Industry Update Brings Trade Together at Onyx Spirits Company

The Connecticut Package Stores Association (CPSA) and the CT Small Brands Council (CSBC) convened at the Onyx Spirits Company Speakeasy Tasting Room in East Hartford for a reception and industry update on January 15. Industry professionals were treated to lunch and tastes of hand-crafted spirits provided by Onyx Spirits Co. In an informal discussion, members of the CPSA and CSBC, along with Onyx Spirits Co-owner Adam von Gootkin, discussed the importance of cooperation between local businesses and the CPSA. The CPSA and CSBC leaders touched on issues affecting manufacturers and retailers that will be discussed in the current legislative session ending May 9, including minimum pricing, retail mail delivery and fee and tax increases. After the session, guests were led on a tour of the Onyx facility by its distilling and management team.

: Attendees at the CPSA reception and industry update entered through a bookcase at the end of a hall, which opens into the tasting room.

: Adam von Gootkin, Co-owner, Onyx Spirits Company; Brian Slone, Subscriber and Account Services Manager, The Beverage Journal; Carroll J. Hughes, Executive Director, Connecticut Package Stores Association; Jean Cronin, Connecticut Package Stores Association; Sean Hughes, Account Director, Hughes & Cronin; and Mallory Daley, Director of Programs and Services, Hughes & Cronin Public Affairs Strategies.

: Stephen Downes, CPSA President and Owner of CT Beverage Mart and Mike Scalise, CPSA member and Owner of Broadway Wine & Spirits in Colchester.

: Members of the CPSA and CSBC, along with business owners, gathered at Onyx Spirits Company Speakeasy Tasting Room for a reception and industry update on January 15.

: Rashmikant Patel, Manager, Oxford Liquors and Sam Shah, Owner, Sammy’s Buy Rite Liquors in Wethersfield.

: The Onyx Spirits line on display in its tasting room. Co-founder Adam von Gootkin spoke to guests about building a brand locally and the benefits of working with local trade association such as the CPSA and CSBC.