Vienna, Austria – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States will participate in a major reception and tasting event at U.S. Ambassador Alexa Wesner’s private residence in Vienna on Thursday, May 22nd and will feature over 16 American Whiskeys and other brands of premium distilled spirits from small and large distillers from nine states across America.
The reception, cosponsored by the Council and the United States Department of Agriculture, is an export promotion designed to showcase premium American Whiskeys and other distilled spirits products in one of Europe’s wealthiest and most prestigious markets. Guests include distributors, beverage buyers, VIPs and media from across Austria.
Between 2010 and 2013, U.S. distilled spirits exports to Austria, particularly Bourbons and Tennessee Whiskeys, have experienced steady growth in supplier sales, rising 44% from $5.8 million to $8.4 million. In 2013, Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskeys accounted for roughly 90% of U.S. spirits exports to Austria.
American Brands Top Austrian Retail Whiskey Sales
In fact, according to Euromonitor, American Whiskey is the predominant whiskey sold in Austria, and in 2013 it accounted for nearly 53% of the value of retail sales. Specifically, in 2013 at retail American whiskey sales totaled $116.5 million out of the $220 million Austrian whiskey market. The second largest whiskey in 2013 was blended scotch whisky, at $76.1 million in retail sales.
“The Distilled Spirits Council thanks Ambassador Wesner for opening her home to showcase these great American brands,” said Council Senior Vice President Frank Coleman. “Her support for U.S. distilled spirits products will contribute to continuing the robust American Whiskey growth trend in Austria.”
Small distillers—some for the first time in the Austrian market—include Balcones Distilling: Fifth Anniversary Straight Bourbon II (Texas); Corsair Artisan Distillery: Triple Smoke Single Barrel Whiskey (Tennessee); Garrison Brothers Distillery: Texas Straight Bourbon (Texas); High West Distillery: Whiskey Campfire (Utah); Hillrock Estate Distillery: Solera Aged Bourbon (New York); House Spirits Distillery: Westward Oregon Straight Whiskey (Oregon); Huber’s Starlight Distillery: Applejack (Indiana); Louisville Distilling Company: Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Kentucky); Michter’s Distillery: US*1 Unblended Whiskey (Kentucky); Prichard’s Distillery: Double Chocolate Bourbon, and Double Barreled Bourbon (Tennessee); Santa Fe Spirits: Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey (New Mexico); and Templeton Rye Spirits: Templeton Rye (Iowa).
Larger producers are also well-represented, including Jim Beam / Suntory: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve, and Booker’s Bourbon (Kentucky); Brown-Forman: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked (Kentucky); and Diageo: Bulleit 10 Year, and Bulleit Rye (Kentucky). Jack Daniel’s and Wild Turkey Whiskeys will also be also showcased.