Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS) said its member companies are collectively donating more than $8.37 million to the U.S. Bartenders Guild Foundation and other charities to support COVID-19 relief efforts.
Member companies participating in the donation initiative include: Agave Loco; Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Suntory; Brown-Forman Corporation; Campari America; Constellation Brands, Inc.; Diageo; Edrington; Mast-Jägermeister US; MGP Ingredients, Inc.; MHW; Möet Hennessy, USA; Ole Smoky; Pernod Ricard USA, Inc.; and Rémy Cointreau Americas.
The majority of the donations are going to the U.S. Bartenders Guild Foundation Emergency Relief Fund, which assists bartenders, barbacks and bar servers who are in need of financial assistance. Companies have also donated to other national, regional and local charities.
Additionally, DISCUS’ grassroots platform, Spirits United, will host a “Spirits United Virtual Toast” Thursday, March 26th at 5pm EST, which will also serve as a fundraiser for the U.S. Bartenders’ Guild COVID-19 relief fund. Participants can register for the toast here.
The virtual toast will bring together Spirits United advocates, industry members and supply partners to raise a toast to the hospitality industry and share information on how they can help the distilling and hospitality sector during this difficult time. As part of the virtual toast, bartender Justin Cara-Donna, from one of Washington, D.C.’s top bars, the Columbia Room, will show participants how to make an easy “at home” cocktail.