The Distilled Spirits Council of the US, the national trade association representing leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits in the United States, has just confirmed that it will participate in the 2018 Drinks Industry Show.
Event Director David Paterson, of organiser Exhibitions & Trade Fairs, said, “This is exceptionally exciting news. The Distilled Spirits Council will showcase iconic American Whiskeys such as Jim Beam Bourbon, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Wild Turkey Bourbon, Bulleit Bourbon, among others.”
“On top of that, this latest announcement means the Council will be bringing, and exhibiting, a number of distilleries from America that are looking to break into the Australian market. It is a fantastic opportunity for Australians to taste new, boutique American product, offering a unique opportunity for buyers to be the first to taste many in Australia.”
To give the extended numbers of American exhibitors an appropriate platform, the 2018 Drinks Industry Show will have a dedicated American Pavilion on the show floor, with several distillers having a stand. These include:
Corsair Artisan Distillery: founded in 2008, Corsair “sets its marks where it all started”, becoming the first craft distillery in Nashville since prohibition. Its innovative, adventurous spirits have won more than 800 medals at national and international spirits competitions.
House Spirits Distillery: this pioneer of America’s craft-distilling resurgence believes in being distilling’s equivalent to “minimalist cooking”, making its spirits from scratch and crafting each of its award-winning products with an intense and passionate pursuit of perfection, using the best natural ingredients, treating them with care, and allowing them to express their unique character.
Red Eye Louie’s Vodquila: is a special blend of ultra premium vodka and imported super premium tequila. The vodka is made from multiple grains and distilled six times, while the Tequila is made from pure blue agave plants and distilled in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Vodquila’s super clean taste and rich aroma is achieved by blending these bases in small vats, macerated together at a high temperature to achieve a perfect blend.
As well as meeting and engaging on the show floor, buyers can look forward to an exclusive master class on day two, hosted by the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. and showcasing the very best in American spirits. Places will be issued first come, first served, so get in early to avoid missing out.
David Paterson said, “Whiskey and bourbon sales continue to rise in Australia. Research has shown Australians drink around 19 million glasses of whiskey a month, which is some three million more glasses than in 2009. In 2006, Australians aged over 65 were the most likely to drink whiskey, and those 18-34 were least likely, but now, the proportion of drinkers of these beverages in the younger group has been steadily growing, year on year. This makes the Distilled Spirits Council’s decision to exhibit at the 2018 Drinks Industry Show very timely.”
Robert Maron, Director of International Affairs, Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., said, “The American whiskey sector is dynamic and includes internationally recognised brands and new distillers. There is an American whiskey for every palate; from a sweet Bourbon Whiskey with hints of caramel, to a smooth Tennessee Whiskey with charcoal notes, to an American Rye Whiskey with a spicy and peppery finish.
“Within each category, there is an American Whiskey for every adult consumer’s taste preference and price point. Last year, U.S. spirits exports to Australia were valued at $127 million, up 12 per cent as compared with 2016, and in 2017 American Whiskey accounted for approximately 80 per cent of the total in terms of value. So, clearly there is an interest in American spirits and the American Whiskey, making Australia an ideal market for our new distillers to explore.”