DISCUS launches free American whiskey education sessions

Emerging Australian bartenders are being invited to deepen their knowledge of American whiskey by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), through a series of free virtual educational sessions, complete with tasting kits delivered directly to their door.

Part of DISCUS’ Cheers! Spirits from the USA program, the sessions are designed to give bartenders practical, hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the diversity, flavour profiles and craftsmanship behind America’s leading whiskey styles.

Australian consumers are increasingly looking for bartenders to help guide them through the nuances of Bourbon, Rye, Tennessee whiskey and the fast-growing American Single Malt category. DISCUS said it recognises that education is the key to helping bartenders translate the heritage of American whiskey into meaningful recommendations and elevated drink experiences.

The first session, American Whiskey 101: Heritage, Style & Taste, takes place on Monday 24 November 2025 at 1:00pm AEDT. Designed for bartenders with up to three years’ experience, the session provides a foundational understanding of how American whiskey is made, what influences flavour development, and how regional history has shaped the category.

Each attendee will receive a Bartender Education Kit featuring: Jim Beam Black (Bourbon), Green River (Bourbon), Westland (Single Malt), Woodford (Bourbon), High West Double (Rye), and Nelson’s Green Brier (Tennessee).

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 Monday 1 December 2025 at 1:00pm AEDT. 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.

Participants will receive a Premium Bartender Kit, featuring: Belle Meade Reserve (Bourbon), Bardstown (Bourbon), High West High Country (Single Malt), Penelope Wheated (Wheated Bourbon), Sagamore Small Batch (Rye), and Jack Daniels Bonded (Tennessee).

Both sessions are free, with limited places available. Bartenders can express their interest by emailing nicole@agent99pr.com.