Here at The Crafty Cask, we’re finding it pretty hard to wrap our heads around how different life has become in the span of a few short weeks. No one is without impact from this coronavirus crisis, but our beloved craft alcohol community is especially hurting.

In a time like this, the best path forwards is to find ways to adapt, so we can continue to connect and thrive in our new socially distant reality. Fortunately, there are still ways to engage with and support small businesses during this time, we all just have to get a little more creative!

We’ve been thinking about how we can do our part to support craft alcohol makers, and recently launched a new program we’re hoping will take us through these trying times, and far beyond.

Introducing: Virtual Tasting Experiences For Craft Alcohol Enthusiasts!

Beyond Virtual Wine Tasting: Virtual Tasting Experiences for All Craft Alcohol Makers

If you’re consumers are anything like ours, they’ve experienced countless in-person visits and tasting experiences with their favorite craft alcohol makers, so we thought, why not take these visits online? Craft cider, beer, wine, spirits, mead, sake… you name it, we’re planning to feature it! Just because consumers can’t visit our favorite local makers doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the fruits of their labor, find new tipples, engage with makers and each other, and even learn a thing or two in the process. Which is what our Virtual Tasting Experiences will help them do (sign up to attend one yourself here)! And there is so much more to experience than a virtual wine tasting when you’re an equal opportunity tippler…like most of us are!

As a maker, this is an especially exciting opportunity to get your product in front of current and new consumers, re-engage your audience, and drive sales during this disconnected time. Evan and Suzanne (bios below) will be your virtual brand ambassadors, using guided educational experiences centered on one specific varietal or alcohol type each week that features craft makers they love who have direct-to-consumer shipping or online distribution.

So what are the benefits of doing this with us? I’m glad you asked!

1️⃣ Reach an audience beyond your own. You’ll have access to the Crafty Cask audience of over 15k tipplers, PLUS the audience of the 1-2 other craft makers included in your experience.⁠

2️⃣ Drive online sales! The further out we can get these scheduled, the more we can encourage both pre-orders (to drink along with us) and post-event orders. ⁠

3️⃣ They’re effective. In our last Virtual Tasting Experience (click for the replay!), we had 22 guests and 18 click throughs to online order pages PLUS mailing list sign ups. ⁠This week we’re hosting a virtual wine tasting pairing Chardonnay with Popcorn.

4️⃣ It’s currently FREE to participate! We’re doing this to support the craft alcohol community so the only requirement to join is sharing the event on social media and with your mailing list.⁠

5️⃣ We take care of the details, including logistics, technology, audience management, event flow, and all of the other details required to pull off an engaging virtual event⁠.

6️⃣ Minimal time investment – just show up! All we need are a few visuals, product specs, and some of your product to drink live (and pre-taste/assess if needed).⁠

7️⃣ Have someone else pitching your brand/products for you. As necessary as it is, it can feel awkward to keep asking people for support when you host your own virtual wine tasting, virtual beer tasting, or any other virtual tasting. We’re happy to do it for brands we authentically love. ⁠

8️⃣ Build community during this time where we all need it so much. ⁠⁠

9️⃣ Your hosts are seasoned sommelier and certified cider professional, Evan, and the founder of The Crafty Cask, Suzanne. So you’re in good hands for a professional and valuable event. ⁠

? Have fun. Geek out with your tribe over your passion. We all need that now more than ever.

Get Your Brand Featured In A Virtual Tasting Experience Now

We just launched these new experiences and our first event was a huge success! In a time when people are truly craving connection, and businesses really need the additional sales support, we’re hoping this will be at least part of the solution.

“Best virtual happy hour yet! Nerding out with experts…” ~Patrick W., Virtual Tasting Guest

We’re building out the calendar fast and the sooner we can get you on it the better we can encourage pre-sale orders so our guests can drink along with us in addition to also encouraging post-sale orders. If you’re interested in participating, we would LOVE to have you! Check out our registration page for more information. Then simply fill out a quick form to get in the queue.

Meet Your Virtual Tasting Hosts

Evan Rothrock

Sommelier, Certified Cider Professional & Bespoke Wine Tour Guide for Max Napa Tours

Having spent 9 years bringing craft alcohol enthusiasts, like you, to wineries, distilleries, cider houses, and breweries I have a deep appreciation and love for craft alcohol and the people behind each sip. As a certified sommelier and cider professional, I have deep knowledge that I am passionate about sharing with others in a way that is approachable, engaging, and fun. Suzanne and I love helping people find new types of alcohol, as well as new brands of alcohol they already enjoy. I look forward to doing this both virtually and in-person when we’re able to meet face to face again!

Suzanne Henricksen

Founder of The Crafty Cask & the 10-course online Craft Alcohol Marketing Bootcamp

Passionate about all things craft alcohol, I founded The Crafty Cask to support the success of craft alcohol makers and expand the enjoyment of craft alcohol enthusiasts. At my core, I’m an explorer. I live life with the sole purpose of feeding my curiosity and discovering new experiences…mostly through travel, food, and alcohol. I am obsessed with trying and learning new things, hearing stories, meeting people, and sharing what I find and love with others… which is exactly what I’ll be doing with Evan during these virtual tastings!