WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States announces its Spring 2015 American Whiskey Trail (AWT) media tour May 11-15. This heritage and tourism initiative is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program (MAP), and will take a delegation of journalists from various international publications on an exploration of the history of whiskey-making in America.

The promotion will begin with a welcome reception and private tour of George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill at Mount Vernon Estate just outside of Washington, DC. From there, participants will have the opportunity to visit other historic sites and distilleries in Kentucky, including Bulleit’s Stitzel-Weller Distillery, Wild Turkey Distillery, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Woodford Reserve Distillery, Jim Beam American Stillhouse, and Brown-Forman Barrel Cooperage. In addition, there will be an opportunity to meet with many of America’s new small distillers at a private luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion on May 13. The trip will also feature a tour of Ashford Stud Farm and a lunch and race viewing at Churchill Downs.

The popularity and appeal of Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskeys are not limited to the U.S.—exports to both established and developing markets exceeded $1 billion for the third year in a row in 2014, a new record. This global whiskey renaissance clearly demonstrates that consumers everywhere are drawn to the unique characteristics, dynamic flavors and authentic heritage of American whiskeys. The international journalists in attendance will play a vital role in educating their readership worldwide about these uniquely American products.

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.