Media Center for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Press Releases

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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April 02, 2024

Distilling tourism created jobs, generated consumer spending and resulted in millions in tax revenue for Texas Researchers at Tourism Economics, a subsidiary of Oxford Economics, today released “Economic Impacts of […]

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March 27, 2024

HB 4231 & SB 492 allow local option elections to authorize seven-day spirits sales Today, the South Carolina Craft Distillers Guild (SCCDG) and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States […]

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March 26, 2024

DISTILLED SPIRITS COUNCIL EARNS 2024 ENERGY STAR® PARTNER OF THE YEAR AWARD   WASHINGTON — The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) is proud to announce that it has received the 2024 ENERGY […]

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Insights and Podcasts

Spirited Advocate Podcast) Episode 26: Tracie Franklin

Whiskey educator Tracie Franklin is on a mission to change the face of whiskey by adding her voice and showing how inclusive the whiskey industry can be. Her enthusiasm is contagious as she recalls her time in theater to her ambassadorship for Glenfiddich to becoming the first head distiller apprentice chosen for the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative. Tracie discusses the barriers to entry into the whiskey world and how we can move towards taking exclusivity out of the industry. Actor, soon-to-be head distiller, teacher, advocate and so much more, we’re so thrilled to share this conversation with Tracie Franklin.

Spirited Advocate Podcast) Episode 25: Brough Brother’s Distillery

Two of the three "Brough Brothers" discuss what it's like to create the first Black-owned bourbon brand in Kentucky, giving back to their community and making their mark in history among other Louisville greats like Muhammad Ali. From making a smooth bourbon loved by all drinkers to dealing with the challenges of starting a business amid a global pandemic, Victor and Chris Yarborough speak to their experiences charting their own path in the distilled spirits industry. All that and more on this episode of the Spirited Advocate Podcast.

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.