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# [BND] Your Breakfast Briefing
- URL: https://bevnews.net/bnd-your-breakfast-briefing-431/
- Published: 2026-05-04T10:00:36.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-04T10:00:36.000Z
- Author: Joel Whitaker
- Tags: Newsletter

***Good Morning and Happy Monday, May 4, 2026.***

## Behind the Scenes on Lifting the Whiskey Tariffs

We caught up with **Chris Swonger**, president/ceo of the **Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.,** and asked him about the role DISCUS played in President Trump's announcement that he was lifting the10% tariff on whiskey from the United Kingdom. You can watch the unedited interview [here](https://youtu.be/KLho7O3ha44?ref=bevnews.net). Key points include:

- Swonger worked closely for more than a year with Amb. **Mark Kent**, the president of the **Scotch Whisky Association**.
- There had been ongoing discussions. But "you never know the exact timing when something like this might happen. We were really excited when the announcement came on Truth Social."
- It's obvious the King and President Trump have a unique and special relationship.
- "I was in Scotland last August visiting a distillery with Amb. Kent when President Trump was visiting his Turnberry golf course. That generated a lot of media which caught his attention. The First Minister of Scotland has been very involved."
- The economic ties between the U.S. and UK are deep. In terms of cooperage alone, barrels valued at more than $300 million barrels are shipped annually from the U.S to Scotland.
- The lifting of tariffs doesn't apply to gin or other distilled spirits – yet. "Our efforts won't let is. Our aspiration is for zero-for-zeero. We want Canada reset, too. The announcement was good news, and for the U.S. hospitality industry as well.
- King Charles's invitation to the President for a second state visit does showcase the bond between the U.S. and UK. The announcement reaffirmed the bond between the two nations played a real and critical role.

## [No THC Relief in House-Passed Farm Bill](https://bevnews.net/no-thc-relief-in-house-passed-farm-bill/)

Bipartisan amendments to either regulate hemp-derived THC products or delay the impending federal ban on hemp-derived cannabinoid products were either withdrawn or not allowed to advance as the House passed the Farm Bill.

## [Becle Reports Net Plunged 67% in Q1, as Volume Slid 24% in North America](https://bevnews.net/becle-reports-net-plunged-67-in-q1-as-volume-slid-24-in-north-america/)

**Becle,** the parent of **Jose Cuervo,** reports net profit in the first quarter plunged 66.5% (44.2% organic) as net sales fell 23.1%. Shipped volume declined 13.4% to 4.3 million cases, impacted by the U.S. distributor transition.

## [Ste. Michelle Names David Richardson CEO, Heller Chief Commercial Officer](https://bevnews.net/ste-michelle-names-david-richardson-ceo-heller-chief-commercial-officer/)

**Ste. Michelle Wine Estates** named **David Richardson** Chief Executive Officer and promoted **Dan Heller** to Chief Commercial Officer. 

## [Groundstar Vineyard & Estate Acquires Historic Williams Ranch](https://bevnews.net/groundstar-vineyard-estate-acquires-historic-williams-ranch/)

**Groundstar Vineyard & Estate**, founded by **Chiara Shannon** and **Joseph Brent**, said it acquired the historic Williams Ranch, a 247.02-acre property located at 7630 W. Highway 246 in the Sta. Rita Hills corridor. Terms weren't disclosed.

## [Lemmons Family Vineyards Acquires Cuda Ridge Wines](https://bevnews.net/lemmons-family-vineyards-acquires-cuda-ridge-wines/)

**Lemmons Family Vineyards**, owners of the historic **Concannon Vineyard**, said it acquired **Cuda Ridge Wines**, a respected Livermore Valley boutique winery known for its small-lot, award-winning Bordeaux-style wines. Terms weren't disclosed.

## [SGWS to Rep Holladay, McCormick Distilling](https://bevnews.net/sgws-to-rep-holladay-mccormick-distilling/)

[Wine & Spirits](https://consumergoods.com/company/southern-glazers-wine-spirits-llc?ref=bevnews.net) will serve as the distributor for the Holladay Distillery and McCormick Distilling Co.'s portfolios across several states: Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Texas.

## [SGWS Expands Distribution of J. Lohr Wines](https://bevnews.net/sgws-expands-distribution-of-j-lohr-wines/)

**Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits** said it will now distributed **J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines** in five additional markets, adding Florida, Kentucky, Oregon, South Carolina, and Washington to the existing 12-market footprint that includes Arizona, Arkansas, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.

## [New: Stitzel Reserve 31-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey](https://bevnews.net/new-stitzel-reserve-31-year-old-bourbon-whiskey/)

**Stitzel-Weller Distillery** released **Stitzel Reserve 31-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey**, the second expression in the Stitzel Reserve collection and a rare, distillery-exclusive bourbon defined by exceptional age, intensity, and depth. The highly limited release is available exclusively on-site at **Stitzel-Weller Distillery** in Louisville for $3,000 per 750mL bottle, with a limit of one bottle per person.

## [Manufacturing Expanded in April](https://bevnews.net/manufacturing-expanded-in-april/)

The U.S. manufacturing sector expanded in April for the fourth straight month following a 10-month period of contraction, registering 52.7 percent, the same reading as March, according to the Institute for Supply Management.

***Thanks for reading. I'll be back tomorrow. – Joel***