Media Center for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

For those adults who choose to drink, they should do so in moderation and responsibly at all times – even when spending more time at home. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

The Spirited Advocate Podcast brings together leaders in the distilled spirits industry to discuss pressing issues of the day. Host Chris Swonger and his guests explore it all while enjoying their favorite cocktail or distilled spirit.

The DISCUS Code covers both the responsible placement and content of beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials, as well as provides detailed digital and media buying guidelines.

We are in this together! There are hundreds of distillers producing hand sanitizer for communities across the US to fight COVID-19. They are #DistillersUnited4ACause.
Press Releases

June 6, 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 […]

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 […]


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 […]

May 5, 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 […]


Industry News
More than a decade ago, #WorldGinDay was founded by Neil Houston to pay homage to the delicious spirit.
Originally produced in the Netherlands in the middle ages, Franciscus Sylvius de la Boe created #Gin by distilling juniper berries for medicinal purposes. #EnjoyResponsibly
We are raising a glass to 50 years of DISCUS with Jim Bareuther on the new episode of The #SpiritedAdvocate Podcast🥃🎧!
Jim shares his insights on the industry’s evolution, the exciting opportunities ahead and more - listen: https://bit.ly/35hli7R
#CheersTo50Years
JUST IN: @GovTinaKotek Withdraws Request for Increase in Spirits Surcharge in #Oregon
We are grateful to the governor & OLCC for recognizing how detrimental more taxes would be on OR craft distilleries, local businesses & responsible spirits consumers. https://bit.ly/3J7trMZ
As we celebrate 50yrs, join us at #DISCUSconf23 as we look back at how much the industry has evolved!
Marten Lodewijks, Ugo Fiorenzo, David Dennis, Paul Basford & Alva Mather will dive into the trends of the last half-century & upcoming opportunities.
📲https://www.distilledspirits.org/the-2023-discus-conference/
Insights and Podcasts
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.