Politics & Government
Spirits of the USA Secures Cumming Distillery License
The move could mean 60 to 80 new, full-time jobs in five years.
The Cumming City Council unanimously approved Tuesday an alcohol manufacturer's or distiller's license for Spirits of the USA, maker of "high-octane" 90-proof liquors, the same night it unanimously okayed an amendment to the city's Alcohol Ordinance to allow for the permitting of alcohol manufacturers and distilleries, Assistant City Administrator Steve Bennett confirmed.
Planning and Zoning Director Scott Morgan said the company is working on a lease-purchase agreement in an industrial area of the city, possibly for the old Wheeler Lumber property on Castleberry Road near the city's fairgrounds.
The operation would initially employ 10 workers and begin bottling imported liquor, according to Morgan. But in about five years, when it's fully operational, Spirits of the USA in Cumming would import raw, bulk materials and perform the distillation process, producing products such as the brand's Coyote Vodka, Deadman's Rum and Rattlesnake Tequila. It would then employ 60 to 80 full-time workers.
Bennett said company officials have indicated preference would be given to veterans seeking employment. Spirits of the USA also will need to secure a state license to make liquor, he added.
Patch has requested comment and additional details from Spirits of the USA officials about the company's plans for a Cumming location.
Headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, Spirits of the USA, founded in 2007 by Australian transplant Michael Gerard, launched in 2010 the first full line of American-made, hand-crafted premium spirits, a press release says. Its products are made "in small batches using a craft-distillery approach" with 90-proof formulations, according to the company's website.
Forsyth County Government in September began the process of changing its alcohol ordinance to allow for the manufacture of alcohol and distilleries, and officials cited Spirits of the USA's interest in the area.
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