Spirited Advocate Podcast

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 Us Twitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United States www.distilledspirits.org

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 Us Twitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United States www.distilledspirits.org

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 Us @DistilledSpirit @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUS@distilledspiritscouncil@DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United States www.distilledspirits.org

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 Us Twitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United States www.distilledspirits.org

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 Us Twitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United States www.distilledspirits.org

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 Us Twitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United States www.distilledspirits.org

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 Us Twitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United States www.distilledspirits.org

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 Us Twitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United States www.distilledspirits.org

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 Us Twitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United States www.distilledspirits.org

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 Us Twitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United States www.distilledspirits.org

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 Twitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United States www.distilledspirits.org

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, as he talks with Paul and Ian about how they got into the spirits business and what goes into making a great bourbon. Plus, hear about their passion for creating a sustainable industry and the powerful lesson Paul’s grandfather taught him about values and tenacity that they bring into their business. Follow Us Twitter @DistilledSpirit Facebook @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUSInstagram @distilledspiritscouncilLinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncilPresented by Distilled Spirits Council of the United States www.distilledspirits.org

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 States, as he shares a cocktail and a conversation with leaders, distillers, and contributors to the spirits industry. You’ll hear new recipes, business advice, stories of passion, and how policy impacts the world of Distilled Spirits.

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!

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!

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. Listen now!

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 her love of science and chemistry landed her at Appleton Estate and her ongoing pursuit of the perfect blend. Listen now!

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 in America, and its lasting impact on our country. That and more on the Spirited Advocate Podcast, listen now!

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 American whiskey legends, to his short-lived career as a rocket scientist, to continuing his parents' legacy at Maker's Mark, Bill is bursting with stories -- and he's not too shy to share them. Listen now!

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’s in store for the future. Listen now!