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Ole Smoky Distillery Becomes Newest Member Of Responsibility.Org

Membership Reaffirms Ole Smoky's Longstanding Commitment to “Shine Responsibly”

ARLINGTON, Va.  Responsibility.org, The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, announced today its newest distillery member, Ole Smoky Distillery.

As the leading craft distiller in the United States, Ole Smoky’s commitment to alcohol responsibility is as much a part of its history, as its 100-year-old family recipe, and its registered mark, “Shine Responsibly.”

Founded in 1991, Responsibility.org is an independent, national, not-for-profit organization funded by distillers, collectively leading the fight to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empower adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and Responsibility.org said, “Responsibility.org is proud to welcome Ole Smoky to our membership and we look forward to advancing our mutual commitment to eliminating underage drinking, ending drunk driving and other forms of impaired driving, and promoting alcohol responsibility.”

Ole Smoky’s roots trace back to the early settlers of the Smoky Mountains, where they craft their Moonshine & Whiskey spirits with care, authenticity and pride. Founded in 2010, Ole Smoky was Tennessee’s First Legal Moonshine Distillery, and the company is home to the most visited distillery in the world and in 2019 alone welcomed more than 4.5 million visitors to its four locations.

“Ole Smoky believes responsibility starts with each of us, and we are honored to join Responsibility.org’s membership of spirits producers who are united in their commitment to responsibility efforts,” said Robert Hall, CEO, Ole Smoky Distillery. “Today, we use our voice to encourage adults who wish to enjoy our products, to do so responsibly and safely, and the decision to join forces with Responsibility.org underscores the dedication of our organization and employees to continue advancing progress on these critical issues.”

Drunk driving fatalities have decreased 34% since 1991 and lifetime alcohol consumption among our nation’s youth has decreased 48%.  While Responsibility.org cannot claim sole credit for these reductions, the organization, along with its partners, has played a significant role in helping to reach these historic low levels of drunk driving fatalities and underage consumption.

In addition to Ole Smoky Distillery LLC, Responsibility.org members include Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Suntory Inc.; Brown-Forman; DIAGEO; Edrington, Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc.; Moët Hennessy USA; and Pernod Ricard USA.

About Responsibility.org

The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) is a national not-for-profit that aims to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empowers adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices as part of a balanced lifestyle. Responsibility.org is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Suntory Inc.; Brown-Forman; DIAGEO; Edrington, Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc.; Moët Hennessy USA; Ole Smoky; and Pernod Ricard USA. For nearly 30 years, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families and communities together to inspire a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. 

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