Media Center for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Press Releases

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 […]

Read More

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 […]

Read More

May 25, 2023

Distillers Adopt 73.8% 21+ Demographic Placement Standard The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) and American Distilled Spirits Alliance (ADSA), national trade associations […]

Read More

May 24, 2023

DISCUS Academy Launches Industry Fundamentals Certificate Program for Professionals Entering the Spirits Industry WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today announced a new DISCUS Academy […]

Read More

May 23, 2023

DISCUS and Pronghorn Unite to Host Inaugural DEI Summit June 13  -Summit To Precede DISCUS Annual Conference in Chicago- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) is convening its […]

Read More

May 19, 2023

Montana becomes 44th state to allow seven-day sales, only 6 still prohibit Sunday sales Today, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed HB 867 allowing the sale of distilled spirits products from […]

Read More

May 18, 2023

Analysis: Hike Could Cost Oregon Businesses Nearly $40 Million in Sales & Eliminate Jobs The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) testified today before the Oregon Liquor and […]

Read More

Load More

Insights and Podcasts

Spirited Advocate) Episode 52: Transforming the Bourbon Tradition

Chris Swonger sits down with Kaveh Zamanian, the founder, distiller and CEO of Rabbit Hole Distillery. Kaveh was recently inducted into the Bourbon Hall of Fame in recognition of his impact on bourbon’s stature, growth and category awareness. The pair discuss this major accomplishment, as well as the incredible innovations that visionaries like Kaveh are bringing to the category.

Spirited Advocate) Episode 51: Craft Community Advocacy

On this episode Chris Swonger sits down with Scott and Becky Harris, the Founders and Owners of Catoctin Creek Distillery. Day to day, Becky is the Chief Distiller, while Scott is the General Manager at the distillery and together this dynamic husband and wife team has earned many accolades. This year, DISCUS presented them with the “Dave Pickerell Memorial Craft Member of the Year Award” for their outstanding service to the craft community across the country and in their home state of Virginia. Today, they join Chris to discuss their recent award, the importance of advocating for the industry and how they created such a successful operation.

Spirited Advocate) Episode 50: Victoria Russell and Dia Simms

On this episode, Chris Swonger is joined by Victoria Russell, the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Beam Suntory and Chair of the DISCUS DEI Committee, and Dia Simms, CEO of Lobos 1707 and Co-Founder of Pronghorn! Together, the trio discuss how the spirits industry can create a more inclusive environment. Hear what shifts Victoria and Dia have already noticed during the course of their careers – plus the pair give advice for those looking to build a more diverse company, brand, or distillery.

Spirited Advocate) Episode 49: Amanda Victoria of Siponey

On this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, CEO and co-founder of Siponey, Amanda Victoria, joins Chris Swonger to discuss the importance of sustainability in the distilled spirits industry. The pair talk about the rise of ready-to-drink beverages, what inspired Amanda to start Aperitif Hour, a cocktail, wine & spirits communication and education company, and her journey from bartender to brand founder.