Stranger_in_a_van

There was an interesting article written at or near the beginning of the craft distilling explosion. It compared craft distilling to craft brewing. They made an interesting point that craft brewers had 2 advantages over distillers: 1) Lesser regulation and capitol requirements made it easier to turn a profit and 2) Whereas the big breweries produce unremarkable beers, big distilleries have been producing quality products at a price that is difficult to compete with.

At this point, I wonder: 1) Do you think regulation played a fundamental role in repressing this market for so long? 2) How do craft distillers compare their products to the big guys? Is it better? Too close to call? Or is the goal to just be different?

Why do you use glacier water? Does it affect the flavor of your spirits, or is it more of a sentimental gesture?