Media Center for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Press Releases

April 30, 2024

H. 4231 allows local option elections to authorize seven-day spirits sales and now heads to the full Senate for consideration Today, the South Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee approved H. 4231 which […]

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April 30, 2024

Today, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed the supplemental budget bill, which includes a key provision to permanently allow cocktails to-go in the state in support of local businesses and adult […]

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April 29, 2024

Temporary measure expired on April 1 The Massachusetts Legislature recently passed its supplemental budget bill, which includes a key provision to permanently allow cocktails to-go in the state in support […]

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April 24, 2024

Measure also included increased market access for spirits consumers  New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed the budget which included a five-year extension for cocktails to-go from restaurants, bars and […]

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April 23, 2024

WASHINGTON —The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and Responsibility.org today announced Abeer Naqvi as chief people officer for both organizations. In this role, Naqvi will serve on the senior leadership team and oversee all […]

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April 22, 2024

DISCUS Academy Launches Sustainability Certificate Program for Professionals in the Spirits Industry WASHINGTON – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today announced a new DISCUS Academy curriculum, the […]

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April 17, 2024

Bill would allow spirits ready-to-drink cocktails to be sold where beer and wine are sold Members of the Alabamians Ready for Convenience Coalition (ARCC) testified today before the Senate Committee […]

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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.