Award-winning U.S. Mixologist Christy Pope to Present
Exclusive American Spirits Tasting Experiences

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (Distilled Spirits Council), today announced that it will conduct American spirits export promotions on November 13 in Johannesburg and on November 15 in Cape Town.  The events will showcase several American distilled spirits products in one of the most promising export markets for U.S. distilled spirits.

The two promotions are supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will feature exclusive tastings of fine American spirits and a cocktail demonstration highlighting the mixability and versatility of American spirits for national and local media. Renowned mixologist, Christy Pope of Cuffs & Buttons, New York, will lead the tastings and cocktail demonstrations. The events will also feature an exclusive product sampling of brands not yet available in South Africa for industry executives, beverage buyers and distributors.

“American spirits, and in particular American whiskeys, such as Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey and American Rye Whiskey are in demand around the world – with South Africa serving as one of our most promising export markets,” said Distilled Spirits Council Senior Vice President of International Trade Christine LoCascio. “We are excited to showcase an array of products from small, medium, and large American distillers. With some of the most iconic spirits in the world, as well as a range of innovative new products, American distillers are truly setting the bar.”

Pope added, “Whether served straight, over ice, or in simple, creative cocktails, these drinks are perfect for any occasion. My goal is to educate the beverage trade and media in South Africa on emerging trends in the U.S. cocktail scene and the benefits of including American Whiskeys in their cocktail programs.”

In 2017, U.S. spirits exports to South Africa were valued at $16.1 million, up 15 percent as compared with 2016; American Whiskeys accounted for approximately 64 percent of the total. In the January through August 2018 period, U.S. spirits were valued at $16.1 million, representing a nearly 52 percent increase from the same period in 2017.

The participating distillers include: Brown-Forman; Beam Suntory; Campari; Red Eye Louie’s; Uncle Nearest; and Whistling Andy.

The U.S. distilled spirits industry is committed to social responsibility. For those adults who choose to drink, they should do so in moderation and responsibly at all times. For more information: www.drinkinmoderation.org.

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.

About the Distilled Spirits Council

The Distilled Spirits Council is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the United States. In partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program (MAP), the Distilled Spirits Council aims to educate the hospitality industry, adult consumers, and media in key spirits markets on the taste, heritage, and style of American distilled spirits.  The Council’s MAP promotions focus on the range of American spirits, but with a particular focus on the unique qualities of American Whiskeys, including Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey and American Rye Whiskey, which account for the vast majority of U.S. spirits exports worldwide.

 

For more information, please contact:
Charles McEntee
Coordinator, International Affairs
Distilled Spirits Council
Email: [email protected]