and transparent pricing model: 

1. All-Inclusive Contractual Price: We present our customers with an all-inclusive price upfront. This price covers everything—from the agreed-upon ingredients, materials, and labor to packaging and logistics. There are no hidden fees or unexpected charges down the line. 

1. Reduced FET Benefits Included: Alongside the standard pricing, we provide a discounted all-inclusive price that factors in the savings from the reduced FET rates we are eligible for. This means our customers directly benefit from the lower tax rates without any extra effort on their part. 

Passing the Savings to You 

Our eligibility for reduced FET rates allows us to lower the overall production costs. Instead of pocketing these savings, we choose to pass them directly to our customers. Here's how this benefits you: 

• Cost Savings: The reduced FET rates can lead to significant savings, especially for large production runs. These savings improve your profit margins and allow you to invest more in other areas of your business. 

• Budget Certainty: With our all-inclusive pricing, you know exactly what you'll pay from the outset. This helps in budgeting and financial planning, eliminating the risk of unforeseen expenses. 

• Simplified Transactions: By handling all tax calculations and obligations internally, we simplify the transaction process for you. There's no need to navigate complex tax regulations or manage additional paperwork. 

Why Choose Big Storm Distillery 

Our approach is rooted in our commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical business practices. We aim to build long-term partnerships based on trust and mutual benefit. By choosing Big Storm Distillery, you are assured of: 

• Transparency: We believe in clear communication and honest dealings. Our pricing reflects that ethos. 

• Efficiency: Our streamlined operations and tax management strategies ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. 

• Expertise: With years of experience in the industry, we understand the intricacies of distilling and tax regulations, allowing us to optimize savings for our clients. 

Big Storm Distillery's unique approach to passing tax savings directly to our contracting customers sets us apart in the industry. Our transparent, all-inclusive pricing model not only simplifies the cost structure but also maximizes your savings. Partner with us to experience seamless production processes and enjoy the financial benefits of reduced federal excise taxes. 

Increase Spirits Profitability: Cost-Effective Co-Packing with Big Storm Distillery 

Big Storm Distillery provides a streamlined, cost-effective co-packing experience for brands looking to enter or expand in the spirits market. By leveraging federal and state tax benefits, bulk ingredient savings, and detailed compliance processes, Big Storm Distillery passes tax savings directly to its clients. This commitment to cost savings and transparency makes Big Storm an ideal partner for spirits brands looking to optimize production while keeping costs competitive. For any brand considering a co-packing partnership, Big Storm Distillery offers a unique advantage in today’s complex tax landscape.