Washington, D.C. – October 4, 2001 – The Distilled Spirits Council and Smithsonian Associates today announced a Fall educational program exploring the history of distilled spirits, through lectures and tastings. The five-session course in The Smithsonian Associate’s Fall Residence Associates program will run weekly beginning October 9th, and features distilled spirits industry experts as guest lecturers, as well as offering a tasting of distilled spirits products.
“The distilled spirits industry enjoys a rich presence in the fabric of American and global history,” said Dr. Peter Cressy, President and CEO of The Distilled Spirits Council. “We are very pleased to partner with the Smithsonian in bringing this program to the public and educating them on all the nuances of distilled spirits products from around the globe.”
Among the distinguished industry experts presenting during the “A History and Tastings of Distilled Spirits,” are Grey Goose Vodka Brand Manager Olivier Bugat, Oct. 9, discussing gin and vodkas; Bacardi Vice President Tito Argamasilla Bacardi, Oct. 16, on rum and tequila; and, Maker’s Mark CEO Bill Samuels, Jr., and Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jimmy Bedford, Oct. 30, on Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey. Other sessions include a representative from United Distillers and Vintners makers of Johnnie Walker and numerous single malts, discussing single malt and blended Scotch, and a speaker on cognac, armagnac, calvados, and brandy that also features a discussion on the restoration of George Washington’s distillery.
The course will be taught in a relaxed and informal atmosphere at the Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center on the Mall in Washington, D.C. Each session offers representative tastings from the evening’s lectures paired with hors d’oveures. The program is open to adults over the age of 21 and the cost for the entire program is $85 for Resident Associate members and $130 for the general public. For additional information and class registration please contact The Smithsonian Associates at 202-357-3030.
About The Distilled Spirits Council
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Inc. (DISCUS) is a national trade association representing producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the United States. Our members’ quality products include the full spectrum of distilled spirits such as Bourbon, Scotch and other whiskeys, vodka, gin, tequila, rum, brandy, cordials and liqueurs. The distillers take special pride in their products as well as in their efforts to encourage responsible beverage alcohol consumption by those adults who choose to drink. Website:
About The Smithsonian Associates
The Smithsonian Associates (TSA) offers a variety of educational programs and study tours that open the doors to the Smithsonian's world of opportunity. Established over 30 years ago as the membership, cultural, and educational arm of the Smithsonian Institution, The Smithsonian Associates is recognized as the world's largest and most esteemed museum-based continuing education and study tour program.
The goal of The Smithsonian Associates is to share the vast intellectual resources of the Smithsonian, which in turn strengthens the bond between the American people and their national museum. To involve the public in the life of the Institution, The Smithsonian Associates creates educational activities that take many forms and occur in many settings--on the National Mall, across the country, and literally around the world. Website:
http://www.tsa.si.edu/