AMBRU News & History Blog

Distilling in North America started as early as the first settlers arrived. It soon became a key industry in North America. 

We summarize important legislations to protect American distilling knowledge, American historical distilling claims and how American distilling products can be protected in international markets in the future.

Signature of Kiliaen van Rensselaer (c. 1585- c. 1640s), Dutch merchant and first patroon of the Manor of Rensselaerswyck. !Original:Kiliaen van Rensselaer (c. 1585-c. 1640s);Vector: ZooFari, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The First View of New York 1626-8. Drawn by Kryn Fredericks, engineer of Fort Amsterdam, and for years hung in Peter Stuyvesant's Council Room in the Stadt House, it was finally sent to Holland, and rescued from oblivion by Adriaen Van der Donck who used it in the first book written on New Amsterdam and published by Joost Hartgers, Amsterdam, in 1651. Known as the "Hartgers View". Kryn Fredericks, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
AMBRU Protecting Our Heritage

AMBRU Protecting Our Heritage

Georgia has played a historically significant role in the spirits industry, and connecting Atlanta’s business hub with local craft distilling experience and Georgia’s local agritourism with vineyards and orchards all over the State means to secure and create local jobs in Georgia and the United States of America.

The Birthright of American Rum

The Birthright of American Rum

The distilling industry of American Rum became early colonial New England’s largest and most prosperous industry. For a period of time, American Rum joined gold as an accepted currency. The Molasses Act of 1733 and the following Sugar Act 1764 underline the historic importance of this commodity that paved the way for American Independence.

Commercial Distilling North America

Commercial Distilling North America

The first commercial distilleries in North America were established as early as settlers were sent to the New World, and outrun the first legal Scottish distillery by more than 50 years, whereas distilling for private needs (non commercial) can be proved as early as first settlers arrived in 1620.

Geographical indicators

Geographical indicators

Products with geographical indication (GI) origin in a specific geographical area and possess qualities or a reputation that is connected to the place of origin. There has been a global trend to protect products geographically, not only to protect the product itself thus also to keep its production in a certain geographical area.

2021 Indiana Rye Whiskey

2021 Indiana Rye Whiskey

Jeff McCabe’s (Co-Founder of Hard Truth Distillery) idea to protect Indiana Rye Whiskey was sponsored by Indiana State Rep. Chris May who worked with several Indiana distillers to help create a legal definition for Indiana rye whiskey.

2019 Missouri Bourbon

2019 Missouri Bourbon

In 2019 Don Gosen’s (Copper Mule Distillery) suggestion for a bill was sponsored by Rep. Jeff Porter of Montgomery City. It was signed by Gov. Mike Parson including modifications and suggestions provided by the Missouri Craft Distillers Guild.

2013 Tennessee Whiskey

2013 Tennessee Whiskey

Tennessee governor Bill Haslam signed House Bill 1084 protecting Tennessee Whiskey in the State of Tennessee in 2013. Tennessee Whiskey is protected under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and US European Drink agreement since 1994.

1964 Bourbon Whiskey

1964 Bourbon Whiskey

Representative John C. Watts of Kentucky made history introducing H. Con. Res. 57 to the 88th Congress on January 24, 1963. Resolution 57 offered for the first time in history trade protection against foreign competitors, not only for the State of Kentucky but all United States of America.

Press Release

The AMBRU Campaign Sheds Light on the Historical Value of American Brandy and Rum and How Georgia Can Lead the Way in Reshaping its History

Resources

Press Information

You are fascinated about the history of distilling and like to write about AMBRU Campaign? We love to hear from you!

Can AMBRU Campaign speak at our event?

Yes, we try to include as many events as possible to inspire as many people as possible to support our cause.

Request Information

You have a question about distilling history? We love to listen to your thoughts! 

Are there open research topics?

Yes, there are many open questions! We are forcing ourselves not to get lost in historical details as the history of distilling in North America is tempting and indeed very fascinating.

Getting Involved

We love every like, and every comment as we love to inspire Americans to learn about their distilling forefathers!

Is it possible to get involved with AMBRU Campaign?

Yes it is! We love to hear from you, and how you like to support protecting American distilling heritage!

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