The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) has connected American spirits producers this week with local importers, distributors, bartenders, retailers and media during an Australian trade tour.

Taking place across Sydney and Brisbane, the tour features representatives from DISCUS member brands and companies including BroVo Spirits, Liberty and Plenty Distillery, Middle West, Noble Oak, Old Elk, Proof and Wood Ventures, Traverse City, Virginia Distillery Co.

Commencing in Sydney on 28 July with a trade tasting at Ace Hotel Sydney in Surry Hills and followed by a trade and media dinner at the US Consul General’s private residence, the tour is heading to Brisbane for a second showcase event at Blackbird Bar & Restaurant on 30 July.

Designed as a one-stop tasting event for the Australian drinks trade, attendees have been given the opportunity to discover new US releases entering the market, meet producers face-to-face, and gain insight into the trends shaping the American spirits category globally and locally.

Alongside the visiting brands, attendees have also sampled established American whiskey and spirits brands already available in Australia, including Ezra Brooks, High West, Jack Daniel’s, Kentucky Owl, Nelson’s Green Brier, Old Forester, Ole Smoky, Penelope, Woodford Reserve and Yellowstone.

American whiskey accounted for 45% of all US spirits exports in 2025, with Australia its third biggest international market.

Drinks Digest attended the trade and media tasting evening, hosted by Jolene’s co-owner Simon Rose-Hopkins, which kicked off with Old Fashioneds and Whiskey Sours made with Ezra Brooks Bourbon Whiskey and High West Whiskey respectively.

Our favourites among the new-to-Australia spirits included the Traverse City Whiskey Co Michigan Apple, made with hand-picked, early-season apples. It featured the most delicious nose of red fruit and vanilla and was robust and rounded on the palate.

We also enjoyed the caramel and vanilla notes of the Tumblin’ Dice Single Barrel Bourbon, which was a category winner at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.

It was fascinating to chat to the distillers, including Liberty & Plenty CEO Tina Williford (above), who founded her business in March 2020 as a 100% woman-owned craft distillery.

After a successful career in the wine industry, Williford obtained her Master of Science degree in Brewing & Distilling from Heriot Watt University. She about to open her second distillery in North Carolina and has plans for a third on the drawing board.

She showcased her popular Bronze Bull Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey & Fig Barrels, which features blended bourbons rested for four months in barrels washed in fig, wildflower honey and buckwheat honey. It tastes just as good as it sounds!

Pictured main: Whisky influencer Ross Johnson.