American Distilling Institute

The American Distilling Institute (ADI), is the major trade association for the craft / micro distillery industry in the United States representing ~2000 licensed craft distilleries operating in the United States.
History.
The American Distilling Institute was the United States' first association for the craft distillery industry since prohibition. It was founded in 2003 when there were only ~60 distilleries as state regulations in the United States eased and began to allow small distilleries to operate again. Prior to prohibition there were over 2000 local distilleries. However, after prohibition was lifted, careful management of government regulation (the three tier system) by the largest distilleries and wholesalers to minimize competition blocked most distilleries from reopening.
Membership.
ADI's membership comprises mainly small and mid-sized distilleries.
Annual conference.
The first conference was held in 2004 at St. George Distillery in Alameda, CA.
Craft spirits judging.
The first craft spirits competition was held in 2007, and focuses on giving written feedback to all entries
Craft spirits awards.
The American Distilling Institute annual awards gala is the main distilling industry awards ceremony held in the United States. Distillers compete for medals at the ADI Judging, and the recipients of medals are announced. The gala concludes with the announcement of the Distillery of the Year Award called "Bubble Cap" award (a reference to a distilling device called a bubble cap).
2018 Bubble Cap Awards.
2017 Bubble Cap Award
2016 Bubble Cap Award
Annual craft distillery directory.
Every year the Distiller's Resource Directory is published and distributed at the annual conference. The directory contains two primary sections. The first section is a listing of every active craft distillery. The second section is good and services needed to own and operate a craft distillery.
"Distiller Magazine".
A trade magazine focusing on news in the craft distilling industry.