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 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.

Spirited Advocate) Episode 53: Honoring a Veteran Distiller

On this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, our host Chris Swonger is joined by Scott Neil, retired Special Forces veteran and the Co-Founder and COO of Horse Soldier Bourbon! Having significant executive, operational and combat experience, Scott knows a thing or two about how to get things done under pressure. Scott shares his story with Chris about making the transition from the battlefield to the distillery, the tradition and power of American made spirits, and some of the exciting plans that lay ahead for Horse Soldier Bourbon. Plus, the two raise a glass for Veterans Day to all of those brave men and women who serve and have served our country.

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.