Media Center for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Press Releases

February 20, 2026

Statement by Distilled Spirits Council President and CEO Chris Swonger on Supreme Court Ruling Invalidating Use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for Tariffs “As the administration navigates […]

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February 18, 2026

DISCUS Awarded $1.08 Million From USDA to Launch 2026 Market Access Program Plan and Expand Export Opportunities for U.S. Distillers  Export Promotions in 2026 Aim to Expand Opportunities for U.S. […]

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Archived Podcasts

Episode 57: Standing Tall with Sotol

Chris is joined by 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 used by the indigenous peoples for everything from tools and food to fermented drink, and now a fine spirit handmade in Driftwood, Texas.

Episode 56: Celebrating 50 years of DISCUS

Chris 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 shares his insights on the industry’s evolution over the last few decades, the exciting opportunities ahead, and the different policy accomplishments that led to historic milestones for the spirits industry.

Latest Events

SAVE THE DATE: DISCUS Congressional Fly-In and Cocktail Party 

SAVE THE DATE: DISCUS Congressional Fly-In and Cocktail Party  Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026 DISCUS Congressional Fly-In followed by the DISCUS Cocktail Party that evening Washington, DC More details coming [...]

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