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 Singapore, with Ambassador Kirk Wagar at his Residence on July 23rd.

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 super-premium American Whiskeys from large and small producers, as well as a cocktail presentation by award-winning mixologist Beckaly Franks of the James Beard Award-nominated Clyde Common in Portland, Oregon.

“Premium Bourbons and Tennessee Whiskeys are experiencing significant growth in the Asia-Pacific region because of their authentic heritage, their distinctive flavors and their versatility in cocktails,” said Distilled Spirits Council President Peter H. Cressy. “We are excited to showcase the heritage and flavors of American Whiskeys and share them with the media and the beverage trade in Singapore. And we are exceedingly grateful to both Ambassador Kirk Wagar and the USDA for their support of this event.”

Cressy added, “The market for U.S. distilled spirits, particularly whiskeys, has been growing rapidly in Singapore, and with some further education about the category we feel that growth can continue and even accelerate.” Overall, U.S. distilled spirits exports to Singapore reached $23 million in 2013, up over 500% since 2003. Of that total, U.S. Whiskeys, primarily Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey, represented almost 85%.

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 Singapore for the first time.

The tasting will begin with a colonial-style unaged Rye whiskey, produced at the reconstructed George Washington Distillery at Mount Vernon, Virginia. The Rye is based on the actual recipe of America’s first president, who became a successful whiskey distiller after he left the Presidency. That first sample will provide an historic comparison with the modern super premium whiskeys, including Bulleit Rye; Wild Turkey Rare Breed cask strength Bourbon; Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey; and Angel’s Envy Bourbon, which is partially aged in Port wine casks.

The tasting will be followed by a cocktail demonstration featuring award-winning mixologist Beckaly Franks, who will showcase the mixability and versatility of American Whiskey. Franks will present modern versions of American classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and the Whiskey Sour.

Finally, guests will be invited to a reception where they can try small samples of whiskeys from over a dozen small producers, many for the first time in Singapore, including: High West Whiskey (UT), Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye (VA), Prichard’s Tennessee Wiskey, Hillrock Estate Bourbon (NY), Corsair Artisan Triple Smoke (TN), Belle Meade Bourbon (TN), Wigle Whiskey (PA), Templeton Rye (IA), Dad’s Hat Rye (PA), True Blue Texas Whisky, WhistlePig Whiskey (VT) and James E. Pepper 1776 Bourbon (KY).

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.