Spirited Advocate Podcast
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
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The Spirited Advocate Podcast brings together leaders in the distilled spirits industry to discuss pressing issues of the day. The spirits industry is comprised of so much more than alcohol producers– its farmers, manufacturers, distillers and more here in the U.S. and around the globe. Host Chris Swonger and his guests explore it all while enjoying their favorite cocktail or distilled spirit.
Available episodes
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4 days ago
011 Agave Loco's Tom Maas on 3 Decades in the Industry
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 out on his own to start Agave Loco and RumChata. Artful storytelling and industry expertise from Maas make this episode a can’t miss.
Jul 23, 2020
010 Breakthru Beverage with Danny Wirtz
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.
Jul 9, 2020
009 A Toast to Diageo’s Deirdre Mahlan
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 after Deirdre's retirement. (Note: Deirdre Mahlan officially retired on June 30, 2020.)
Jun 25, 2020
008 Bourbonism: Congressman John Yarmuth
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.
Jun 11, 2020
007 Jim Canepa: Turning Ohio's Liquor Division Around
Host Chris Swonger is joined by Jim Canepa, superintendent of the Ohio Division of Liquor Control, to discuss how he took the state's distilled spirits operations from "dumpster fire" to one of the best control states in the nation. David Wojnar, DISCUS vice president of state government relations, also joins to dig into the long - sometimes complicated - relationship with Ohio's Liquor Control.
May 28, 2020
006 E-Commerce and the Spirits Industry
As COVID-19 has forced consumers to find new ways to enjoy their favorite spirits in the comfort of their home, consumer demand for online sales in the industry has grown. Chris Swonger speaks with president and co-founder of Reserve Bar, Lindsay Held, to see just how e-commerce has been impacted and what the future of the spirits industry looks like.
May 14, 2020
005 All About Scotch Whisky
What's it like to represent one of Scotland's most accessible and most dynamic industries? Host Chris Swonger speaks with Scotch Whisky Association CEO Karen Betts to find out. Other topics include Brexit, tariffs and the western U.S. coastline.
Apr 30, 2020
004 Woody Harrelson, Martha Stewart and Barack Obama Walk Into a Bar
What do Woody Harrelson, Martha Stewart and Barack Obama all have in common? They’ve had a cocktail made for them by Derek Brown, owner of the Columbia Room which has won the award of Best American Cocktail Bar. Host Chris Swonger discusses what it’s like to make drinks for the famous as well as diving in to some of the more difficult challenges bars face with COVID-19.
Apr 16, 2020
003 Spirits Perspective: Combating COVID-19
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States President and CEO Chris Swonger discusses impacts of COVID-19 with Bob Dorfman, director of Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services. Specifically, Bob delves into the creative solutions his team has used to ensure business stay operational while protecting consumers and employees.
Apr 2, 2020
002 Part Two: (American) Whiskey, Tariffs an COVID-19
DISCUS President and CEO shares a drink with Amir Peay, owner of James E. Pepper distillery in Lexington, Kentucky. Peay sheds light on how tariffs are affecting U.S. businesses like his, while delving into the history that allowed him to revive the James E. Pepper brand.
Mar 19, 2020
001 Part One: (Irish) Whiskey, Tariffs and COVID-19
In the first-ever Spirited Advocate Podcast episode, DISCUS President and CEO shares a drink with William Lavelle, head of the Irish Whiskey Association. From tariffs to current concerns surrounding COVID-19, William brings an international perspective to topical issues facing the distilled spirits industry – and Irish Whiskey in particular.