The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) announced that Prichard’s Distillery of Kelso and Nashville, Tennessee, has become the first small distiller affiliate to rise to full membership in the trade association, which is composed of most major producers and marketers of distilled spirits in the United States.
“We are pleased to announce that Prichard’s Distillery has expanded its role at the Distilled Spirits Council by becoming a full member,” said DISCUS President and CEO Peter H. Cressy. “Prichard’s Distillery is a growing American producer of highly regarded whiskeys, rums and liqueurs on the cutting edge of our industry’s innovation and growth. Further, Phil Prichard is the first small distiller member to rise to full membership under a new graduated program launched this year – a terrific achievement that speaks not just to the success of Prichard’s, but also to the success and growth of small distillers around the country.”
Phil Prichard, Founder and Master Distiller of Prichard’s Distillery, joined the Council as one of the association’s original small distiller affiliate members in 2010. The small distiller program has grown rapidly and now numbers 89 members in 31 states, significantly contributing to the industry’s grassroots strength on public policy matters.
“DISCUS is the global leader in pursuing responsible public policy for distillers large and small,” Prichard said. “We decided the time was right to expand our role within the Council and help lead this historic and thriving industry – particularly given the increasing importance of the hospitality industry in today’s economy.”
Prichard’s Distillery was opened in 1997 in Kelso, Tennessee, becoming the first distillery to open in the state after Prohibition. Prichard’s second distillery opened in 2013 at the historic Fontanel – a 27,000-square-foot mansion located on 136 acres of land in Nashville that was the former home of country star Barbara Mandrell. Prichard’s Distillery hand-crafts their spirits in small batches, producing quality rums and whiskeys distilled in copper pots and stored in 15 gallon white oak barrels. For more information, visit: www.prichardsdistillery.com.
The Distilled Spirits Council is the national trade association representing America’s leading distillers and the vast majority of premium distilled spirits brands sold in this country. Since 1935, the Council and its predecessor organizations have served as the industry’s voice on public policy and legislative issues in the nation’s capital, state capitals and foreign capitals worldwide. A strong commitment to responsibility is the foundation of every aspect of its policy and programs. Prichard’s Distillery becomes DISCUS’ 15th full member. In addition, the Council has 89 small distiller affiliate members in 31 states. For more information, visit: www.distilledspirits.org.
