Spirited Advocate Podcast podcast

Spirited Advocate Podcast

Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

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.

57 Episodes

Standing Tall with Sotol
9/14/2023
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 used by the indigenous peoples for everything from tools and food to fermented drink, and now a fine spirit handmade in Driftwood, Texas. Brent is here to share his story of building Desert Door and discusses how Sotol is becoming the next big thing in the spirits industry. So don’t miss this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, brought to you by The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.Follow UsTwitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United Stateswww.distilledspirits.org
Celebrating 50 years of DISCUS
6/6/2023
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 three-time chairman of DISCUS. For this special episode, 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. So don’t miss this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, brought to you by The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.Follow UsTwitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United Stateswww.distilledspirits.org
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Reviving American Craft Distilling
3/13/2023
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 incredible work he is doing at Hotaling & Co., including championing the return of pot-distilled whiskey through the launch of Old Potrero. Don’t miss this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, brought to you by The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.Follow UsTwitter: @DistilledSpirit Facebook: @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram: @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn: @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United Stateswww.distilledspirits.org
A Mixologist with a Twist
1/20/2023
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, inclusive, and safe spaces through her work with Focus on Health and her consulting company LP Drinks Co. She joins Chris to discuss her journey becoming a renowned bartender, her unique approach to cocktails, and her insights into the future of the industry, including no/low abv drink trends. Don’t miss this episode of The Spirited Advocate Podcast, brought to you by The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.Follow UsTwitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United Stateswww.distilledspirits.org
Honoring a Veteran Distiller
11/3/2022
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 Chris about making the transition from the battlefield to the distillery, the tradition and power of American made spirits, and some of the exciting plans that lay ahead for Horse Soldier Bourbon. Plus, the two raise a glass for Veterans Day to all of those brave men and women who serve and have served our country. Follow UsTwitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United Stateswww.distilledspirits.org
Transforming the Bourbon Tradition
9/22/2022
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 as the incredible innovations that visionaries like himself are bringing to the category. Plus, hear Kaveh talk about his career pivots that led him to distilling.Follow UsTwitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United Stateswww.distilledspirits.org
Craft Community Advocacy
9/1/2022
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 presented them with the “Dave Pickerell Memorial Craft Member of the Year Award” for their outstanding service to the craft community across the country and in their home state of Virginia. Today, they join Chris to discuss their recent award, the importance of advocating for the industry and how they created such a successful operation. Follow UsTwitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United Stateswww.distilledspirits.org
Creating a More Inclusive Spirits Industry
6/20/2022
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 shifts Victoria and Dia have already noticed during the course of their careers – plus the pair give advice for those looking to build a more diverse company, brand, or distillery.Follow UsTwitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United Stateswww.distilledspirits.org
Sustainability From Grain to Can with Amanda Victoria
5/19/2022
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 education company, and her journey from bartender to brand founder.Follow UsTwitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United Stateswww.distilledspirits.org
Celebrating the History of Scotch Whisky with Ian Smith
4/26/2022
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 well as interviews from his visits to several distilleries in the gorgeous Scottish countryside. Follow UsTwitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United Stateswww.distilledspirits.org

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