Colorado Distillers Guild

PRESS RELEASE

Golden CO - 28 May 2024

We are saddened to announce that Golden Moon Distillery is ceasing operations effective immediately.

Founded in 2008, Golden Moon Distillery has, over the last 16 years, become of the highest awarded distilleries in the craft spirit industry. This includes dozens of major awards for our whiskies and spirits, including winning Gold or Double Gold Medals for every single-malt product (whiskey and shochu) we’ve produced at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the top spirits industry competitions in the world today. Golden Moon Distillery was also named at Distillery of the Year in 2019 by the American Distilling Institute, received honorable mention for Gin Distillery of the Year in 2021 by Gin Magazine/Icons of Gin, and was named as “Best Distillery in Colorado” three times by Westword, 2016, 2020 and 2023 (the only Colorado distillery to receive this accolade more than once), and Top Distillery in Denver by 5280 in 2015.

Golden Moon Speakeasy, Golden Moon Distillery’s tasting room and cocktail lounge has also received numerous awards and accolades, including being named Gin Bar of the Year 2021 by Gin Magazine / Icons of Gin, Best Classic Cocktail Bar in Denver by Westword in 2015 and being listed as one of the top cocktail destinations in either Denver or Colorado several dozen times by various publications including 5280, Eater, Thrillist, Vin Pair and others.

The various events of the last several years, including the trade wars, COVID, the war in Ukraine and a variety of more local external and political issues have all negatively affected both the company’s operations and our ability to raise the funds necessary to continue to pursue our business plan in the current economic environment.

According Golden Moon Distillery’s Founder, Mr. Stephen Gould, “This is all very sad. Until a few weeks ago we thought we had a buyer/investor that would have allowed the company to continue to grow and prosper, but they unfortunately were unable to deliver the investment and resources they promised. As such the company is now out of cash and time and we have no alternative at this point. We will keep Golden Moon Speakeasy operating in the near term, as we look at ways to keep that part of the business intact, likely with new ownership. That is assuming the bank allows us to do so. We appreciate all the support we’ve received over the years. My co-Founder, Karen Knight and I and the entire Golden Moon Team will miss you all …”

Golden Moon Distillery produces the Golden Moon Brand, REDUX Absinthe, the Gun Fighter American Whiskey brand and the Olde Blackhawk Spirits brand.

The company’s assets will be liquidated by Live Oak Bank in accordance with their interpretation of SBA regulations in the near future.

Calling ALL Colorado Distilled Spirits Manufacturers- Legislative Town Hall TODAY!

https://mailchi.mp/coloradodistillers/thursday-january-18th-1pm-cdg-virtual-town-hall-zoom-link-inside-8401112

Golden Moon Speakeasy, Golden Moon Distillery's tasting room is named one of the best Cocktail lounges in Colorado ... AGAIN.

Colorado has Soooo many really great cocktail joints, and we're honored to be in such great company.

Love you all!!!!

8 Best Cocktail Bars in Colorado! From martinis to margaritas to unique cocktail concoctions, there are plenty of incredible cocktail bars in Colorado to enjoy a well-crafted drink. Yo

All,

The next meeting (which may be the last) of the 2023 Colorado Liquor Advisory Group will occur this Thursday from 9am – 12pm.

This is the meeting where Direct to Consumer Shipping (DTC) will be discussed and likely voted on (to become part of the recommendations that go to the Colorado Legislature next session).

We need as many of Colorado’s distillers / distillery owners and supporters as possible to call into this meeting.

The link can be found here:

https://sbg.colorado.gov/liquor-advisory-group

Please note that the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America and their counterparts here in Colorado have been spreading “propaganda” nationally and here in Colorado to prevent us from getting DTC.

You can find my response to their “propaganda” here:
https://sbg.colorado.gov/sites/sbg/files/documents/LED_LAG_DTC_Shipping_and_Licensing_Comments_4.5.2023.pdf

Please call into this meeting if you can. If you can’t you can still submit your own public comment from the web page for the LAG above.

Respectfully,

Stephen A Gould
Board Member for Government Affairs, Colorado Distillers Guild
Craft Advisory Board Member, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Board Member and Veterans Committee Chair, American Distilling Institute
Founder, CEO and Master Distiller, Golden Moon Distillery and Golden Moon Speakeasy
Maison De La Vie, Ltd
303-993-7174 Fax: 303-279-5299
Mobile: (734)945-8178

sbg.colorado.gov

OK folks this is a quick-turn ….

We need several hundred 50ml bottles of Colorado product for the 2023 Democratic Governors Convention next week. They just asked (we do this every year ….)

This is great exposure for us and Colorado as every Democratic Governor in the country will be there along with their staff. More importantly it’s our Governor’s event so it gets us good exposure here in Colorado.

We need to deliver these by FRIDAY of this week.

First come, first serve … who’s got some 50ml bottles to donate?

Please let me know ASAP

Respectfully,

Stephen A Gould – Board Member for Government Affairs, Colorado Distillers Guild
Golden Moon Distillery
Golden Moon Speakeasy
Maison De La Vie, Ltd
303-993-7174 Fax: 303-279-5299
Mobile: (734)945-8178