DISCUS is proud to have a growing number of Craft Members across the world. Our Craft Members include small to medium sized distilleries producing a wide variety of products from Brandies, Cognac, Gin, Liqueurs, RTDS, Tequila, Vodka, and Whiskeys. 

Our Craft Members are active in making their voice heard on public policy issues affecting the industry at both the state and federal levels.  We recognize the important role that craft distillers play in their community through their contributions to local economies, tourism, and job markets. 

The Craft Membership is led by the Craft Advisory Council, view members here. The Advisory Council’s role is to coordinate communications with DISCUS’ standing committees and policy teams, as well as engage and activate small producers in their respective regions on issues of critical importance to the craft spirits sector. 

Access and Influence

• Access to industry experts and leaders in the spirits industry: DISCUS expertise can help you make strategic decisions to grow your business and avoid potentially costly errors
• Understanding of regulatory bodies: DISCUS staff regularly interacts with leaders at TTB, USDA, and international regulatory offices, providing members with information on current rules and laws, as well as the thinking behind the regulations
• Representation at the federal, state, and local levels on legislative and regulatory proposals: DISCUS is your voice in Washington, DC and in state capitols across the country
• Expertise at the state level: Engage with the DISCUS State Government Relations team and DISCUS contract lobbyists with a track record of increasing market access and mitigating tax threats in all 50 states and the District of Columbia

Insight and Analysis

• Subscription to the ‘Spirited Advocate’ weekly e-newsletter
• DISCUS Craft members receive weekly updates on state legislative and tax issues, keeping you informed on issues that affect your business
• Complimentary access to the DISCUS Summary of State Laws & Regulations Relating to Distilled Spirits: Compilation of laws, regulations and rulings governing the sale and distribution of distilled spirits in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia ($995 value for a one-year subscription)
• Complimentary edition of the Recommended Fire Protection Practices for Distilled Spirits Beverage Facilities (a $795 value)
• Complimentary edition of the DISCUS Barrel Handling Safety Best Practices (a $195 value)
• Access to “Ask the Expert” webinars developed for members

Business Development and Marketing

• Opportunities to raise your profile, promote products, and showcase your brands in the US and in international markets at DISCUS-sponsored product promotion events, attended by industry leaders and business partners, public officials, media, and opinion leaders
• Market Access Program (MAP): benefit from the USDA Market Access Program that provides access to international trade shows, trade missions, and overseas promotion

Savings

• Discounts on DISCUS events, including the DISCUS Conference
• Our partnership with The Tasting Alliance allows DISCUS craft members to receive a 10% discount for all registrations at their tasting competitions
• Members receive three (3) free courses per year and discounts on all DISCUS Academy Courses and programs. The curriculum was developed by a diverse group of industry veterans to address the unique challenges faced by the spirits industry
• Additional product savings updated periodically on the DISCUS Member Portal