
The Connecticut Package Stores Association (CPSA) hosted a fall industry update meeting at Hartford Flavor Company on November 6, 2019. Held in support of local manufacturers and their partnerships with local retailers, the event gave guests the opportunity to network with industry colleagues and learn about upcoming issues in the alcohol beverage industry, including future proposals that will be brought to Connecticut lawmakers during the next legislative session in February 2020. Guests discussed issues impacting the industry with government officials, including State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8), ranking member on the General Law committee and author of Senate Bill 647; Ricky Baltimore, Legal Counsel for CT House Majority Leader; and TJ Magnoli, Policy Analyst, CT House Speaker’s Office. Hartford Flavor Company Co-owners Lelaneia Dubay and Tom Dubay, makers of the Wild Moon Liqueurs line, presented their products and newest botanic expressions to guests as well as a distillery tour.
- Stephen Downes, Owner, CT Beverage Mart and President, CPSA; Sean Hughes, Assistant Director, CPSA; Mallory Daley, Director of Programs and Services and Lobbyist, Hughes & Cronin Public Affairs Strategies; Lelaneia Dubay, Co-owner, Hartford Flavor Company; Tom Dubay, Co-owner, Hartford Flavor Company; and Carroll J. Hughes, Executive Director, CPSA and Lobbyist, Hughes & Cronin Public Affairs Strategies.
- Stephen Downes, Owner, CT Beverage Mart and President, CPSA.
- State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8), ranking member on the General Law committee and author of Senate Bill 647.
- Tom Dubay, Co-owner, Hartford Flavor Company and Ricky Baltimore, Legal Counsel for CT House Majority Leader.
- Chris Camareri, Willowbrook Spirit Shoppe, Cromwell (left) speaking with TJ Magnoli, Policy Analyst, CT House Speaker’s Office and Ricky Baltimore, Legal Counsel for CT House Majority Leader.
- Tami Schweikert, Indian Neck Wine and Spirits, Branford and Hilary Brooks, Tasting Room Manager and Events Coordinator, Hartford Flavor Company.
- CPSA Board Member Vijay Patel and Sean Hughes, Assistant Director, CPSA.
- Hartford Flavor Company’s Wild Moon Liqueurs line in Cucumber, Rose and Cranberry expressions.
- New expressions from Hartford Flavor Company’s Wild Moon Botanics line, including Sumac and 7 Lemon. The Botanics join Hartford Flavor’s original Wild Moon Liqueurs and are available exclusively in its tasting room and distillery at 30 Arbor Street in Hartford until March 2020, when they will be distributed to restaurants and stores.
- A pour of Sumac, the newest expression in Hartford Flavor Company’s Wild Moon Botanics line.
Photos by Nick Caito.