Spirited Advocate Podcast
22 FOLLOWERS
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.
Spirited Advocate Podcast
8M ago
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 ..read more
Spirited Advocate Podcast
1y ago
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 Distil ..read more
Spirited Advocate Podcast
1y ago
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 ..read more
Spirited Advocate Podcast
1y ago
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 t ..read more
Spirited Advocate Podcast
1y ago
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 @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUS
Instagram ..read more
Spirited Advocate Podcast
1y ago
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 importa ..read more
Spirited Advocate Podcast
1y ago
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 @DistilledSpiritsCoun ..read more
Spirited Advocate Podcast
1y ago
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 v ..read more
Spirited Advocate Podcast
1y ago
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 @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUS
Instagram @distilledspiritscouncil
LinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncil
Presented by Distilled Spirits Counc ..read more
Spirited Advocate Podcast
1y ago
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 @DistilledSpiritsCouncilUS
Instagram @distilledspiritscouncil
LinkedIn @DistilledSpirtsCouncil ..read more