Spirited Advocate Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.