Heralding Bourbon Heritage Month, a series of virtual experiences will be available to Australian consumers in September as part of the “Cheers! Spirits from the USA” campaign, sponsored by the Distilled Spirits Council of the US (DISCUS).
Supported by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the series will focus on the versatility and quality of bourbon. It will be hosted alongside some of the most iconic global bourbon brands including Woodford Reserve and Wild Turkey.
“Australian adult consumers have an affinity for bourbon,” DISCUS director of Export Promotion Charles McEntee said.
“In fact, Australia is the third-largest export for US distilled spirits in general. Whether you are a bourbon enthusiast or just someone who is interested in learning more about the spirit, these weekly events will educate and entertain you – especially if you’re in lockdown!”
The bespoke bourbon-centric events will be spread throughout September, as below.
Week One – Wild Turkey: A Guided Bourbon Tasting Experience
Starting Thursday 9 September
Wild Turkey offers adult consumers in Australia their new Guided Bourbon Tasting Experience. The virtual trip will transport you to Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, home of the Wild Turkey Distillery. You’ll enjoy an audio tasting experience narrated by the Russell family, including master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell, to learn about their boldest bourbons.
Hollywood star and Wild Turkey creative director Matthew McConaughey also makes an appearance in the podcast. To activate this experience, say “Alexa, enable Wild Turkey Tasting” or “Hey Google, talk to Wild Turkey Tasting.” You can also download the apps on your smart phone.
Week Two – Woodford Reserve: How to master the perfect Old Fashioned
Starting Thursday 16 September
This event is an immersive session into Woodford Reserve and how to make the perfect Old Fashioned at home.
Woodford Reserve will take you through an interactive session exploring the iconic brand, where you will taste their signature whiskey and learn about different food pairings that accentuate the flavour complexities. You’ll learn how to make the classic Old Fashioned cocktail at home.
Attendees will receive a tasting kit with Woodford Reserve samples, as well as syrup to help you make an Old Fashioned.
Week Three – Old Forester: Discover the 151-Year Legacy Behind the World’s first Bottled Bourbon
Starting Thursday 23 September
This is the perfect opportunity to learn about Old Forester, the brand that revolutionised the bourbon sector through its innovation and commitment to quality. While tasting a range of the Old Forester products, you’ll also hear about the key milestones that have impacted bourbon as we know it today.
Attendees will receive a tasting kit with a range of Old Forester samples to enjoy during the event.
Week Four – The Experimental Side of Bourbon and What’s Ahead
Starting Thursday 30 September
In this intimate event, you’ll hear from a leading bourbon expert about some of the world’s most experimental expressions and the future of the sector.
Attendees will receive a tasting kit showcasing some of the most innovative and rare American whiskies – experimenting with different mash bills, wood finishes and mellowing processes; reimagining bourbon as we know it.
To find out more about the series and how to get involved with the events, visit https://cheersspiritsfromtheusa.com/au/.
For more information on these events, visit the American Spirits in Australia Instagram or Facebook page.