Washington, D.C. – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States today announced that it is sponsoring the Great American Whiskey Experience, an export promotion for local media and beverage industry executives in Delhi and Mumbai, India, the week of December 14.
The event, part of its Cheers from the USA export promotion program, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will feature a presentation on the history and unique production process of American Whiskeys by Steve Bashore, Master Distiller at George Washington’s Distillery at Mount Vernon.
In addition to exploring the important history of American whiskey in the United States, connecting America’s founding father to the modern distilling industry, the event will include a comparison tasting of Rye and Bourbon, two of styles of American Whiskeys.
“Premium Bourbons, Tennessee and Rye Whiskeys are experiencing significant growth in the United States and globally because of their authentic heritage, their distinctive flavors and their versatility in cocktails,” said Distilled Spirits Council Senior Vice President Christine LoCascio. “We are excited to showcase the heritage and flavors of American Whiskeys and share them with the media and the beverage trade in India. And we are exceedingly grateful to the USDA for their support of this event.”
LoCascio added, “The market for U.S. distilled spirits, particularly whiskeys, has been growing rapidly in India, and with some further education about the category we feel that growth can continue and even accelerate.” Overall, U.S. distilled spirits exports to India reached almost $4 million in 2014; exports through September 2015 are up 39% over the same period in 2014. U.S. Whiskeys, primarily Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey, represented the vast majority (87%) of the total.
Participants at the events will learn about the history of American Whiskey, how its natural and unique production process developed over the centuries, and about the characteristics that distinguish it from whiskeys from other regions of the globe.
A cocktail presentation by the well-known author and Mumbai-based American Whiskey Ambassador, Shatbhi Basu, will showcase the mixability and versatility of American Whiskeys, and let participants compare classic American cocktails, such as the Manhattan and Old Fashioned head-to-head, prepared with Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys.
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.