Best Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Podcasts (2024)

1
Standing Tall with Sotol 30:48

1y ago30:48

30:48

On this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, our host Chris Swonger is joined by the great Brent Looby, one of the Co-Founders and the CEO of Desert Door, a unique distillery specializing in Sotol, a spirit that is distilled from the sotol plant that is native to the Chihuahua desert. For hundreds of years, this spiky desert succulent has been…

1
Celebrating 50 years of DISCUS 37:12

1+ y ago37:12

37:12

On this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, our host Chris Swonger sits down to celebrate DISCUS’ 50TH ANNIVERSARY with the wonderful Jim Bareuther, an industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in the beverage alcohol industry. Jim has an incredibly impressive career, including his 17-year tenure at Brown-Forman and serving as a …

1
Reviving American Craft Distilling 25:16

1+ y ago25:16

25:16

On this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, our host Chris Swonger is joined by Master Distiller, Bruce Joseph. Bruce is an industry veteran who has been instrumental in putting American whiskey on the map. In this episode we’ll be talking to Bruce about his amazing career, where he sees the spirits industry moving in the future, and the incr…

1
A Mixologist with a Twist 23:40

2y ago23:40

23:40

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, …

1
Honoring a Veteran Distiller 33:12

2y ago33:12

33:12

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 Chr…

1
Transforming the Bourbon Tradition 15:27

2y ago15:27

15:27

On this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, Chris Swonger sits down with Kaveh Zamanian, the founder, distiller, and CEO of Rabbit Hole Distillery! Kaveh was inducted into the Bourbon Hall of Fame in recognition of his transformational impact on Bourbon’s stature, growth, and awareness. Today, Kaveh joins Chris to discuss the honor, as well a…

1
Craft Community Advocacy 32:54

2y ago32:54

32:54

On this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, 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 prese…

1
Creating a More Inclusive Spirits Industry 33:54

2+ y ago33:54

33:54

Today on The Spirited Advocate Podcast, 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 shi…

1
Sustainability From Grain to Can with Amanda Victoria 18:58

2+ y ago18:58

18:58

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 educa…

1
Celebrating the History of Scotch Whisky with Ian Smith 28:02

2+ y ago28:02

28:02

Ian Smith, Keepers of the Quaich Chairman, joins Distilled Spirits Council’s President & CEO, 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 we…

1
The Art of Irish Whiskey 26:13

2+ y ago26:13

26:13

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. Follow Us Twit…

1
From Vampire Diaries to Brothers in Bourbon 41:32

2+ y ago41:32

41:32

Actors Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder rose to stardom through their portrayal of brothers on the CW hit “The Vampire Diaries.” Now, they’re leveraging the bond they built after nearly a decade on screen into “Brother’s Bond Bourbon.” On this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, join Distilled Spirits Council’s President & CEO, Chris Swonger, …

1
Welcome to 'The Spirited Advocate Podcast' 0:52

2+ y ago0:52

0:52

The distilled spirits industry is so much more than what’s in your glass. It’s made up of distillers, bartenders, farmers, manufacturers, and enthusiasts. On The Spirited Advocate Podcast, we share the stories of everyone who makes the spirits industry what it is. Join Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United …

1
Kat Hantas and Sarika Singh of 21Seeds Tequila 39:09

3y ago39:09

39:09

From a kitchen creation to a spirits shelf staple in nearly all 50 states. Kat Hantas and Sarika Singh, two of three co-founders of 21Seeds Tequila found their sweet spot in an industry with considerable barriers to entry. Find out how on this week's episode. Listen now!By Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

1
Jeff Weiss of Steptoe 35:41

3y ago35:41

35:41

On this week's episode of the Spirited Advocate podcast, DISCUS Chief of Public Policy Christine LoCascio takes the reins as host for an important episode on supply chain challenges with Jeff Weis, Partner and Supply Chain Team leader at Steptoe. How will these challenges impact consumers this holiday season? Listen now to find out!…

1
Travis Barnes and Nick Ladig of Hotel Tango 36:17

3y ago36:17

36:17

From a school bus in Indiana to the front lines to a distillery named Hotel Tango, our guests this week took an exciting path to get where they are today. Travis Barnes, Marine Veteran and Founder of Hotel Tango, joins the podcast alongside his childhood friend, Nick Ladig, President of Hotel Tango, as we commemorate Veteran's Day this month. Liste…

1
Dr. Joy Spence of Appleton Estate 20:13

3y ago20:13

20:13

It's not hard to love your job when you're Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum's Master Blender - and this next guest has been in the rum business for 40 years! This week we have the pleasure of speaking to Dr. Joy Spence, the industry's first female Master Blender. Dr. Spence, or "Auntie Joy " as her Appleton colleagues refer to her, tells us about how he…

1
Steve Bashore of The Distillery at Mount Vernon 26:39

3y ago26:39

26:39

Where America has been, so has American whiskey. Even our Founding Father George Washington ran one of the largest whiskey distilleries in the early years of the nation at Mount Vernon. Steve Bashore, Miller, Distiller and Historian at Mount Vernon Distillery, helps us close out Bourbon Heritage Month to discuss the beginnings of whiskey distilling…

1
39. Bill Samuels Jr. of Maker's Mark 35:56

3y ago35:56

35:56

It’s only appropriate that a bourbon behemoth would join our podcast to kick off National Bourbon Heritage Month in celebration of America’s native spirit. Few rival Bill Samuels Jr., former CEO and current Chairman Emeritus of Maker's Mark Bourbon, in life experience and industry knowledge. From growing up in Bardstown, KY next-door to other Ameri…

1
38. Debra Crew of Diageo North America 23:15

3y ago23:15

23:15

Embarking on a new career is always demanding, but starting a role as the president of one of the largest spirits companies in the world…and during a pandemic? Now, that’s another story. Debra Crew, President of Diageo North America, joins the podcast this week and discusses her year at the helm of Diageo North America, her strategic goals and what…

1
37. Ivy Mix of Leyenda in Brooklyn, NY 32:05

3y ago32:05

32:05

In this episode, Chris is joined by the multi-talented Ivy Mix, co-owner and head bartender of Leyenda in Brooklyn, NY. Recognized as one of the best bartenders in the country, Ivy’s impact on our industry goes well beyond the bar as the co-founder of Speed Rack and advisory board member of Independent Restaurant Coalition. Chris and Ivy tackle som…

1
36. Joshua Hammond of Buster's Liquors 42:44

3+ y ago42:44

42:44

On this week’s episode, Joshua Hammond of Buster’s Liquors & Wines joins the show to provide a retailer perspective on some of the biggest issues facing the spirits industry today. This Memphis-based, family-run retailer offers insights on consumer trends and the benefits of the three-tier-system, all while emphasizing the importance of responsibil…

1
35. Doug Hall of Brain Brew Custom Whiskey 36:58

3+ y ago36:58

36:58

“Why be normal?” Asks this week’s Spirited Advocate podcast guest Doug Hall of Brain Brew Custom Whiskey and Eureka! Ranch. Researcher, engineer, innovator, whiskey blender and much more, Doug regales us on how he moved from chemical engineering to the world of whiskey, bridging the pre-prohibition history of distilling in Cincinnati, OH with moder…

1
34. Meredith Meyer Grelli of Wigle Whiskey 32:41

3+ y ago32:41

32:41

This week’s guest joins us from a distillery 300 years in the making. On this edu-taining episode, Meredith Meyer Grelli, co-owner of Wigle Whiskey and co-founder of the Whiskey Rebellion Trail, gives listeners a fascinating lesson on the history of American Whiskey. From a brawl with a tax collector to a pardon from George Washington himself, Phil…

1
33. Jan Westcott of Spirits Canada 36:47

3+ y ago36:47

36:47

Spirits Canada, our neighbor to the north, has dealt with many of the same trials and tribulations as we have state-side over the past year due to the pandemic. CEO and President of Spirits Canada Jan Westcott compares experiences with Christine LoCascio, Chief of Public Policy at DISCUS on this week's episode. The two discuss the evolution of Cana…

1
32. Eddie Russell's 40th Anniversary with Wild Turkey 36:31

3+ y ago36:31

36:31

With 40 years of experience under his belt, Eddie Russell knows a thing or two about bourbon, but is still jokingly referred to as the “new guy.” As the son of legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, and the third generation Russell to work at the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Russell has an unmatched pedigree in American Whis…

1
1.31 Gregg Mineo NABCA 33:18

3+ y ago33:18

33:18

What is a "control state" and how do the laws relating to distilled spirits in these states differ from other states? New National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, Chairman Gregg Mineo shares his insights and how important it is to promote public health and responsibility in this space. With more than 40 years in the industry, Gregg knows a th…

1
30. Sean Kennedy, Nation Restaurant Association 25:04

3+ y ago25:04

25:04

This week, we welcome guest host Christine LoCascio, chief of public policy for DISCUS and special guest Sean Kennedy, executive vice president of public affairs for the National Restaurant Association. Sean talks about the devastating impact the pandemic has had on the restaurant industry and how the National Restaurant Association is helping to c…

1
29. Sustainability with Marble Distilling 36:51

3+ y ago36:51

36:51

Dynamic duo Connie Baker and Carey Shanks co-founded Marble Distilling Co. with the motto of "Drink Sustainably." Now, the happily married couple is sharing how they live out that motto by reducing their carbon footprint, sourcing locally and creating the same great products without a great big impact on the environment. From the economic benefits …

1
1.28 Dan Leese, Hotaling & Co. 36:45

3+ y ago36:45

36:45

With decades of experience in the industry, Dan Leese, CEO of DISCUS Member company Hotaling & Co. discusses the most pressing issues affecting the spirits industry. How will COVID-19 adaptations like ready-to-drink cocktails, direct-to-consumer shipping and cocktails-to-go evolve as we enter the new normal? And where do the brands in Hotaling's po…

1
1.27 Jane Bowie, Maker's Mark 22:52

3+ y ago22:52

22:52

With 14 years at Maker's Mark under her belt, Jane Bowie knows a thing or two about crafting a timeless bourbon and an iconic brand. Jane, director of innovation for Maker’s Mark and a Kentucky native, talks about the depth of possibilities for bourbon, how the iconic red wax drip on Maker's Mark bottles came to be (hint- think cognac) and her expe…

1
26 Tracie Franklin 37:56

3+ y ago37:56

37:56

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 In…

1
1.25 Brough Brothers Distillery 23:25

3+ y ago23:25

23:25

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 p…

1
24 Ron Gomes, Painted Stave Distillery 31:03

3+ y ago31:03

31:03

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 S…

1
23 Intrepid Spirits 32:43

4y ago32:43

32:43

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.…

1
022 Wilbur's Total Beverage 27:05

4y ago27:05

27:05

With more than 20 years of experience in the retail industry, Mat Dismore, managing partner of Wilbur's Total Beverage in Fort Collins, Colorado, joins the Spirited Advocate podcast to discuss how COVID flipped retail operations upside down, what changes he has seen in consumer habits and how to bring brands to life through cultivating relationship…

1
021 Spirits Network 35:56

4y ago35:56

35:56

Nick Buzzell, CEO and founder of Spirits Network, discusses how he came up with the idea for a shoppable entertainment platform specifically related to distilled spirits. With original series, mini-documentaries, and cocktail how-to videos, Spirits Network has a broad range of content for spirits enthusiast and novices alike. The platform is expand…

1
020 Ann Mukherjee with Pernod Ricard 30:55

4y ago30:55

30:55

CEO of Pernod Ricard North America, Ann Mukherjee, joins the Spirited Advocate Podcast to discuss the many ventures the company is undertaking and how her leadership style is changing the game. From focusing on “Return on Responsibility” in addition to “Return on Investment,” to her personal drive to uphold high standards in the spirits industry, M…

1
019 Election Special 36:02

4y ago36:02

36:02

With more than 30 years of high-level government experience and nearly two decades of work with the Distilled Spirits Council, the Alpine Group's Rhod Shaw dives into the election outcomes and what that means for the spirits industry moving forward. He covers why this election was unlike any others, and what's next for the Craft Beverage Modernizat…

1
018 Twin Liquors 36:09

4y ago36:09

36:09

David Jabour, co-owner of Twin Liquors stores in Texas with his sister Margaret Jabour, talks about transforming a single, 700 square foot store into a retail empire he now operates with nearly 100 stores across the lone star state. He offers fresh perspective on brand building with a community focus coupled with expansion into the e-commerce space…

1
017 Southern Glazer’s Proof Platform 27:45

4y ago27:45

27:45

Southern Glazer's John Wittig joins the Spirited Advocate Podcast to talk about their e-commerce platform, Proof. From ensuring retailers can quickly navigate the site and order customers exactly what they want to working to close the distribution gap, Wittig covers everything about operating in the digital marketplace. While the platform was put i…

1
016 Veteran Owned American Revolution 21:07

4y ago21:07

21:07

Founder and CEO of American Revolution Vodka, Walter Kerpa, joins the Spirited Advocate Podcast to talk about what it means to be a veteran re-entering society and how important business opportunities, like those offered at Revolution Vodka, are to that effort. Kerpa also covers the serious issues plaguing the veteran community while delving into h…

1
015 A Fiddle Player and an Orphan: The story of Uncle Nearest and Jack Daniel 28:44

4y ago28:44

28:44

You've heard of Jack Daniel, but have you heard of Nearest Green - the man born into slavery who not only taught Jack how to make whiskey and all about the Lincoln County Process, but who is now known to be the first African-American master distiller ever recorded in the U.S.? This week's guest - Fawn Weaver (now CEO of Uncle Nearest Distillery) ta…

1
014 How LibDib is Revolutionizing the Spirits Marketplace 29:27

4y ago29:27

29:27

Ever heard of product distribution without trucks, warehouses or salespeople? That's exactly what LibDib Founder and CEO Cheryl Murphy Durzy has created by using innovation (and the internet) to connect suppliers with retailers and get more brands in front of more consumers. She joins the Spirited Advocate Podcast along with Republic National Distr…

1
013 WhiskyCast's Mark Gillespie 39:25

4y ago39:25

39:25

Host of his own podcast, The WhiskyCast, Mark Gillespie joins the Spirited Advocate Podcast to talk about his experiences diving into the world of whisky, some of his favorite (and most interesting) interviews over the last 15 years and what's on the horizon for the spirits industry post-COVID. WhiskyCast has a worldwide online community with liste…

1
012 Data-Driven Decision Making in the Spirits Industry 35:28

4y ago35:28

35:28

IWSR’s COO, Brandy Rand, has nearly two decades of experience in the spirits industry and joins host Chris Swonger to talk about how data should drive decision making. From building a brand online to the impacts of cannabis on the spirits industry – Rand eloquently depicts the evolving marketplace and gives insights into the future of spirits.…

1
011 Agave Loco's Tom Maas on 3 Decades in the Industry 48:28

4+ y ago48:28

48:28

From Al Capone’s influence on the spirits industry to cosmopolitans in Sex and the City, Tom Maas, CEO of Agave Loco, shares what he’s learned over more than three decades in the distilled spirits industry. A self-proclaimed “bullish” entrepreneur, Maas dives into what it was like working for big names like Jim Beam and Jack Daniels and then going …

1
010 Breakthru Beverage with Danny Wirtz 32:38

4+ y ago32:38

32:38

Vice Chairman of Breakthru Beverage Group Danny Wirtz joins the Spirited Advocate Podcast to bring a wholesaler's perspective. He discusses how the spirits industry must maintain responsibility as the market evolves, his family-owned and operated business and his new role as the chairman of WSWA.By Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

1
009 A Toast to Diageo’s Deirdre Mahlan 33:22

4+ y ago33:22

33:22

In one of her last interviews as president of Diageo North America, Deirdre Mahlan reflects on how the spirits industry has changed over the years and looks forward to all the great things to come. From trends in the marketplace to Deirdre's accomplishments and their favorite drinks, host Chris Swonger covers it all while toasting to a new chapter …

1
008 Bourbonism: Congressman John Yarmuth 31:30

4+ y ago31:30

31:30

Congressman John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) – co-chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus – joins host Chris Swonger to talk all things bourbon, including its mystique and what "Bourbonism" means. The two also touch on the negative impacts of tariffs, the need for economic relief for craft distillers, and current events.…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Distilled Spirits Council Of The United States Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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