“We are honored to recognize the 2026 conference award winners for their meaningful contributions to our great industry,” said DISCUS President & CEO Chris Swonger. “These dedicated individuals have made a lasting impact and have helped set the standard for future leadership.”
Award and Recipient Information:
DISCUS Impact Award for Emerging Leaders – Lindsay Tuohy, Associate General Counsel, Mast-Jägermeister US
The DISCUS Impact Award for Emerging Leaders recognizes the achievements of an exceptional professional who has made significant contributions to the industry and shows demonstrated potential for leadership and continued service. \
A 2023 DISCUS Academy Executive Leadership graduate, Lindsay Tuohy joined Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc. in 2019 and was promoted to general counsel in December 2025. She brings expertise in regulatory compliance and intellectual property, with experience spanning the distilled spirits industry, data analytics and law firm practice.
DISCUS Dave Pickerell Memorial Craft Member of the Year – Brian Facquet, Founder, Do Good Spirits
The DISCUS Dave Pickerell Memorial Craft Member of the Year Award is in memory of Dave Pickerell, the “Johnny Appleseed of craft distilling,” and is awarded to a DISCUS craft member who is a stand-out leader in craft spirits innovation, a champion for America’s craft distiller community and an ardent supporter of the association’s advocacy efforts.
Brian Facquet is the founder of Do Good Spirits, established in 2008, and a leading voice in New York’s craft distilling movement. Facquet serves as president of the New York State Distillers Guild, where he has helped pass five major pieces of legislation, expanding parity and opportunity for agricultural beverage manufacturers. His work bridges production, policy and purpose— fighting to ensure independent distillers can survive, compete and grow. As a hands-on distiller, he has built an award-winning portfolio that includes Bootlegger New York Craft Vodka, Staple Gin and Beaverkill Bourbon Cream, each rooted in New York agriculture and culinary craft.
DISCUS Distinguished Service Award – Robert Hall, Former CEO, Ole Smoky Distillery
The DISCUS Distinguished Service Award celebrates an individual that has supported the spirits sector through promotion, advocacy, responsibility and exemplary service to their community and the hospitality industry. This prestigious award recognizes those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service over an extended period.
Robert Hall recently retired from his role as CEO of Ole Smoky Distillery, the world’s most visited distillery and one of the fastest growing spirits companies in the U.S. Since 2016, he led the company’s efforts to significantly grow the business, quintupling sales and making Ole Smoky the 20th largest spirits company in the U.S. Hall served on the DISCUS and Responsibility.org boards
DISCUS Top Shelf Award – Senator Mitch McConnell, (R-KY)
The DISCUS Top Shelf Award is given to an elected official for outstanding public policy work benefiting the spirits industry.
U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell is Kentucky’s longest-serving senator. Elected nine times to lead the Republican conference from 2006-2024, he is also the longest-serving Senate party leader in American history.
Senator McConnell has long been a champion of distillers in shaping policies that affect the industry, supporting federal excise tax relief under the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, introducing the AGED Act, closing the intoxicating hemp loophole, and fighting for distillers not only in Kentucky, but across the nation. He has worked tirelessly to ensure the great American heritage of distilling is protected from grain to glass.
DISCUS Lifetime Achievement Award – Eddie Russell, Master Distiller, Wild Turkey
The DISCUS Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates an individual that has supported the industry throughout their lifetime through significant innovation, promotion of the industry, commercial strategy, advocacy or responsibility
The son of legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, Eddie Russell’s career in American whiskey began in 1981, when he started working at the Wild Turkey Distillery. Today, with more than 40 years of experience under his belt, Eddie Russell has unmatched credentials and a deep understanding of the Wild Turkey way.
From relief operator to earning the title of master distiller in 2015, he has overseen the introduction of many pivotal products into the Wild Turkey family, including a collaboration with his father to create the award-winning whiskey brand, Russell’s Reserve, and the introduction of Wild Turkey Bourbon (originally called Wild Turkey 81).
In 2010, Eddie Russell joined his father in the bourbon industry when he was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame™, and today, the two work side by side. Together, they celebrate more than100 years of combined experience at the Wild Turkey distillery.
