Check out New Deal Distillery's May 2009 Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/5zp

If you live in Oregon, you may have noticed that your neighborhood liquor store isn’t staying open quite as late, or you might have read about the new surcharge on distilled spirits that goes into effect tomorrow.

In light of an $855M budget shortfall, the Oregon legislature voted to cut the OLCC’s operating budget by reducing liquor agents’ compensation by $3.8 million, or 5%. In a series of negotiations between the OLCC and the legislature, it was eventually agreed that the $3.8 million in revenue would come from the following three sources: 1) a reduction in liquor agents’ compensation going retroactive to February 2009; 2) an inventory reduction; 3) a .50-cent surcharge on each bottle of distilled spirits sold.

As one of a handful of small, local craft distilleries who make up a fledgling but growing industry, and in support of our friends at Oregon’s liquors stores, we want to give you a little background into what’s happening, and take a moment to explain how these actions affect local distillers, liquor stores, and you, the customer.


Some Background : What is the OLCC, and why do I care?

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) was created by the Liquor Control Act of the Oregon Legislative Assembly after the repeal of prohibition in order to produce revenues, control the sale of hard liquor and combat alcohol abuse in Oregon. The act gave the state exclusive rights to sell distilled spirits and fortified wine, as well as the authority to license private businesses to sell beer and wine by the bottle or glass. It was a real kill joy for moonshiners and speakeasies, to be sure. All the same, the OLCC has generated $3.4 billion for taxpayers through revenue distributions to Oregon’s general fund, Oregon counties, incorporated cities and other programs. It isn’t exactly a bank bailout, but we’ll take it.


Reduced Commissions: Tough on the Liquor Store

One of the programs managed by the OLCC is the Distilled Spirits Program, which regulates the sale of bottled distilled spirits. The program centrally purchases, warehouses and distributes distilled spirits to Oregon’s 243 liquor stores. Each Oregon liquor stores is essentially its own small business, operated by an independent contractor who receives a commission of less than 10% of store sales. From that commission, the agent pays the lion’s share of the overhead costs: employee compensation and benefits, rent and utilities, and salaries. With the state now taking a larger chunk of their revenue to fill budget gaps, liquor store agents will be forced to make cuts, which can mean cutting store hours, laying off employee, or discontinuing employee benefits. This is already true for Adam, an employee at the 11th Avenue Liquor Store on Hawthorne Blvd. He’s recently lost his health insurance due to the reduction in commissions. (Note to self – look into getting powerful industry lobby…)

Inventory Reduction: Tough on Local Distilleries

In order to cover the cost of their decreased commissions, the state is calling upon liquor agents to reduce their inventory. Of all of the planned actions, inventory reduction has the most potential to impact Oregon distilleries directly because liquor stores are being asked specifically to reduce inventory of slower-moving products. By their very nature, local, hand-crafted spirits are slower moving, largely because they are relatively new to the market, and also because artisan distillers do not thrive by establishing massive channels of distribution. We produce in small, high quality batches that aren’t right until they are right. All Oregon spirits combine represent literally a fraction of a percent of the sales of Absolut or Stoli. In light of this reality, the Oregon Distillers Guild has appealed to liquor store agents to continue stocking local products.


Surcharge: Tough on Customers

Effective April 1st, the OLCC will impose a temporary .50-cent surcharge on every bottle of distilled spirits sold in Oregon. We know many shoppers are especially unhappy with this decision for a number of reasons. To start, the regressive nature of the surcharge means that lower-priced spirits - including those made in Oregon take the biggest hit. While a .50-cent increase on a $60.00 bottle of vodka is an increase of less than 1%, a .50-cent increase on an $8.00 bottle of vodka is a 6.25% increase. The surcharge hurts value shoppers, while maximizing the state’s profit margins.

What Can I Do?

Well that’s a good question. What can any of us do? After all, economic downturns and budget shortfalls are a part of life…at least for now. I would just encourage you to think about the community you want to live in, and then create it with your energy, your dollars, your support. I hope you’ll join us to insure that Oregon remains the type of vibrant and creative place where small distillers can thrive. After all, if we’re going to be stuck in a long, drawn out recession, we’d better not be stuck drinking bad booze.

So.... what does 2009 hold for drinkers and dreamers?

Well, if you stop and think about it, we've been through this economic downturn racket before. As a matter of fact, for many of us, this current downturn is nothing new. We've been experiencing it much longer than when the newspapers began to report it. Working like crazy but barely being able to make ends meet, seeings rents go sky high, but not being able to afford that first home (well, not responsibly, anyhow). We've watched prices for food and other basics climb, while watching our salaries decline and jobs disappear. What shocked Wall Street in September was a regular part of our lives for some time.

What we do know is that it's within our grasp to turn things around. In November, we voted in unprecedented numbers for new directon on a large scale, but I think we all realize that the changes we make in our personal lives are what will truly make or break this. If we choose to, we can see cutting back not as a dismal necessity, but as an opportunity to live more simply and meaningfully. And when we do spend, we can consider who and what our dollars are supporting. In doing this, we can effectively crawl from the ashes of this binge of shady mortgages and maxed out credit to emerge better, happier and whole.

We think it's perfectly possible, and we are ready to make it happen.

From all of us at New Deal Distillery, we wish you a happy and prosperous 2009..

can it be? days later and we are still pinching ourselves and one other.

Hello Everyone,

It's hard to believe that fall is already well underway. What happened to the sunny mornings?
Vacation days? My tan? And who is that lady with the beehive and the moose rifle?

Fortunately, fall brings distinct pleasures of its own - crisp winds, cozy fires, and the lovely shades of autumn. We at New Deal are busy crafting local spirits and conjuring up wonderful fall events to help you transition out of summer, and embrace the season at hand.

To that end, we are especially pleased to be participating in Oregon Bounty, an annual statewide celebration marked by two months of unique travel experiences, fall harvest events and special overnight packages at historic inns and hotels, all designed to highlight Oregon's diverse and plentiful culinary landscape. During this time, we are joining with other local artisan distillers to host special tastings and distillery visits, and are partnering with some of Portland's best restaurants to create cocktail pairing dinners that highlight the best of our region's seasonal offerings. Learn more at http://www.traveloregon.com/Bounty.aspx, and read on for these, and other New Deal events underway...


October Events:

October 11th: Oregon Distillers Guild Spirits Tasting, McMenamins Edgefield

The Oregon Distillers Guild, the only such guild in the U.S., is marking its first year of Oregon Bounty participation. Its 16 members hand-craft artisan spirits, infused with local and exotic flavors like juniper, ginger and berries. The event will feature special Oregon Bounty cocktails and tastings, a behind-the-scenes look at crafting spirits and discussions with leading distillery experts.

http://www.traveloregon.com/Bounty/Mt-Hood-Columbia-River-Gorge/Eat-And-Drink-Events/The-Oregon-Distillers-Guild-Spirits-Tasting.aspx

October 11th, 2008: Cutty Cat Bike Race

This big alley cat-style bike race is comprised of stops that have been discovered by local graffiti artists and are so obscure that even local Portland racers will have no advantage. Until now, street level messengers have not reached out to tap the unique knowledge base of street level graffiti writers. Come join messengers from San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver, BC at the race that hopes to become an annual affair. Starts at Ellis-Albina Park Basketball Court at N. Flint and Page, 4:15 pm sharp, $10.75 entry fee. After party following. Be in it to win it!

October 19th , 2008: Spirits' Dinner at Belly Timber

Belly Timber presents a sensational four-course cocktail pairing dinner, featuring seasonal Northwest cuisine and New Deal Distillery spirits. The menu will showcase mixologist, Bradley Dawson's, signature cocktails, and Chef David Siegel's creative and elegant seasonal cuisine. The menu will highlight the season's freshest, local and organic offerings. Autumn-inspired cocktails will be paired with each of the four courses, featuring New Deal Vodkas and LOFT Organic Liqueurs. Space is limited. Call Michele Stultz at (503) 235-3277 to make reservations.

October 24th: Oregon Bounty Spirits Dinner at Caprial's Westmoreland Kitchen

Caprial's Westmoreland Kitchen presents a cocktail pairing dinner, featuring Chef Caprial Pence's signature cuisine and New Deal Distillery spirits. The menu will highlight the restaurant's ethnically influenced, seasonal Northwest cuisine. Cocktails will be paired with each of the four courses, featuring New Deal Vodkas and LOFT Organic Liqueurs. Call 503-239-8771 for information and reservations.

October 25th, 2008: Bitch Magazine Sm{art} Art Auction

Join Bitch Magazine: Feminist Response to Pop Culture for its first Portland fundraising event celebrating their recent move to Portland from the San Francisco Bay Area. Marie Fleischmann hosts the art show and auction featuring paintings, drawings, and multimedia from an array of locally and nationally known artists and Bitch contributors, including Hannah Stouffer, Eva Lake, Shannon Wheeler, Amy Ruppel, Nikki McClure, and the Guerilla Girls.

Enjoy music by DJ Anjali and The Incredible Kid, cycle-tainment by The Sprockettes, and a craft table where you can make your own buttons and check out the spanking-new Bitch coloring book.
Tickets available at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/


November Events

November 1st , 2008: DoveLewis Wet Nose Soiree

The Wet Nose Soiree is DoveLewis' largest annual event. Guests at this gala honor the animals we all adore by celebrating the unique bond we share with them. A hosted reception features a signature cocktail, silent and live auctions, a formal dinner and live entertainment. A handful of outstanding DoveLewis supporters are honored with handmade original fused glass DoveAwards. And to make sure guests don't miss their pets too much while they are out on the town, they may visit with some of our therapy dogs! Don't miss this unique event, packed with Portland's premiere animal lovers. More info at: http://dovelewis.org/events/Wet_Nose_Soiree.asp


November 3rd - 9th , 2008: Siren Nation Music, Art & Film Festival

Siren Nation's mission is to inspire and empower women of all ages to create their own art and to highlight the many achievements of women in the arts through performance and exhibition opportunities for women throughout the year. This year's annual festival will showcase 3 nights of women directed films, 3 nights of music and performance art and 5 gallery art shows of original art by women. In addition to performances and film, we will be offering free workshops on a wide range of topics of concern and interest to women. There will also be an Art Sale featuring the original works of artists from around the Northwest and a meeting place where the public can connect with women entrepreneurs, non-profits and community organizations. More info at: http://www.sirennation.com/2008festival.html

November 7th , 2008: The AMP 3rd Annual Fundraiser

The Artist Mentorship Program enables Portland's homeless and at-risk youth to have an outlet for musical expression in a safe environment free of drugs and weapons. Help support their mission at a silent auction and concert. Enjoy, food, beverages and music performed by The Old Believers, The Dimes, Derby, and Dominic Castillo & the Rock Savants. More info at: http://www.artistmentorshipprogram.org/

November 13th , 2008: Oregon Bounty Spirits' Dinner at Bluehour

Bluehour presents a cocktail pairing dinner, featuring Chef Kenny Giambalvo's classic Mediterranean cuisine and New Deal Distillery spirits. The menu will highlight the restaurant's sophisticated seasonal dishes. Cocktails will be paired with each of the four courses, featuring New Deal Vodkas and LOFT Organic Liqueurs. More info at: http://www.traveloregon.com/Bounty/Portland-Metro/Eat-And-Drink-Events/New-Deal-Distillery-at-Bluehour.aspx

November 15th, 2008: Distillers' Row Open House

Join New Deal Distillery and Oregon Bounty for distillery tours, spirits tastings and light refreshments throughout the day. Discover the inner workings of Portland's first vodka distillery, and learn more about craft-distilling in Oregon. More info at: http://www.traveloregon.com/Bounty/Portland-Metro/Eat-And-Drink-Events/New-Deal-Distillery.aspx

That's all for now....feel free to check us out at newdealdistillery.com for the latest news and events, great recipes and more. We hope that you like to be in the New Deal loop, but do let us know if you would like to be removed from our list...

Our Best,

New Deal Distillery

Ahhh... early April... that lovely time of year when our thoughts begin to center around sweet little flowers, soft spring showers, and happy little fuzzy yellow baby chicks. It also marks the arrival of the one and only Red Dress Party, where every year I still giggle with girlish delight at the thought of all of those boys in dresses. This year, Red Sea launches Saturday, April 12th.

From the hearts and minds of the amazing individuals who organize this event:

"The 8th annual Red Dress Party is April 12th, 2008 at the warehouse on NE 10th and Flanders. You must wear a red dress to get in the door. No exceptions. 21 and over only; all beverages are included in the price of admission.
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All proceeds will benefit Esther’s Pantry, SHARE, and Outside In. Over the past five years the Red Dress Party has raised over $87,000 for charities like these that are working every day to help queer youth and supporting our friends, neighbors, and family members living with HIV and AIDS."

Featuring:
Storm Large and the Balls at 9:30PM
DJ Harmonix
DJ Gregarious
DJ Paula B
Aerial Artist Benn Mendoza
Fire Spinner Peach
Body Painting by Pashur
Sponsored by:
Kalberer Co.
Chameleon Restaurant & Bar
New Deal Vodka
Hip Chicks Do Wine
Acme Scenic & Display
Aura Lounge + Restaurant
Bernie’s Southern Bistro
Blush Beauty Bar
Bodyvox
Culligan Water
Cupcake Jones
Dry Soda
Gilt Club
Jo Foody
Lucky Limo
Mint/820
Oregon Screen Impressions
PDX Magazine
Red Bull
Q Center
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
Ticket Turtle
Widmer Brewing
Zaytoon

In short...great cause, local vodka, gregarious, storm, cupcakes, and body painting... what more could you possibly ask for?.. go go go!

Ideally, Sundays are all about bloody marys, and the Vivacious Mary at East Burn goes one step beyond by pairing New Deal’s chili-pepper infused ’Hot Monkey’ with house-smoked tomatoes. Now why didn’t we think of that? It’s a great eye opener, not to mention a creative way to get at least one full serving of vegetables.

We like it - a lot.

The signature side car features a swift Portland 88 kick in the pants, and call us biased, but we feel that the menu offers up ideal accompaniments to icy New Deal on the rocks..think tasty plates of delectable things like cornichons, beets, marcona almonds, machego, and deviled eggs. As we recall it, there may have also been pool tables, but we were plenty glad to stick to the confines of our cushy booth, enjoying the outstanding food and drink, friendly service, and perfect mood lighting. A lovely spot for happy hour on the east side.