Our Founding Story
Craft Spirits Social was born from the vision of Beth “Dutton” Hurwitz. After 15 successful years in the spirits industry—selling bottles to distillers and building strong relationships—she recognized a significant gap. Under the constraints of the three-tier system, distillers struggle to distribute and retail their unique products. Their passion, stories, and craftsmanship rarely reach retailers’ shelves or consumers’ hands. To bridge this gap, Dutton launched Craft Spirits Social.
Standing at the crossroads of curiosity, opportunity, and ambition, Dutton set out to create something unprecedented: a platform that empowers distillers while educating and inspiring consumers. Her vertically integrated, end-to-end ecosystem is a true game-changer for the industry.
At the heart of this ecosystem is Craft Spirits Social—a meticulously designed venue that pays homage to the history of craft spirits. Every detail serves a purpose: to deliver an immersive educational experience. The retail library boasts over 400 craft spirits, curated by knowledgeable staff who understand the distillers and their stories. A custom bar offers distinctive cocktails crafted by expert mixologists, enriching the learning experience. Add to this daily and weekly tastings, distiller-in-residence weekends, exclusive barrel picks, and vibrant community events, and you have an unforgettable destination for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Filling the industry’s biggest void, Craft Spirits Social is also part of SpiritsIQ, a fully integrated e-commerce marketplace for direct-to-consumer craft spirits. This innovative platform allows customers to shop the entire library online—cutting out the middlemen—and ensures orders ship within 24 hours. It’s a bold step forward, redefining how craft spirits connect with the world.