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, India with Ambassador Kathleen Stephens at her Residence on December 10th.

The event program, supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will feature a presentation on the history and unique production process of American Whiskeys.  It will also include a tasting of American Whiskeys as well as a cocktail presentation.

“Premium Bourbons and Tennessee Whiskeys are experiencing significant growth in South Asia because of their authentic heritage, their distinctive flavors and their versatility in cocktails,” said Distilled Spirits Council Senior Vice President Frank Coleman. “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 both Ambassador Kathleen Stephens and the USDA for their support of this event.”

Coleman 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 $4.3 million in 2013, up by 49% compared with 2012. U.S. Whiskeys, primarily Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey, represented the vast majority (97%) of the total.

Participants at the seminar 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. Further, they will have a unique opportunity to sample many whiskeys in Delhi for the first time.

The tasting will feature samples of Jim Beam black label, Bulleit Rye, Makers Mark, Woodford Reserve and Jack Daniels Silver Select as well as a cocktail presentation conducted by author and Mumbai-based American Whiskey Ambassador Shatbhi Basu.

The tasting will be followed by a cocktail demonstration that will showcase the mixability and versatility of American Whiskey.

As always, seminar attendees will be told of the distilled spirits industry’s commitment to social responsibility and reminded of the importance of consuming these products responsibly and in moderation. For more information: www.drinkinmoderation.org.