Last week we had the privilege of joining the craft distilling community at the American Distilling Institute’s 2025 Craft Spirits Conference & Expo in San Antonio. Brindiamo was proud to return as title sponsor for the second year in a row, helping support an event that continues to bring together distillers, suppliers, and partners who are shaping the future of the industry.
While overall attendance was lower this year, as has been the case with many other industry gatherings, the sense of community remained very strong. Exhibitors, suppliers, and distillers shared ideas, swapped stories, and built connections that will continue to matter long after the conference. The quieter pace gave us the opportunity to have longer and more meaningful conversations, and those moments reminded us why this community has always thrived on collaboration and mutual support.
Partner participation was strong with MGPI, Pernod, SIP, Blue & Co, Kelvin, and Jackson Purchase all represented as exhibitors. Even though the show floor was subdued, our team members each left with a few solid new relationships. These were not the large headline deals of past years but rather the steady, incremental conversations that keep the industry moving forward.
Buyer Conversations: While the exhibit hall did not generate the same level of activity as in years past, the discussions that did happen were intentional and productive. Most focused on thoughtful orders of five to ten barrels, which shows that buyers are being deliberate in how they are building their inventories for upcoming bottlings.
Exhibit Hall Flow: With fewer attendees moving through the hall, the space had a relaxed atmosphere. Many exhibitors found time to connect with one another over a cup of coffee, which is often where some of the best conversations take place.
The city of San Antonio offered a memorable backdrop for the week. The local food scene was a highlight, with unforgettable Tex Mex, evenings spent exploring the Pearl district, and meals at Carriqui’s woodfired Texas kitchen. We also made time to take in the history of the Alamo, which added an extra sense of place and tradition to the trip. These experiences outside the conference halls helped strengthen the connections built during the day.
Even though this year’s event felt smaller in scale, the quality of the interactions stood out. The conversations we had with brands and whiskey buyers reinforced that the industry continues to move forward with resilience and creativity. ADI deserves credit for putting together a thoughtful program and for continuing to seek new ways to engage the community.
We left San Antonio encouraged by the passion we saw from our partners and peers. The momentum that begins at events like this has a way of carrying through the rest of the year, and we look forward to seeing where these new ideas and connections lead. Brindiamo is proud to have played a role in making the 2025 conference possible, and we are already looking forward to the innovations, collaborations, and friendships that will take shape as we move toward 2026.