Media Center for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Press Releases

September 07, 2023

Distilled Spirits Council Moves Into New Capitol Hill Office at 101 Constitution Ave. DISCUS headquarters with exclusive cocktail bar celebrates spirits heritage and hospitality WASHINGTON – Coinciding with the Distilled […]

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September 06, 2023

Bill would allow seven-day spirits sales, reinstate cocktails to-go & lower taxes on spirits ready-to-drink cocktails Yesterday, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) applauded the North Carolina […]

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August 02, 2023

EPA LAUNCHES ENERGY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR FOR DISTILLERIES U.S. & Canadian Distilleries Invited to Apply to be ENERGY STAR Certified WASHINGTON—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new Energy Performance […]

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July 26, 2023

  Statement by Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council and Responsibility.org on the Passing of Rocky Wirtz, Founder and Co-Chairman of Breakthru Beverage Group “On behalf […]

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July 20, 2023

  Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition Sends Letter to Biden Administration Urging Trade Officials to Secure the Permanent Removal of EU Retaliatory Tariffs on American Whiskeys –EU Set to Reimpose & Double […]

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July 19, 2023

Distilled Spirits Council applauds governor & legislature for supporting local businesses & consumers Yesterday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed SB 141 making Michigan the 23rd state to make cocktails to-go permanent in support […]

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June 29, 2023

WASHINGTON, DC – Bolivia recently became the 45th country to officially recognize “Bourbon” and “Tennessee Whiskey” as distinctive products of the United States, according to the Office of the U.S. […]

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Insights and Podcasts

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.

Spirited Advocate) Episode 48: Ian Smith, Chair of the Keepers of the Quaich

Ian Smith, Keepers of the Quaich Chair,  joins Chris Swonger on this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast to speak about the rich tradition of producing scotch whisky and the importance of celebrating those within the industry. Plus, hear about Chris’ induction into the Keepers of the Quaich, as well as interviews from his visits to several distilleries in the gorgeous Scottish countryside.

Spirited Advocate) Episode 47: Lora Hemy of Roe & Co Irish Whiskey

Lora Hemy, Head Distiller at Roe & Co in Dublin, joins this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast to discuss her unconventional path to distilling Irish whiskey with Distilled Spirits Council’s President & CEO, Chris Swonger. Plus, hear about the new Golden Age of Irish whiskey and how Roe & Co is blending history with innovation.