Insights and Podcasts

Spirited Advocate Podcast: Episode 5) All About Scotch Whisky

What’s it like to represent one of Scotland’s most accessible and most dynamic industries? Host Chris Swonger speaks with Scotch Whisky Association CEO Karen Betts to find out. Other topics include Brexit, tariffs and the western U.S. coastline.

Spirited Advocate Podcast: Episode 4) Woody Harrelson, Martha Stewart and Barack Obama Walk Into a Bar

What do Woody Harrelson, Martha Stewart and Barack Obama all have in common? They’ve had a cocktail made for them by Derek Brown, owner of the Columbia Room which has won the award of Best American Cocktail Bar. Host Chris Swonger discusses what it’s like to make drinks for the famous as well as diving in to some of the more difficult challenges bars face with COVID-19.

Spirited Advocate Podcast: Episode 3) Spirits Perspective: Combating COVID-19

DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger discusses impacts of COVID-19 with Bob Dorfman, director of Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services. Specifically, Bob delves into the creative solutions his team has used to ensure business stay operational while protecting consumers and employees.

Hand Sanitizer: Keep Out of Reach of Children

We want to do our part to raise awareness with a public education campaign providing a reminder that hand sanitizers containing alcohol should be kept out of reach of children.

Spirited Advocate Podcast: Episode 2) Part Two: (American) Whiskey, Tariffs and COVID-19

DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger shares a drink with Amir Peay, owner of James E. Pepper distillery in Lexington, Kentucky. Peay sheds light on how tariffs are affecting U.S. businesses like his, while delving into the history that allowed him to revive the James E. Pepper brand.

Spirited Advocate Podcast: Episode 1) Part One: (Irish) Whiskey, Tariffs and COVID-19

In the first-ever Spirted Advocate Podcast episode, DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger shares a drink with William Lavelle, head of the Irish Whiskey Association. From tariffs to current concerns surrounding COVID-19, William brings an international perspective to topical issues facing the distilled spirits industry – and Irish Whiskey in particular.