L-R- Keith Sunderlal, David Andrew Culver, Steve Bashore, Shatbhi Basu, Christine Anne Locascio and Adam Branson at the Great American Whiskey Experience
L-R: Keith Sunderlal, David Andrew Culver, Steve Bashore, Shatbhi Basu, Christine Anne Locascio and Adam Branson at the Great American Whiskey Experience

The whiskey lover in me was enthralled with an evening of American Whiskeys ~ origin, history, tasting, classic cocktails, and more to savour! The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) hosted the ‘Great American Whiskey Experience’, a one-of-a-kind tasting session with Master Distiller Steve Bashore at the St. Regis, Mumbai.

The event, supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture took the guests on a journey of the history and unique production process of American whiskeys. We tasted six globally recognized American whiskeys that also included a couple of brands that are not currently available in India.

American Whiskey Tasting
American Whiskey Tasting

Showcasing the heritage and flavours of American whiskeys, Steve Bashore shared anecdotes and interesting trivia on American Whiskeys with trade media and connoisseurs in India.

Overall, U.S. distilled spirits exports to India reached almost $4 million in 2014; exports through October 2015 are up 34% over the same period in 2014.  The response American whiskeys have received in the Indian market has been phenomenal and is expected to grow further.

The event featured a tasting led by Steve Bashore, Master Distiller at the historical George Washington’s Distillery in Mount Vernon, Virginia.  Explaining the time-honored tradition of whiskey making in the United States, which dates back to the 1700s, Bashore commented, “American Whiskeys, such as Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskeys and American Rye Whiskeys, are integral to the history of the United States. Our Founding Father George Washington produced a Rye Whiskey, the recipe of which we have worked to recreate at the George Washington Distillery at Mount Vernon.”

Later in the evening, Shatbhi Basu, Mumbai-based American Whiskey Ambassador presented a live cocktail making session, much to the guests’ delight. She showcased the mixability and versatility of American Whiskeys so that the guests could get a taste of the classic American cocktails (with a twist), such as the Manhattan and Old Fashioned, made with Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys.

Say hello to winters with some Hot Toddy!