2022 DISCUS Conference
Join us for the DISCUS Annual Conference in New Orleans June 8-10, 2022. Registration is now open.

DISCUS Academy
DISCUS Academy provides education & training from distilled spirits business leaders to distilled spirits business leaders.
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Interested in the distilled spirits industry’s latest news and resources? Sign up and we’ll send news straight to your inbox on advocacy and policy updates, state issues, market trends, international trade, and other critical issues facing the industry.
Our Heritage
President George Washington owned one of the largest whiskey distilleries of his time. The entrepreneurial spirit and rich heritage of distilling in the United States lives on in America with economic and cultural impacts and modern innovation.

News

Spirited Advocate Podcast
The Spirited Advocate Podcast brings together leaders in the distilled spirits industry to discuss pressing issues of day. Host Chris Swonger and his guests explore it all while enjoying their favorite cocktail or distilled spirit.
State Data Map
This interactive map will provide you with state-specific data relating to distilled spirits in the United States.

Data outlining the impact of the distilled spirits industry such as jobs supported, state GDP and state export data.
Business Solutions
Fire Protection Manual
This year, we updated our “Recommended Fire Protection Practices for Distilled Spirits Beverage Facilities,” marking the first major revision to this manual in 15 years. The reference guide was developed by our Fire Protection Committee made up of industry experts from our member companies charged with evaluating new fire protection technologies, as well as developing and sharing technical data, procedures and best practices.

$795.00 Non-Member Price
Free for Members
Ready-to-Drink Cocktail Expansion Bill Passes Vermont Legislature
Bill to increase access/lower taxes on spirits ready-to-drink products heads to governor’s desk Today, the Vermont Legislature passed HB 730 , a bill to reduce the tax rate for spirits-based ready-to-drink (RTD) products and expand outlets where they can be sold. The bill now heads to Governor Phil Scott (R-VT) for signature. “Not only are Vermont spirits […]
Read MoreDistilled Spirits Council Export Promotion Program Results in $875,000 in New Exports for Small U.S. Distillers in 2021
WASHINGTON – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) reported today that its 2021 export promotion activities, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), resulted in more than $875,000 in new exports of American spirits products by small U.S. distillers across the country. “U.S. craft distillers have greatly benefitted from DISCUS’ […]
Read MoreStatement by Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council and Responsibility.Org, on the Appointment of Tom Cole as Chairman of WSWA
“We want to send a heartfelt congratulations to Tom Cole, Republic National Distributors Company, on his appointment as chairman of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America. Despite the many challenges posed by the pandemic, our industry has worked hard to continue progress and innovation. Tom has been and will continue to be a big […]
Read MoreSpirited Advocate) Ian Smith, Chair of the Keepers of the Quaich
Ian Smith, Keepers of the Quaich Chair, joins Chris Swonger on this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast to speak about the rich tradition of producing scotch whisky and the importance of celebrating those within the industry. Plus, hear about Chris’ induction into the Keepers of the Quaich, as well as interviews from his visits […]
Read MoreCoalition Urges TTB To Issue Proposed Rulemaking on Establishing a Formal American Single Malt Whiskey Category
WASHINGTON – A coalition representing nearly 100 large and small American Single Malt Whiskey producers across the United States sent a letter today to the Treasury Department’s Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) urging the Bureau to move forward with its proposed rulemaking to establish a standard of identity for American Single Malt Whiskey. The letter, sent […]
Read MoreDistilled Spirits Council Forms New Craft Distiller Sustainability Taskforce
WASHINGTON, DC — The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, America’s leading advocate for the distilled spirits industry, today announced the formation of its Craft Distiller Sustainability Taskforce to collaborate and share effective strategies for maximizing resource utilization and eliminating waste at every step of the production process. “The distilled spirits industry remains deeply […]
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