Media Center for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Press Releases

June 09, 2023

Hike could have cost Oregon businesses nearly $40 million without curbing alcohol abuse The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today applauded Oregon Governor Tina Kotek for withdrawing […]

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June 07, 2023

Statement on behalf of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and Responsibility.org  on the Passing of Ivan Menezes, CEO of Diageo Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the […]

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June 01, 2023

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) applauded Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for signing SB 89 into law, extending cocktails to-go and delivery until August 1, 2028. “Illinois businesses and […]

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June 01, 2023

SB 495 extends privilege to California bars, allows delivery Today, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) applauded Senate passage of SB 495, legislation that extends cocktails to-go […]

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May 31, 2023

Commonsense bill will boost small businesses and support consumer choice MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) testified today before the Alabama Senate Committee on […]

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May 25, 2023

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) applauded the Illinois House and Senate which approved a bill ( SB 89 ) that includes language extending cocktails to-go and delivery until […]

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May 25, 2023

Bill moves to Assembly for consideration Today, the California Senate unanimously passed SB 277 , a commonsense measure to increase adult consumer access to popular spirits ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs) in the marketplace. The […]

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Insights and Podcasts

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.

Spirited Advocate) 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.