Media Center for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Press Releases

September 07, 2023

Distilled Spirits Council Moves Into New Capitol Hill Office at 101 Constitution Ave. DISCUS headquarters with exclusive cocktail bar celebrates spirits heritage and hospitality WASHINGTON – Coinciding with the Distilled […]

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September 06, 2023

Bill would allow seven-day spirits sales, reinstate cocktails to-go & lower taxes on spirits ready-to-drink cocktails Yesterday, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) applauded the North Carolina […]

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August 02, 2023

EPA LAUNCHES ENERGY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR FOR DISTILLERIES U.S. & Canadian Distilleries Invited to Apply to be ENERGY STAR Certified WASHINGTON—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new Energy Performance […]

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July 26, 2023

  Statement by Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council and Responsibility.org on the Passing of Rocky Wirtz, Founder and Co-Chairman of Breakthru Beverage Group “On behalf […]

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July 20, 2023

  Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition Sends Letter to Biden Administration Urging Trade Officials to Secure the Permanent Removal of EU Retaliatory Tariffs on American Whiskeys –EU Set to Reimpose & Double […]

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July 19, 2023

Distilled Spirits Council applauds governor & legislature for supporting local businesses & consumers Yesterday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed SB 141 making Michigan the 23rd state to make cocktails to-go permanent in support […]

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June 29, 2023

WASHINGTON, DC – Bolivia recently became the 45th country to officially recognize “Bourbon” and “Tennessee Whiskey” as distinctive products of the United States, according to the Office of the U.S. […]

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Insights and Podcasts

Spirited Advocate) Episode 57: Standing Tall with Sotol

On this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, our host Chris Swonger is joined by the great Brent Looby, one of the Co-Founders and the CEO of Desert Door, a unique distillery specializing in Sotol, a spirit that is distilled from the sotol plant that is native to the Chihuahua desert. For hundreds of years, this spiky desert succulent has been used by the indigenous peoples for everything from tools and food to fermented drink, and now a fine spirit handmade in Driftwood, Texas. Brent is here to share his story of building Desert Door and discusses how Sotol is becoming the next big thing in the spirits industry. So 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 56: Celebrating 50 years of DISCUS

On this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, our host Chris Swonger sits down to celebrate DISCUS’ 50TH ANNIVERSARY with the wonderful Jim Bareuther, an industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in the beverage alcohol industry. Jim has an incredibly impressive career, including his 17-year tenure at Brown-Forman and serving as a three-time chairman of DISCUS. For this special episode, Jim shares his insights on the industry’s evolution over the last few decades, the exciting opportunities ahead, and the different policy accomplishments that led to historic milestones for the spirits industry. So don’t miss this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, brought to you by The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

Fireside Chat with Jason Momoa & Blaine Halvorson of Meili Vodka

The story of Meili Vodka begins with a remarkable fusion of sustainability, craftsmanship and vision. Chris Swonger sat down with co-founders Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson to discuss their journey and process behind the brand.

Spirited Advocate) 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.