The Distilled Spirits Council of Vermont has announced the election of a new Board of Directors. The Distilled Spirits Council (DSCV) is a cooperative, non-profit organization created to develop, promote and maintain the independent distilling industry of Vermont, and currently represents 17 member companies.

Mimi Buttenheim (Mad River Distillers – Waitsfield) was elected the new President, Chris Kesler (Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling – Essex Junction) is the new Vice President,  Craig Stevens (Wild Hart Distillery – Shelburne) is the new Treasurer, and Sean O’Rourke (Bhakta Spirits – Poultney) is the new Secretary.

“I think we’ve made great strides in furthering our relationship with the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery as well as the statehouse and Governor’s office over the last year or two,” Buttenheim said. “We’re looking forward to continuing to put Vermont distilling on the map, as well as on the liquor store shelves. The DSCV has helped develop the industry into an economic engine, tourist attraction and job creator in the state of Vermont.”

Buttenheim noted that outgoing DSCV President Jeremy Elliott (Smugglers’ Notch Distillery) and Treasurer Ed Metcalfe (Vermont Distillers) would remain active in the organization and commended their years of service.

“Historically, the Distilled Spirits Council has worked towards achieving parity with Vermont’s breweries, wineries and cideries under the state’s Title 7 alcohol regulations,” Buttenheim said. “With 17 active member distilleries, we are excited to continue to work on our legislative agenda, as well as revamp our marketing campaign, website and the popular Tasting Tour program.”

About the Distilled Spirits Council of Vermont (DSCV): The Distilled Spirits Council of Vermont (DSCV) was founded in 2011 and is open to all Vermont entities with a valid USDSP permit, to encourage a positive regulatory climate for entrepreneurial distillers in Vermont. Meetings are held biannually. Additionally, the DSCV oversees the popular tourism-centric Tasting Tour program for visitors to the tasting rooms of member Vermont distilleries with a tour passport and destination map.