The Distilled Spirits Council Of The United States is something you may have heard about but are unsure what exactly it and its function are.

We will discuss the history, purpose and standards of the council as well as looking at what they lobby for and the guidelines they provide for the consumption of distilled spirits.

History Of The Distilled Spirits Council Of The United States

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is the result of an amalgamation of three separate entities, the Distilled Spirits Institute, the Bourbon Institute, and the Licensed Beverage Industries, Inc.

This happened in 1973 and the Distilled Spirits Council Of The United States has existed ever since representing the interests of the industry. It is based in Washington, DC.

Members of the council represent around 70% of the distilled spirits brands that are sold in the United States including Bacardi, Moet Hennessy, Pernod Ricard and Remy Cointreau.

Apart from its full membership the council offers a Craft Distiller Affiliate Member program.

Purpose Of The Distilled Spirits Council Of The United States

The Distilled Spirits Council Of The United States or DISCUS is the national trade association which represents the producers and marketers of distilled spirits in the United States.

It provides a voice to the distillers on legislative issues and policies at state, national and international levels.

The work of distilling spirits and its associated economic activities support around 1.7 million jobs in the United States, something which DISCUS seeks to protect and expand.

There are more than 2,300 distilleries across the country all contributing to the manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality and tourism sectors.

However, the industry is highly taxed with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB) located in the Department of Treasury regulating this industry. It is also responsible for collecting excise taxes.

Although for the moment tariffs on distilled spirits are suspended, DISCUS works among other things to return to a permanent state of duty-free trade with the EU and UK.

Standards Of Distilled Spirits Council Of The United States

The council established a set of voluntary guidelines for its council members and the spirit industry in general to follow.

One of the provisions of the guidelines is a review board which can look at complaints about marketing materials and advertising in the marketplace.

The results of these complaints are published in a semi-annual report.

Programs Launched By The Distilled Spirits Council Of The United States

Several initiatives have been launched by the council to promote and preserve the tradition and cultural heritage of distilling spirits. The most noteworthy is the American Whiskey Trail as well as the rebuilding of the distillery built by George Washington in Mount Vernon.

The members of the council have contributed over $2 million to the reconstruction of the distillery since 2000. It was one of the largest distilleries in early America.

The Mount Vernon distillery marks the beginning of the Whiskey Trail which features distilleries and historical sites in five different states.

Training By The Distilled Spirits Council Of The United States

The DISCUS Academy provides training for the distilled spirits industry. It provides a spirits industry education ranging from Business Management & Finance to Safety & Risk Management.

The programs are wide ranging and flexible, making them suitable for those new to the spirits industry as well as those who are more experienced.

DISCUS Academy is the first and only provider of professional business education for the distilled spirits industry.

Lobbying By The Distilled Spirits Council Of The United States

The council has a team of scientists, lawyers, economists and public affairs experts who work to support legislation in favor of the distilled spirits industry. This includes issues such as expanding Sunday sales and tasting of spirits.

They also work to protect the industry from additional alcohol taxes and barriers to trade across the world.

The Distilled Spirits Council Of The United States introduced in 2019 an advocacy initiative called Spirits United. This was done in collaboration with an alcohol seller and server training organization called TIPS and the American Distilling Institute.

Members of Spirits United include professionals in the spirit industry, customers and consumers. The purpose of this alliance is to support the right of adult consumers to appreciate distilled spirits how, when and where they want.

Together the members of Spirits United hope to influence, learn and engage in issues that have an impact on the distilled spirits industry.

Dietary Guidelines For Americans (DGAs)

As well as representing the interests of the distilling industry, the Distilled Spirits Council Of The United States also encourages moderate and responsible consumption of distilled spirits.

This is part of the healthy adult lifestyle from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) arising from evidence based research and policy.

The DGAs are reviewed every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The guidelines are an important reference point for healthcare practitioners and providers in the US.

To promote moderate and responsible alcohol consumption the distilled spirits industry has supported programs to that end. The council has also developed and distributed educational materials to healthcare providers.

Final Thoughts

We hope you have enjoyed our guide to the Distilled Spirits Council Of The United States including its purpose and function and that you have found it helpful and informative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind Of Alcohol Is In Distilled Spirits?

Distilled spirits are alcoholic drinks in which the concentration of ethyl alcohol has been increased. This is achieved through extra distillation of the fermented mixture.

What Is The Difference Between Distilled Spirits & Alcohol?

While all spirits are alcoholic, not all alcoholic beverages are spirits. All alcohol is made through fermentation, but spirits go through an extra distillation process.

What Are The Seven Liquors?

Spirits which have been distilled are often referred to as hard liquor. The seven types of liquor are whiskey, gin, brandy, vodka, tequila, rum and wine