This is huge!

So, we've found a company that specializes in back office operations for liquor brands.  They will warehouse the vodka, ship it to distributors, take care of the billing and payment, do all the regulatory filings to get us qualified in every state (so we can launch in NY and CT fairly easily).  Their fee structure means that their interests are aligned with ours, and they act as an informal consultant to brands as well.

We had a great conversation with them.  As always we asked for advice.  One of the partners started (and sold) a vodka brand.  He said it was hard to focus on sales, when he had to devote so much time to permitting etc.  (Which is why he realized there was a niche for his business).  He said the best thing to do is focus on sales and marketing, and especially to the end consumer.  He's seen brands focus so much on getting into stores they don't pay enough attention to getting the product out of stores as well.  He also advised to use stock everything (bottle, cork etc).

This company comes highly recommended from a couple of brands we've talked to, as well as our accountant.  We are so excited to work with them.