WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States today announced its Spring 2017 American Whiskey Trail (AWT) media tour April 23-28. 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 tasting reception and private tour of George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill at Mount Vernon Estate just outside of Washington, D.C. From there, participants will have the opportunity to visit other historic sites and distilleries in Tennessee and Kentucky, including George Dickel Distillery, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Woodford Reserve Distillery, Wild Turkey Distillery, Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam American Stillhouse, Bulleit’s Stitzel-Weller Distillery and Brown-Forman Barrel Cooperage.

In addition, there will be an opportunity to meet with many of America’s new small distillers at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville, Tenn. on April 27. The trip will also feature a tour of The Country Music Hall of Fame and race viewing at Keeneland Racetrack.

The popularity and appeal of Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, and American Rye Whiskey are not just limited to the U.S. exports of Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, and American Rye Whiskey represent 68 percent of U.S. spirits exports and approached $1 billion in 2016. 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.

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The Distilled Spirits Councilis the national trade association representing producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the United States.

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 of the United States is a national trade association representing U.S. producers, marketers and exporters of distilled spirits products (www.distilledspirits.org).  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 primarily on the history and unique qualities of American Whiskeys, including Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey and Rye Whiskey, which account for the vast majority of U.S. spirits exports worldwide.