The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) has launched American whiskey education sessions for Australian bartenders.

Australian bartenders can deepen their knowledge of American whiskey through a series of free virtual educational sessions, complete with tasting kits delivered directly to their doors.

As part of DISCUS’ Cheers! Spirits from the USA program, these sessions aim to provide hands-on, practical learning to help bartenders better understand the diversity, flavour profiles and craftsmanship that define America’s leading whiskey styles.

The initiative comes at a time when Australian consumers are increasingly curious about whiskey and are looking to bartenders for guidance on what differentiates Bourbon, Rye, Tennessee whiskey and the fast-growing American Single Malt category.

While American whiskey has long held a cultural legacy, DISCUS said it recognises that education is the key to helping bartenders translate that heritage into meaningful recommendations and elevated drink experiences.

The first session—American Whiskey 101: Heritage, Style & Taste—will be held on 24 November 2025. Designed for bartenders with up to three years’ experience, it provides a foundational understanding of how American whiskey is made, what influences flavour development, and how regional history has shaped the category.

Guided by American whiskey advocates Scott Allan and Emma Cookson in partnership with The Whisky List, the interactive, taste-along session aims to demystify key styles while helping emerging bartenders build confidence in recommending American whiskey on the bar.

For those ready to go deeper, the second session—American Whiskey 201: Distillers, Definitions & Distinctions—will be held on 1 December 2025. Aimed at bartenders with three to six years’ experience, this advanced masterclass explores production methods, distillery philosophies and the technical differences that define sub-categories within the American whiskey family.

Bartenders can express their interest in taking part by emailing nicole@agent99pr.com.