Appearances matter, even for craft spirits. While a distillery's success ultimately relies on its product, something still needs to get customers to buy a bottle and give it a chance. That something is often the label. 

Social Media has given rise to influencers - internet celebrities who gather massive followings based on their interaction with and opinions on products or places. What they say about a product can push it to success or doom it to failure. 

Few industries have as complicated a relationship with the distribution side of business as distillers. In many states, a distillery isn't allowed to sell directly to the customer. Regulations forcing distilleries to only offer samples about the size of one shot, and only one per customer, are not uncommon. 

Sustainability is being embraced by companies around the world. It makes sense since a clean environment is good for us all. No one wants to see a repeat of the Cuyahoga River Fire. The only way to ensure things like that never happen again is for companies to act in environmentally conscious ways. 

When it comes to dealing with government regulation, firearms and firewater catch the heat. So here’s to craft distilleries and some of the biggest hurdles hopeful hooch makers have to overcome. This industry is definitely not for the lightweight.