The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) announced the six finalists selected for the 2026 Innovation Showcase, a signature competition recognizing pioneering advancements across the spirits sector.

The six finalists advancing to the live virtual competition are:

• Black Swan Wood Products – Squarrel, Honey Comb | blackswanbarrelsshop.com
• Far North Spirits – Single Varietal Rye Whiskey | farnorthspirits.com
• Galloway Company – Acidified Cream Liqueur Base | gallowaycompany.com
• Ohio Liquor (OHLQ) – Retailer and Consumer Marketing – Control State | ohlq.com
• Proof 8 – Digital Deeds | proof-8.com
• Wheyward Spirit – Wheyward Spirit & Wheyward Wheyskey | wheywardspirit.com

Now in its sixth year, the DISCUS Innovation Showcase — sponsored by Spearhead Global — highlights innovations in packaging, technology, supply chain, sustainability, marketing, social responsibility and product development that are shaping the future of the distilled spirits industry. This year’s competition received 39 innovation entries, the highest number since the showcase began.

“These six finalists exemplify the creativity, craftsmanship and forward-thinking spirit driving our industry,” DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger said in a news release. “The Innovation Showcase is a powerful platform to recognize new ideas and technologies that move the spirits community forward, from production and packaging to sustainability and consumer engagement.”

The Innovation Showcase will be held live on Nov. 5, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET, where the finalists will present their innovations to a panel of judges in a dynamic “Shark Tank”–style session. Following the showcase, public voting will open for one week, with the collective audience vote counting as the equivalent of one judge’s ballot.

Judges for this year’s competition include:

• Colin Blake, Vice President, Peggy Noe Stevens & Associates
• Brian Christensen, Publisher, Artisan Spirit Magazine and Brand Consultant, Glencairn Crystal
• Cristina Costa, Head of Adult Beverage, Inmar Media
• Ian Perez, Brand Execution Manager, MHW

Top innovators will be awarded prize packages ranging in value from $5,000 to $20,000, including a $10,000 cash prize for the Innovation Showcase winner. Winners will be announced at the 2026 DISCUS Annual Conference, taking place in Louisville March 3–5, 2026.To learn more about the innovations, judges, to register, watch the showcase live and cast your vote, visit https://www.distilledspirits.org/innovation-showcase/.

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