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
WASHINGTON — The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), joined by five other associations representing spirits, beer and wine producers, filed an amicus brief yesterday with the Supreme Court in support of Jack Daniel’s petition for certiorari in an important trademark case. The case, Jack Daniel’s Properties Inc. v. VIP Products LLC, centers around VIP […]
Distilled Spirits Council Applauds Increased Consumer Clarity and Industry Flexibility Yesterday, the Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) updated their policy regarding gluten content statements on distilled spirits, wines and malt beverages. The move aligns TTB with the recently released Food and Drug Administration (FDA) final rule permitting “gluten-free” labeling claims on distilled products made from […]
The Hospitality Recovery Coalition, an initiative led by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States ( DISCUS ) in partnership with the American Distilled Spirits Alliance ( ADSA ), the Council of State Restaurant Associations ( CSRA ), the National Restaurant Association and TIPs , sent a letter applauding Governor DeWine for signing HB 669 , a bill making cocktails to-go from restaurants and […]
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) released the following statement today after the World Trade Organization (WTO) Arbitrator issued a report stating that the European Union (EU) may impose tariffs on U.S. imports valued at $4 billion in connection with the WTO Boeing dispute: “Instead of further escalation, we hope the U.S. […]
WASHINGTON – Eighteen associations representing the U.S., European and UK beverage alcohol and related sectors sent a letter today to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the European Commission for Trade expressing their shared opposition to tariffs on wine, distilled spirits and beer and urging for their immediate elimination. The joint letter, sent in response to […]
WASHINGTON — The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), the leading voice and advocate for the U.S. spirits industry, today announced five companies have joined the organization as Partner Members in the third quarter of 2020, bringing the total number of partner member companies to 34 since the program was established summer 2019. […]
Ban will harm local business, have little to no impact on littering and encourage consumers to shop elsewhere The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) sent a letter to Mayor Paul Heroux registering strong opposition to a proposed sales ban of small alcohol containers – 250 milliliters or less – in Attleboro, Massachusetts. The […]
Industry News
Calling all history buffs! Whiskey expert @kevinrkosar recently appeared on @WhiteHouseHstry’s History Happy Hour to stir up the “McKinley’s Delight” cocktail, named after the 25th President of the United States.
Watch to learn more ⤵️
This week we've been virtually exhibiting American spirits at @BarConventBER, one of Europe's largest bev. alcohol trade shows. Dozens of kits with spirits samples from 18 U.S. distilleries were shared with importers, distributors, & buyers, enhancing visibility for U.S. spirits.
2The minimalist formula of an Old Fashioned makes it a prime candidate for experimentation. Here are some of the best spirits for the classic #cocktail that suit every preference and palate, according to top bartenders. 🥃 #EnjoyResponsibly @teetobes https://bit.ly/2FJMa3I
Insights and Podcasts
Spirited Advocate Podcast: Episode 12) Data-Driven Decision Making in the Spirits Industry
IWSR’s COO, Brandy Rand, has nearly two decades of experience in the spirits industry and joins host Chris Swonger to talk about how data should drive decision making. From building a brand online to the impacts of cannabis on the spirits industry – Rand eloquently depicts the evolving marketplace and gives insights into the future of spirits.
Spirited Advocate Podcast: Episode 11) Agave Loco’s Tom Maas on 3 Decades in the Industry
From Al Capone’s influence on the spirits industry to cosmopolitans in Sex and the City, Tom Maas, CEO of Agave Loco, shares what he’s learned over more than three decades in the distilled spirits industry. A self-proclaimed “bullish” entrepreneur, Maas dives into what it was like working for big names like Jim Beam and Jack Daniels and then going out on his own to start Agave Loco and RumChata.
Spirited Advocate Podcast: Episode 10) Breakthru Beverage with Danny Wirtz
Vice Chairman of Breakthru Beverage Group Danny Wirtz joins the Spirited Advocate Podcast to bring a wholesaler's perspective. He discusses how the spirits industry must maintain responsibility as the market evolves, his family-owned and operated business and his new role as the chairman of WSWA.
Spirited Advocate Podcast: Episode 9) A Toast to Diageo’s Deirdre Mahlan
In one of her last interviews as president of Diageo North America, Deirdre Mahlan reflects on how the spirits industry has changed over the years and looks forward to all the great things to come. From trends in the marketplace to Deirdre's accomplishments and their favorite drinks, host Chris Swonger covers it all while toasting to a new chapter after Deirdre's retirement. (Note: Deirdre Mahlan officially retired on June 30, 2020.)