The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) recognized five distinguished industry figures at its 2026 Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. The awards celebrated contributions spanning craft distilling, legal advocacy, corporate leadership, public policy and decades of whiskey-making expertise.
“We are honored to recognize the 2026 conference award winners for their meaningful contributions to our great industry,” said DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger. “These dedicated individuals have made a lasting impact and have helped set the standard for future leadership.”
Lindsay Tuohy, associate general counsel at Mast-Jägermeister US, received the DISCUS Impact Award for Emerging Leaders. The award recognizes an exceptional professional who has made significant contributions to the industry and shows demonstrated potential for continued leadership and service.
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READ THE STORYTuohy joined Mast-Jägermeister US in 2019 and was promoted to general counsel in December 2025. A 2023 graduate of the DISCUS Academy Executive Leadership program, she brings expertise in regulatory compliance and intellectual property.
Brian Facquet, founder of Do Good Spirits, was named the DISCUS Dave Pickerell Memorial Craft Member of the Year. The award honors a DISCUS craft member who stands out as a leader in craft spirits innovation and a champion for America’s craft distiller community.
Facquet established Do Good Spirits in 2008 and serves as president of the New York State Distillers Guild. In that role he has helped pass five major pieces of legislation expanding parity and opportunity for agricultural beverage manufacturers. His award-winning portfolio includes Bootlegger New York Craft Vodka, Staple Gin and Beaverkill Bourbon Cream.
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Robert Hall, former CEO of Ole Smoky Distillery, received the DISCUS Distinguished Service Award. Since 2016, Hall led Ole Smoky to quintuple its sales, making it the 20th largest spirits company in the U.S. He also served on the DISCUS and Responsibility.org boards.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) received the DISCUS Top Shelf Award, which is given to an elected official for outstanding public policy work benefiting the spirits industry. Kentucky’s longest-serving senator, McConnell supported federal excise tax relief under the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, introduced the AGED Act and worked to close the intoxicating hemp loophole.
Eddie Russell, master distiller at Wild Turkey, received the DISCUS Lifetime Achievement Award. Russell’s career in American whiskey began in 1981 when he started working at the Wild Turkey Distillery. He earned the title of master distiller in 2015 after rising from relief operator.
Russell has overseen the introduction of many pivotal products into the Wild Turkey family. These include a collaboration with his father, legendary master distiller Jimmy Russell, to create the Russell’s Reserve whiskey brand and the introduction of Wild Turkey Bourbon, originally called Wild Turkey 81.
In 2010, Eddie Russell was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. Together, father and son celebrate more than 100 years of combined experience at the Wild Turkey Distillery.
DISCUS is the leading trade association representing producers and marketers of distilled spirits in the United States. The organization advocates on legislative and regulatory issues while promoting responsible consumption across the industry.
