Media Center for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Press Releases

December 07, 2023

PRESS STATEMENT The clock is ticking. Time to permanently remove tariffs on sectors unrelated to the steel and aluminum and large civil aircraft disputes! With less than a month before […]

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November 28, 2023

Statement by Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council and Responsibility.Org, on the Departure of Ann Mukherjee as Vice Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard North America   “On […]

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November 16, 2023

New Poll Finds Alabamians Overwhelmingly Support Spirits-Based Canned Cocktails Being Sold Alongside Beer and Wine The Alabamians Ready for Convenience Coalition (ARCC) today announced a new survey conducted by McLaughlin […]

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November 15, 2023

Program open to any beverage alcohol professional looking to grow their leadership expertise The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today announced it is now accepting applications for […]

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November 02, 2023

Distilled Spirits Council Outlines Key Foreign Trade Barriers Impacting the U.S. Spirits Sector in Report to USTR  –Permanent Removal of Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Spirits Remains Top Priority–  WASHINGTON – The Distilled Spirits […]

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October 25, 2023

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today announced the graduating classes of DISCUS Academy ’s three leadership certificate programs: the Executive Leadership Program, the Developing Leadership Program and the […]

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October 23, 2023

Distilled Spirits Council Collaborating with Women of the Vine & Spirits for Annual Conference in San Diego Registration for the premier industry event open now  WASHINGTON – The Distilled Spirits Council of […]

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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.