November 13, 2025

540 - Your Questions about the Three Tier System Answered on Bourbon Community Roundtable 112

1 hour 10 minutes

This is the follow-up you asked for! We're back with Bourbon Community Roundtable number 112 to continue tackling the "spicy" and controversial topic of the three-tier distribution system. Last time, we were bombarded with questions in the chat, so this episode is dedicated to answering your submissions.

Our panel dives into how consumers can actually help their favorite smaller brands get distribution, offering real-world advice on retailer outreach and using social media for buzz. We then dissect what massive political or economic shift would be required to see meaningful reform. Finally, we debate the powerful question: if the whole system disappeared tomorrow, who would win—the hustling craft distilleries or the heritage brands with deep pockets?. This one is packed with high-stakes debate!

Show Notes:

A follow-up discussion on the three-tier distribution system, specifically addressing consumer-submitted questions

Actionable ways consumers can help their favorite spirits brands get distribution, including direct retailer outreach and using social media to generate buzz

An explanation of LibDib as an alternative, smaller avenue to market, particularly useful for single barrel programs and single-customer orders

Analysis of the necessary political or economic shifts required for meaningful three-tier system reform

The argument that major change is unlikely unless a strong economic interest or consumer-driven demand (similar to Uber or the push for cannabis legalization) forces it

Discussion of the potential for a parallel direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping system for spirits, mirroring the progress made in the wine industry following the Granholme v. Heald case

A deep-dive debate on which segment of the industry—"hustling" craft distilleries or heritage brands with deep pockets—would adapt faster if the three-tier system were to disappear

The argument that the biggest organizations control the power dynamic and maintain the status quo to protect their existing turf

Encouragement for consumers to advocate for change by reaching out to their congressmen and congresswomen

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