Continuing its initiative to promote American Spirits in India, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) hosted yet another tasting in New Delhi where existing as well as aspiring Spirits brands from the US were showcased. The event, held at the official residence of Mr. Clay Hamilton, Agricultural Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of the United States in India, was steered by Nikhil Agarwal, CEO of Mumbai-based consultancy All Things Nice which represents DISCUS in India.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United US (DISCUS) Is a national trade association representing producers, marketers & exporters of distilled spirits products in the United States. In partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture's Market Access Program (MAP), DISCUS aims to educate the hospitality industry, adult consumers, and media in key spirits markets on the taste, heritage, and style of American distilled spirits.
American whiskies in a nutshell
Bourbon Whiskey
- Can be made anywhere in the United States.
- Must be made with at least 51% corn.
- The remaining 49% can consist of malted barley, rye, or wheat.
- Must be aged for some time in new charred oak barrels. A bourbon aged for 2 at least two years may be further designated as “straight”.
- All Bourbons are American Whiskey, but not all American Whiskeys are Bourbon.
Tennessee Whiskey
- Can only be made in Tennessee.
- There are many similarities between Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey, but if it comes from Tennessee and it is charcoal filtered before it’s aged-it’s a Tennessee Whiskey.
Rye Whiskey
- Can be made anywhere in the United States.
- Must be made with at least 51% rye.
- The remaining 49% can consist of malted barley, rye or wheat.
- Ageing specifications are same as that for Bourbon whiskey
Great opportunity to get updated on American Spirits
Having attended several such events in the past, I have found them to be a great opportunity to be updated on the latest developments and market trends on American Spirits. This event was no less in terms of a wide array of classic as well as innovative representations of whisky, vodka, gin, rum, and more. I am listing some that stood out for me.
Proof and Wood Ventures
A Connecticut-based spirits company, Proof and Wood buys, sells, ages, and bottles American whiskey apart from some other spirits such as rum and genever.
The Representative Straight Bourbon Whiskey
75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Barley
ABV: 57.5% (approx)
A small batch whiskey aged for 4 years, having smooth fruity and earthy flavours. Prominent notes of citrus, tobacco and spice gave it a good complexity.
The Senator Straight Rye Whiskey
95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
ABV: 56% – 60.5%
A barrel-proof (undiluted whiskey from the barrel, also called “cask strength) aged for a minimum of 6 years in new charred oak barrels. The blend of this whisky is produced by mingling 10-20 select barrels. The palate expresses notes of dried fruits, caramel, orange peel and chocolate.
Tumblin Dice Straight Bourbon Whiskey
60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Barley
ABV: 50%
A bold and spicy Bourbon made in small batches from 20 barrels and aged for a minimum of 4 years. A robust mouthfeel cushioned with a well-rounded smoothness.
In 2023, American Whiskeys, accounted for 63% of all U.S. spirits exports, reaching a record $1.4 billion. In the same year, total U.S. spirits exports reached a record $2.2 billion.
U.S. spirits exports to high-tariff countries, such as India, Vietnam, and Brazil reached $69.2 million, accounting for only 3% of total U.S. spirits exports in 2022.
Source: DISCUS Report on American Spirits Export 2023
Market research firm Statista forecasts the size of the spirits market in India for 2024 as US$ 29.8 bn.
Ole Smoky Distillery
Founded in 2010, Ole Smoky is the leading craft distiller in the U.S. and operates some most-visited distilleries in the world. When Tennessee laws changed in 2010 and legalized the production of moonshine (a term used for illicit liquor of the prohibition era), their master distillers began creating some award-winning products with knowledge passed down through generations of local families.
Today, Ole Smoky offers more than 25 authentic moonshine and 17 innovative whiskey flavours.
We tasted the following from Ole Smoky:
- Blended Whiskey (40% ABV).
- Salty Caramel Whiskey (30% ABV).
- Mango Habanero Whiskey (35% ABV).
- Peanut Butter Whiskey (30% ABV).
The blended whiskey was smooth and fruity with a touch of smoke, and the flavoured whiskies were sure shot sipping delights albeit closer to being liqueurs. If you like the more commonly available Jack Daniel’s Honey, then you’ll simply love these. I found the Peanut Butter variant awesome, closely followed by the Mango Habanero which had a tangy and peppery twist.
Virginia Distillery
Virginia Distillery was founded by an Irish immigrant Dr. George G. Moore who was passionate about single malt whisky, his vision being to make a world-class single malt in America.
In 2011, George started his venture in Lovingston, VA. but unfortunately passed away in 2013. George’s wife, Angela, and his son, Gareth inherited his vision and chose to finish building George’s distillery which eventually became functional in 2015.
The Virginia Distillery produces its whiskies using 100% American malted barley and fresh spring water fed from the Blue Ridge Mountains, distilling them in hand-hammered copper pot stills from Scotland. The whiskies are then aged in different casks.
Virginia Distillery’s label “Courage and Conviction” is a homage to their Founder’s favourite expression “Have the courage of your conviction”.
I tasted their Port Cask, Sherry Cask, Bourbon Cask and Cuvée Cask finishes. All the liquids were exceptionally smooth and well differentiated in taste profiles. However I did not find the Port and Sherry finishes as much obvious as the Cuvée Cask which had an unambiguous vinosity about it. Being a wine lover, my preference certainly tilted towards it.
Courage and Conviction Signature Series Cuvée Cask
Aged a minimum of four years, this whisky is matured in speciality Cuvée wine casks. The whisky showcases its natural colour and is not chill-filtered. It is bottled in batches to highlight the nuance of each contributing barrel.
The whisky has red fruit aromas followed by a mouth-filling palate reminiscent of a full-bodied wine.
Uncle Nearest
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honours the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green who was affectionately nicknamed Uncle Nearest by his friends and family in Lynchburg. It was the first spirits brand in the world to be named after a Black American and is the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in U.S. history. Their portfolio includes the Most Awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey of 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The brand launched in 2017 and swiftly rolled out to all 50 states throughout the U.S., the District of Columbia, and abroad.
Three whiskies from Uncle Nearest were offered at the tasting as follows:
- 1856 Premium Whiskey (50% ABV).
- 1884 Single Batch Whiskey (46.5% ABV).
- Straight Rye Whiskey (50% ABV).
All the above whiskies were soft on the palate with diverse aromas and flavours ranging from fruits, nuts, and spice to caramel. Their Straight Rye Whiskey was my potion of choice with its bold-rich character underlined with spice.
Other American Spirits at the tasting
There were several other Spirits at the tasting that I would love to describe as well but for the readability constraints. Hence I am sharing their details including weblinks and images for you to explore. I hope that you will find something to pique your interest equally.
Stone Ledge Distillery is located in the heart of the Ozark Highlands and produces quality spirits using all-natural, non-GMO, heirloom seed ingredients, extra-long fermentation, and chemical-free process using handcrafted stills.
Products: Stowloch Whiskey, InverXion Vodka.
Founded by Chander Arora, an Indian immigrant from a textile background in Birmingham, Alabama.
Products: Immoral Spiced Rum, Immoral Vodka, Immoral Gin.
Founded by Shankar Varchas- an Indian immigrant from a software background, in Troy, Michigan.
Products: Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Straight Rye Whiskey.
Located in Appalachian Mountain country, Two Trees Distilling takes particular pride in its “Sustainably Matured™” initiative that reduces the industry’s dependency on wood and other factors that add up towards greenhouse gas emissions.
Products: Whiskey, Flavoured Whiskey, Vodka.
