Spirits industry professionals and media joined the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) in honoring industry leaders on Oct. 8, during the DISCUS annual conference at the Fairmont Hotel in Austin, Texas. The event was emceed by spirits industry trailblazer, Peggy Noe Stevens, Bourbon Expert, author and the first female Master Bourbon Taster. DISCUS award recipients were: Fred Noe, Jim Beam Master Distiller, Lifetime Achievement Award; Amir Peay, Owner/Operator of James E. Pepper Distillery, Dave Pickerell Memorial Craft Member of the Year Award; United States Bartenders’ Guild and its Executive Director Aaron Smith, Humanitarian/Service Award; and Alex Castle, Master Distiller/Senior Vice President, Old Dominick Distillery, Impact Award for Emerging Leaders. “The spirits community is honored to celebrate the outstanding contributions of these exemplary leaders who have each in their own way supported the growth of our great industry and the wider appreciation for our special products,” said Chris Swonger, President and CEO of DISCUS and Responsibility.org.