WINDSOR, CT — A Simsbury-based spirits maker has received town approval to sell bottled liquor and merchandise directly to customers at its new Windsor distillery.
Windsor’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 on July 14 to approve a special use for Powdermen Spirits Company at 625 Day Hill Road, according to the town’s unapproved meeting minutes.
Powdermen Spirits owners Vince Lucas, Frank Lucas and Katherine Lucas told the commission the company has operated in Simsbury since 2016. The business plans to make its spirits on-site in Windsor and sell bottles, shirts, hats, glassware and other merchandise there.
The distillery plans to make bourbon and corn whiskey, with hopes of eventually adding brandies made with locally sourced fruit and vodka, Lucas told the commission.
A distillery is allowed in the industrial zone, Town Planner Todd Sealy said, but Powdermen needed the special-use approval to make retail sales directly to customers.
Lucas said the business also plans a tasting room, where visitors could receive free samples. The commission minutes say state rules allow up to two ounces of alcohol per person per visit as a free sample.
The approval does not allow a bar or paid alcohol service. Sealy said the town would need to change its zoning rules before the business could pursue that type of operation.
The commission approved operating hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Lucas said the business does not expect to keep those full hours.
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