The Distilled Spirits Council recently conducted an export promotion initiative in London, United Kingdom September 20 and 21, 2017, for 19 small, medium and large distillers, showcasing American distilled spirits products in one of the most important markets for U.S. distilled spirits.
The initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, consisted of two events that featured exclusive tastings of fine American spirits and a cocktail demonstration highlighting the mixability and versatility of American spirits for national and local media.
For the first event, the Council hosted a product and cocktail sampling at Somerset House for more than 75 industry executives, beverage buyers and distributors, mixologists and others involved in the beverage alcohol trade.
The second event, hosted at the residence of the Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in London (DCM), educated top-tier media from London and around the UK on the finest spirits available from the U.S., such as Bourbon Whiskey, Tennessee Whiskey, American Rye Whiskey and others. JP Fetherston, head mixologist at Washington D.C.’s Colombia Room, winner of Best American Cocktail Bar at this year’s Tales of the Cocktail, led the educational tastings and cocktail demonstrations.
Lewis Lukens, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) of the U.S. Embassy in London, highlighted the importance of U.S. spirits exports to the UK market and invited attendees to try the innovative cocktails that showcased the unique flavors of American whiskey.
Distilled Spirits Council Senior Vice President of International Trade Christine LoCascio added, “American spirits are in demand around the world – with the UK serving as our second largest export market. We are excited to showcase in London an array of products from small, medium, and large American distillers. With some of the most iconic spirits in the world, as well as a range of innovative new products, American distillers are truly setting the bar.”
Fetherston added, “Whether served straight, over ice, or in simple, creative cocktails, these drinks are perfect for any occasion. My goal is to educate the beverage trade and media in the UK on emerging trends in the U.S. cocktail scene and the benefits of including American Whiskeys in their cocktail programs.”
The participating distillers included: Arizona Distilling; Beam Suntory; Breckenridge Distillery; Brown-Forman; Campari USA; Catoctin Creek Distillery; Coppersea Distilling; Deaths Door Distillery; Diageo; District Distilling; Golden Moon Distillery; James E. Pepper Distilling; Koloa Rum Company; KOVAL Distillery; Limestone Branch Distillery; New Colombia Distillers; Red Eye Louie’s; Square One Organic Spirits; and Traverse City Whiskey Company.
The U.S. distilled spirits industry is committed to social responsibility. For those adults who choose to drink, they should do so in moderation and responsibly at all times. For more information: www.drinkinmoderation.org.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Inc., prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, or other protected status.
Columbia Room Head Mixologist JP Fetherston, Council Director of State Government Communications Eric Reller, US Embassy London Deputy Chief of Mission Lewis Lukens, Council International Trade Specialist Rob Maron and Council International Affairs Coordinator Charles McEntee toast a successful American whiskey and cocktail demonstration in London.