The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), America’s leading advocate for the distilled spirits industry, today announced new appointments to the 2023-2024 Craft Advisory Council.

The council, made up of nominated members from DISCUS’ Craft Member group, represents small distillers on key policy issues at the federal, state, and local levels, and helps guide DISCUS’ programming and benefits specifically geared towards craft distillers. The council votes on its chair, who represents craft distillers on DISCUS’ Board of Directors for a two-year term.

“The craft distilling community is an integral part of the growing American spirits market, and we are delighted to have such talented and dedicated representatives on the Craft Advisory Council,” said Chris Swonger, DISCUS president and CEO. “These entrepreneurs are committed to their craft and provide an important and unique perspective on the issues impacting small distilleries and the future of our great industry.”

The full 2023-2024 Craft Advisory Council membership is as follows:

  • Philip McDaniel – St. Augustine Distillery (FL)
  • Alex Castle – Old Dominick (TN)
  • Amir Peay – James E. Pepper (KY)
  • Bob Gunter – Koloa Rum Company (HI)
  • Brian Facquet – Do Good Spirits (NY)
  • Brooke Glover – Swilled Dog (WV)
  • Buzzy Sklar – Tropical Distillers (FL)
  • David Cohen – Manifest Distilling (FL)
  • Doug Hall – Brain Brew Custom Whiskey (OH)
  • Felicia Keith-Jones – High Mark Distillery (NV)
  • Gareth Moore – Virginia Distillery Co. (VA)
  • Greg Lehman – Watershed Distillery (OH)
  • Jeff Quint – Cedar Ridge Distillery (IA)
  • Jerry Dinallo – Lobos1707 (NY)
  • Katharine Jerkens – Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey (TN)
  • Mike Cameron – Devils River Whiskey (TX)
  • Pat Donovan – Dry Fly Distilling (WA)
  • Phil Brandon – Rock Town Distillery (AR)
  • Randy Carlson – Vermont Spirits Distilling Co. (VT)
  • Robert Cassell – New Liberty Distillery (PA)
  • Steve Gould – Golden Moon Distillery (CO)
  • Steve Revare – Tom’s Town Distilling Co. (KS)
  • Thomas Soltau – Sugarfield Spirits (LA)

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The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the U.S.