The Spirited Advocate 6.13.25

From the Desk of the CEO…

DISCUS had the opportunity of participating in the BCB Brooklyn event, where we engaged with a wide range of industry professionals and explored emerging trends, innovative techniques, and new products across both domestic and international markets. While in New York, Lisa Hawkins, Chief, Communications and Public Affairs and I also had meetings with the WSJ and NY Post to brief them on tariffs, DGA and other relevant issues for the industry. Additionally, I had the opportunity to co-host a webinar with ADI titled “Understanding and Operating in a Hostile Trade Environment.” During the session, Stephen Gould and I shared timely updates on recent changes in U.S. trade policy. Lastly, Brent and Karen Looby, Desert Door Distillery visited us…..all the way from Driftwood, Texas and enjoyed some Texas Sotol with us while also seeing the rooftop sights of the US Capitol.

Responsibility.org Tip

Responsibility starts with each of us! Reflect on your relationship with alcohol regularly so that you are among the 89% of adults 21+ who report they know their personal limits when it comes to making responsible choices. 

Economic Insight

Overall annual inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, has persistently remained above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target rate. However, price increases for alcohol consumed at home have nearly vanished. In May 2025, the annual rate of price increase for “alcohol at home” was only 0.2%—the lowest rate since December 2019. 

DISCUS Top Story

DISCUS Attends BCB Brooklyn

Several DISCUS staff members were at BCB Brooklyn this week for an exciting few days of events, educational sessions and connecting with thousands of industry professionals. Caleb Ross and Ross Mulkerrin, represented member services and business development, meeting with current and prospective members throughout the conference. Audrey Woods, communications manager, represented Destination Distillery and connected with media professionals covering the spirits industry. Chris Swonger, president and CEO, and Lisa Hawkins, chief, communications and public affairs, were also in attendance representing DISCUS.  

Responsibility.org Top Story

Responsibility.org Sponsors 2025 Congressional Baseball Game

Responsibility.org sponsored the 2025 Congressional Baseball Game for Charity at Nationals Park in Washington, DC, to share the organization’s mission with members of Congress, congressional staff and the public in attendance. Staff handed out Responsibility.org-branded koozies and bar towels with standard drink messaging. During the game, a 15-second Responsibility.org video played for participants reminding those who choose to drink to “drink water, eat food and to party responsibly!” 

Member Spotlight:

Hinman & Carmichael LLP is a San Francisco-based law firm with over 30 years of experience specializing in the alcoholic beverage and hospitality industries. The firm provides comprehensive legal services, including licensing and qualification, business and marketing practices and representation before federal and state agencies across the country. The firm also offers counsel on distribution relationships, commercial transactions, alternative routes to market, third-party providers and regulatory compliance. Additionally, they assist with protests, accusations and regulatory representation, as well as trade practices and compliance.  

Latest Activities

DISCUS Pushes Back on Disinformation in Media on Alcohol and Health

Dr. Amanda Berger, senior vice president of science and research, was recently quoted in Fox News rebutting the claim that a recent study provided evidence that alcohol consumption, in general, is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Dr. Berger pointed out that it was misleading to make such broad claims, since the study did not compare risks for people who drink alcohol versus those who do not, and since the study only found a statistically significant increase in risk when drinking exceeded moderation, as defined in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Check out the article here. 

Responsibility.org Presents at the Drive Smart Virginia Impaired Driving Workshop 

Responsibility.org led a session on Drugged Driving Resources at the Drive Smart Virginia Workshop in Springfield, VA. Chris Konschak, senior director, traffic safety and government relations shared information about CARS (Computerized Assessment and Referral System), roadside oral fluid testing, mental health and impaired driving and multiple substance impaired driving with the attendees. 

Responsibility.org Moderates TRB Webinar       

Darrin Grondel, senior vice president, traffic safety, moderated a National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine – Transportation Research Board webinar on roadside oral fluid testing for 125 attendees. Joined by Amy Miles, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, and Curt Harper, Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, the webinar discussed best practices for oral fluid collection and analysis, and legal considerations for effective implementation. 

Responsibility.org Joins With Friends of NIAAA on Capitol Hill

Kelly Poulsen, senior vice president, government relations, and Maureen Dalbec, coo & svp research and programs, attended the Friends of NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism), meet and greet on Capitol Hill. The event provided an opportunity for attendees the learn the value and need for alcohol research and effective interventions as well as how research is being translated and implemented for treatment. The meet and greet was an opportunity for the Friends to demonstrate their support for NIAAA to federal stakeholders. Responsibility.org staff has long advocated for NIAAA funding and will continue to do so as they speak with legislators in this Congress.

European Union and DISCUS Staff Connect at BCB Trade Show 

The BCB Brooklyn trade show, known for bringing together top industry players and innovators, provided the perfect setting for DISCUS staff and Silke Boger from the European Union to connect! 

Supporting MHW’s Bar Convent Brooklyn Industry event 

DISCUS team members, Chris Swonger, Caleb Ross and Ross Mulkerrin attended an event at BCB Brooklyn! They connected with partner members, Heather Fritzsche Spearhead Global and Gary Schneidkraut from Protis Global.   

MurLarkey Distilling Ribbon Cutting 

Craft Advisory Council Member MurLarkey Distilling opened their brand new 25,000 Sqft facility in Manassas, VA last week, anchoring the new NoVa Live commercial district. Ross Mulkerrin joined Tom Murray, Co-Founder and CEO, and Jim Larken, Co-Founder and COO for the ribbon cutting.  

BCB Pitch Competition 

DISCUS’ Caleb Ross, director of membership services and business development, participated as a judge for BCB’s Brand Accelerator Pitch Competition. DISCUS rewarded the winner Amaretto Adriatico with a complimentary 1-year craft membership. 

DISCUS Joins Pronghorn’s “Grain to Glass” Panel 

Abeer Naqvi, chief people officer, recently participated in the “Grain to Glass” panel during Pronghorn’s Internship Bootcamp Employer Day. The panel explored the full value chain of the spirits industry, with Naqvi sharing insights on her journey into the field, the role of people and culture in driving innovation and what makes DISCUS a unique place to work. 

Upcoming Events 

Barreled, Bottled, and Corked: Unpacking How Tariffs Impact the Spirits Supply Chain  

June 25 1:00-2:00 pm ET 

Join us for a webinar where industry leaders unpack the far-reaching impact of tariffs on the essential inputs and components of distilled spirits production, from barrels and glass bottles to corks and closures. This session will explore how tariffs impact costs, supply chain dynamics and long-term planning for suppliers across the spirits industry.  

Register here. 

Panelists: 

Christine LoCascio, Chief, Policy, Strategy & Membership, DISCUS  

Robert Maron, Senior Vice President, International Trade Policy and Market Access, DISCUS 

Patrick Spencer, Executive Director Natural Cork Council 

Bryan Vickers, Consultant to the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) 

Melissa Zoeller, Executive Director, Associated Cooperage Industries of America, Inc. 

WSET Level 2 &3 Certifications in Spirits Online Courses 

WSET Spirits Level 2- $575 (Taking WSET Spirits Level 1 is not required) 

Course Dates: July 7, 2025 – August 10, 2025 – Click here to register 

Virtual Exam: August 20, 2025, 4 PM ET 

Registration deadline: June 27, 2025 

Level 2 is for individuals wishing to develop their expertise in spirits and liqueurs, the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits course will cover the fundamental production methods and principal raw materials, discovering how they are used to make the key spirit styles. 

WSET Spirits Level 3- $995- It is recommended that you hold the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits or demonstrate the equivalent level of knowledge. 

Course Dates: July 7, 2025 – September 7, 2025 – Click here to register 

Registration deadline: June 24, 2025  

In-Person Tasting Tutorial: Monday September 15, 9:00am – 5:00pm (ET) at Distilled Spirits Council of United States, Washington DC 

In-Person Examination: Tuesday September 16, 09:00am – 12:00pm (ET) at Distilled Spirits Council of United States, Washington D.C 

Level 3 has been carefully developed by and for professionals working closely with spirits. It also represents the pinnacle of structured spirits education for the serious enthusiast. 

In the News

Advocacy & Policy 
Spectrum News TV Segment: Louisville segment on Bourbon and tariffs 

Fox News: Your favorite alcoholic beverage could be linked to deadly form of cancer, study finds

Shanken News Daily: DISCUS Backs Reigning In Hemp Products

Wine & Spirits Daily: DISCUS Argues Hemp Loophole Should be Closed

Lifestyle & Trends 
Fox Business: Flavored alcohol emerges as ‘fourth category’ in beverage industry