Episode Player
Navigating Change in the Spirits Industry
Spirited Discussions: A Podcast by Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services
Chapters
0:00
Setting The Stage: Guests And Goals
1:10
What DISCUS Does And Why Control States Matter
3:40
Control Systems, Community Safety, And Partnerships
5:02
Consumption Declines And “Drink Better, Not More”
8:10
Responsibility Wins: Underage And DUI Trends
10:38
License Mix, Local Balance, And Business Flexibility
12:24
Supply Chains, Tariffs, And Global Trade Pressures
16:30
Price Pass-Throughs, Scarcity, And Inventory Cycles
19:10
Local Economic Shocks And “Affordable Luxury”
21:05
What’s Hot For 2026: Spirits-Based RTDs
24:15
Safety Upside Of RTDs And On-Premise Adoption
26:48
Responsibility Programs And Community Training
29:40
Winter Sips, Maryland Rye, And The Orange Crush
31:20
Closing Thanks And How To Reach Us
Spirited Discussions: A Podcast by Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services
Navigating Change in the Spirits Industry
Feb 20, 2026
Season 1
Episode 14
Jocelyn Rawat
Change is on the menu. Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, and Kathie Durbin, Director of Alcohol Beverage Services, unpack how consumer habits, global trade, and local policy are reshaping the drinks landscape. From falling overall alcohol use to surging curiosity about flavor, moderation, and convenience, guests examine the forces affecting your next purchase.
The transcript of this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345583/18713030-navigating-change-in-the-spirits-industry/transcript
