A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: We are on the doorstep of another new year, and that means I get to embrace cliché statements about “new beginnings.” Four years ago, we experienced a new beginning with the birth of this publication when I waxed philosophic about how we “didn’t know what the hell we were doing” in the world of distilling. Two years later I re-affirmed that statement with a few minor updates, begrudgingly admitting that we knew a couple things, but were still proudly battling our ignorance. Artisan Spirit’s creative director (and my spectacular wife) Amanda Christensen says the time has come where I can’t claim ignorance anymore, and she’s right. A nationwide community of distillers have taken us under their wing and apprenticed us in their world. That doesn’t make us special, it just makes us more accountable to you and the industry. Finally, the “new beginnings” cliché also provides me with the flimsily-veiled excuse to brag about our new baby boy, Wilder Lee Christensen. He is our third son, but the first born into our extended distilling family. Say hi to your new friends and family Wild Man.

Brian Christensen

(509) 944-5919 brian@artisanspiritmag.com PO Box 31494, Spokane, WA 99223

As you read this issue, just picture us writing, photographing, conference calling, and editing with a newborn on our chest or sleeping sweetly nearby. Don't imagine the breastfeeding, crying fits, and diaper changes.