Media Center for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Press Releases

March 30, 2023

In just the first week, the Illinois Ship My Spirits campaign, launched to support legislation permitting spirits direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping, has resulted in more than 1,250 letters of support to […]

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March 29, 2023

Consumer- and business-friendly measure extended for 1 year Today, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) applauded Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey for signing HB 58 which extends cocktails to-go for […]

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March 28, 2023

WASHINGTON—The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) has received the 2023 ENERGY STAR PARTNER OF THE YEAR award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy for […]

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March 24, 2023

Measure would extend cocktails to-go for 1 year Yesterday, the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate gave final approval to a supplemental budget bill ( HB 58 ) which includes language that […]

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March 22, 2023

Current measure expires on July 1, Distilled Spirits Council urges making measure permanent to support hospitality industry   Yesterday, the Vermont House of Representatives passed HB 470 which would make cocktails-to-go permanent. The […]

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March 22, 2023

Team will provide strategic guidance to growing platform to increase engagement and impact WASHINGTON – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today announced the formation of the Spirits United Advocacy […]

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March 21, 2023

Spirits DTC would increase Illinois jobs and consumer convenience The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), American Distilling Institute (ADI) and Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), three of […]

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Insights and Podcasts

Spirited Advocate Podcast) Episode 55: Reviving American Craft Distilling

On this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, our host Chris Swonger is joined by Master Distiller, Bruce Joseph.  Bruce is an industry veteran who has been instrumental in putting American whiskey on the map.  In this episode we’ll be talking to Bruce about his amazing career, where he sees the spirits industry moving in the future, and the incredible work he is doing at Hotaling & Co., including  championing the return of pot-distilled whiskey through the launch of Old Potrero.  Don’t miss this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, brought to you by The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

Spirited Advocate Podcast) Episode 54: A Mixologist with a Twist

On this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, our host Chris Swonger is joined by the ultra-talented mixologist and winner of Netflix’s “Drink Masters,” Lauren Paylor O’Brien! Having worked many roles in the food and beverage industry from Beverage Director, R&D Production Chef, and Beverage Consultant, LP now spends her time creating diverse, inclusive, and safe spaces through her work with Focus on Health and her consulting company LP Drinks Co. She joins Chris to discuss her journey becoming a renowned bartender, her unique approach to cocktails, and her insights into the future of the industry, including no/low abv drink trends. Don’t miss this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, brought to you by The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

Spirited Advocate) Episode 53: Honoring a Veteran Distiller

On this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, our host Chris Swonger is joined by Scott Neil, retired Special Forces veteran and the Co-Founder and COO of Horse Soldier Bourbon! Having significant executive, operational and combat experience, Scott knows a thing or two about how to get things done under pressure. Scott shares his story with Chris about making the transition from the battlefield to the distillery, the tradition and power of American made spirits, and some of the exciting plans that lay ahead for Horse Soldier Bourbon. Plus, the two raise a glass for Veterans Day to all of those brave men and women who serve and have served our country.

Spirited Advocate) Episode 52: Transforming the Bourbon Tradition

Chris Swonger sits down with Kaveh Zamanian, the founder, distiller and CEO of Rabbit Hole Distillery. Kaveh was recently inducted into the Bourbon Hall of Fame in recognition of his impact on bourbon’s stature, growth and category awareness. The pair discuss this major accomplishment, as well as the incredible innovations that visionaries like Kaveh are bringing to the category.