Chris sits down with Brent Looby, CEO of Desert Door, to discuss how Sotol is the next spirit you should have in your glass.

Chris is joined by Jim Bareuther, a beverage industry veteran, to toast DISCUS’ 50 year anniversary.

Master Distiller Bruce Joseph discusses his career, the future of the industry, and the return of pot-distilled whiskey.

Chris is sitting down with mixologist and winner of Netflix’s “Drink Masters,” Lauren Paylor O’Brien, to discuss her unique approach to cocktails.

Chris is joined by Scott Neil, veteran and Co-Founder of Horse Soldier Bourbon, to talk making the transition from the battlefield to the distillery.

Chris speaks with Kaveh Zamanian, the founder, distiller and CEO of Rabbit Hole Distillery, about innovating in the heritage-steeped world of bourbon.

Chris speaks with Scott and Becky Harris, the Founders and Owners of Catoctin Creek Distillery about the importance of advocating for the industry.

Victoria Russell and Dia Simms speak about fostering diversity and creating space for everyone in the distilled spirits industry.

Amanda Victoria, CEO and co-founder of Siponey, speaks about sustainability and consumer education in the distilled spirits industry.

Ian Smith, Keepers of the Quaich Chairman, joins 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 its advocates within the industry.

Lora Hemy, Head Distiller at Roe & Co in Dublin, discusses her unconventional path to the industry, the Golden Age of Irish whiskey and more!

Paul Wesley & Ian Somerhalder of 'The Vampire Diaries' discuss their new spirit 'Brother's Bond Bourbon,' why sustainability is so important and more!

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!

From water to soil to grains, our environment affects every part of the spirits industry. At Brown-Forman, sustainability is key to their longevity. This week on the podcast, we welcome Alex Alvarez, Chief Production and Sustainability Officer at Brown-Forman, to discuss Brown-Forman's ongoing commitment to protect the world and the people and employees who inhabit it. 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...

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!

In this episode, Chris is joined by the multi-talented Ivy Mix, co-owner and head bartender of Leyenda in Brooklyn, NY. Recognized as one of the best bartenders in the country, Ivy’s impact on our industry goes well beyond the bar as the co-founder of Speed Rack and advisory board member of Independent Restaurant Coalition. Chris and Ivy tackle some of the most relevant issues facing the hospitality industry today and emphasize the importance of being politically active on issues that matter...

On this week’s episode, Joshua Hammond of Buster’s Liquors & Wines joins the show to provide a retailer perspective on some of the biggest issues facing the spirits industry today. This Memphis-based, family-run retailer offers insights on consumer trends and the benefits of the three-tier-system, all while emphasizing the importance of responsibility. Joshua is a perfect example of how leading with responsibility is not only the right thing to do but is also a great business decision....

“Why be normal?” Asks this week’s Spirited Advocate podcast guest Doug Hall of Brain Brew Custom Whiskey and Eureka! Ranch. Researcher, engineer, innovator, whiskey blender and much more, Doug regales us on how he moved from chemical engineering to the world of whiskey, bridging the pre-prohibition history of distilling in Cincinnati, OH with modern day innovation. Listen now!