ACSA 2025 Best in Show – Made Possible by DYE Still

Can the right still make the difference between a good spirit and a champion? Dismal Harmony Distilling just proved it can.

In its very first year of operation, Dismal Harmony Distilling took home the highest honor at the ACSA (American Craft Spirits Association) 2025 American Craft Spirits Competition—Best in Show—for its Vidisha's Masala liqueur. And that award‑winning spirit was distilled entirely on DYE‑manufactured equipment.

What You'll Learn in This Interview

In this episode of Craft Spirits TV, we sit down with Bob Dillon, founder of Dismal Harmony Distilling. Bob shares:

- How a first‑year distillery beat out hundreds of established brands to claim Best in Show

- The story behind Vidisha's Masala liqueur – a unique, spice‑infused spirit inspired by Indian masala flavours

- Why he encourages every craft distiller to enter the 2026 ACSA competition

- How DYE's distillation equipment helped him achieve the consistency and quality needed to win

About the ACSA Competition

The ACSA is the only national non‑profit trade association representing the craft spirits industry in the United States. Its 2025 competition – the 11th annual – awarded 35 Gold, 162 Silver, and 114 Bronze medals across seven major categories (Whiskey, Gin, Rum, Vodka & Grain Spirits, Brandy, Distilled Specialty Spirits, and Ready‑to‑Drink Cocktails).

Best in Show is the top honour in the blind‑tasting competition. For a distillery in its inaugural year to achieve this is exceptionally rare – and it speaks volumes about both the craftsmanship and the equipment behind the product.

DYE Distillation Equipment: The Power Behind the Prize

Every batch of Vidisha's Masala liqueur was produced on DYE‑built stills – from recipe development to final distillation.

What sets DYE apart:

- Precise temperature control – ensures batch‑to‑batch consistency

- High‑efficiency distillation – multi‑column design for maximum flavour extraction

- Copper craftsmanship – premium red copper construction enhances spirit purity and mouthfeel

- Versatile configurations – suitable for whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, and specialty spirits

Bob Dillon's success is a clear message: the right equipment gives you a competitive edge.

Why You Should Watch This Episode

Whether you're launching a new distillery or looking to upgrade your existing setup, this interview offers valuable takeaways:

• First‑hand insights from a Best‑in‑Show winner

•  Practical advice on entering national competitions

• Real‑world proof of DYE equipment performance

• A glimpse into the latest craft spirits trends