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
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed HB 226 on April 14 making cocktails to-go permanent in the state. This measure supports hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19 and provides increased convenience to consumers. “Cocktails to-go provided a much-needed lifeline for struggling hospitality businesses and prevented the permanent closure of many in Montana,” said Adam Smith, Distilled Spirits Council of […]
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson signed SB 339 on April 14 permitting cocktails to-go in the state. This measure, which makes the sale of cocktails to-go permanent, supports hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19 and provides increased convenience to consumers. “Cocktails to-go have been a source of support for restaurants, bars and distilleries all across the U.S.,” said Kristi […]
Four Companies Join DISCUS Partner Membership Program in Q1 2021, Organization to Expand Offerings in 2021 New Partner Member Program Connects Spirits Supply Chain Businesses With Spirits Companies WASHINGTON – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), the leading voice and advocate for the U.S. spirits industry, today announced four companies have joined […]
This evening, the Florida Legislature passed SB148 , a bill that would make cocktails to-go permanent from food service establishments, increasing consumer convenience and supporting hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19. The bill now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis for his signature and would become effective July 1, 2021. “The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated Florida’s hospitality businesses, […]
Senate Bill 183, House Bill 402 Aim to Modernize North Carolina’s Critical Ignition Interlock Laws RALEIGH, N.C. – Anti-drunk driving advocates, distilled spirits producers, sheriffs, lawyers and concerned state legislators applauded the passage of HB 402 and SB 183 out of the House Judiciary Subcommittee 2 and the Senate Judiciary Committees earlier today. Interlock Ignition supporters, composed of representatives […]
Statement by Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council and Responsibility.Org, on the Appointment of Chris Underwood as Chairman of WSWA Congratulations to Chris Underwood, Board of Managers, RNDC-West, on his appointment as chairman of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America. Chris is part of a family with deep roots in the […]
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed SB 126, legislation to allow home delivery of distilled spirits in original containers from package stores, and from restaurants and bars with a meal purchase. The measure will become law 6 months from today. “Innovative measures like home delivery of spirits have created convenience for consumers and a safe alternative […]
Industry News
Currently, 6 states + D.C. have made #CocktailsToGo permanent, and dozens are working on legislation to permit, extend or make CTG permanent.
#CocktailsToGo provides hospitality businesses with much-needed revenue and stability especially as they work to recover from #COVID19.
A successful brand ambassador can help make or break a distillers efforts to increase sales, expand brand awareness, & meet w/ customers, bartenders, & salespeople to drive enthusiasm for your brand.
Tune in TODAY at 1pm ET for the #DISCUSAcademy Brand Ambassador webinar!
We are excited to welcome our newest #DISCUSMembers @Selerant, @WomenoftheVine, @Avalara, & @GlencairnWhisky!
Through our Partner Member Program, we work to further enhance our advocacy efforts while receiving important input from our supply chain partners on key issues!
Are you a wine drinker looking to dive into the world of cocktails and are unsure of where to begin?
@wineenthusiast has you covered by matching a variety of wine profiles with cocktails that offer similar qualities! #EnjoyResponsibly
https://bit.ly/3gkcotu
Insights and Podcasts
Spirited Advocate Podcast) Episode 24: Ron Gomes, Painted Stave Distillery
As owner of the only Black-owned distillery in Delaware, Ron Gomes is redefining the spirits industry and making great drinks along the way. His path to craft distiller is unlike any other and his background in science makes for an interesting perspective on how spirits should be made. Gomes speaks to the challenges he’s faced in starting Painted Stave Distillery to remaining viable during the pandemic, noting that part of surviving as a small business is always remaining nimble.
Spirited Advocate Podcast) Episode 23: John Ralph, Intrepid Spirits
John Ralph, CEO and founder of Intrepid Spirits, got his start in the spirits industry nearly 20 years ago and has worked in Ireland, China and now the U.S. From reviving old brands to building new ones, John covers his "digital-first" approach during COVID times and what shifts in the market we can expect to see even after the end of the pandemic. From comparing different markets to describing his favorite bar, he and host Chris Swonger dive into all things spirits on this episode.
Spirited Advocate Podcast) Episode 22: Wilbur’s Total Beverage
With more than 20 years of experience in the retail industry, Mat Dinsmore, managing partner of Wilbur's Total Beverage in Fort Collins, Colorado, joins the Spirited Advocate podcast to discuss how COVID flipped retail operations upside down, what changes he has seen in consumer habits and how to bring brands to life through cultivating relationships. Dinsmore also speaks to operating as a responsible alcohol retailer in a college town and maintaining those guardrails with his expansion into home delivery.
Spirited Advocate Podcast) Episode 21: The Spirits Network
Nick Buzzell, CEO and founder of Spirits Network, discusses how he came up with the idea for a shoppable entertainment platform specifically related to distilled spirits. With original series, mini-documentaries, and cocktail how-to videos, Spirits Network has a broad range of content for spirits enthusiasts and novices alike. The platform is expanding the world of spirits into the homes of consumers and helping brands reach more people. All that and more on this week's Spirited Advocate Podcast.