American Whiskey Association Brings a Taste of America to Ambassador Kushner’s America 250 Celebration in Paris

Paris — July 3,  2026 — The American Whiskey Association and participating member companies were proud to support Ambassador Charles Kushner’s America 250 celebration at the Ambassador’s residence in Paris, bringing American whiskey to one of the most elegant and memorable diplomatic celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary year.

Hosted at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence, the evening brought together embassy staff, dignitaries, business leaders, cultural figures and distinguished guests for a remarkable celebration of American history, friendship and hospitality. Among those in attendance was former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, underscoring the significance of the evening and the enduring importance of the U.S.-France relationship.

AWA and its member companies were honored to help bring a taste of America to the celebration through a dedicated American whiskey bar. The engagement was extraordinary. Guests lined up throughout the evening to experience American whiskey, ask questions, discuss the category and taste a broad range of expressions from participating AWA member companies.

The AWA bar featured an impressive selection of American whiskey expressions, including legacy labels, premium bourbons, rye whiskeys, Tennessee whiskey, age-stated offerings and limited-edition expressions tied to America 250. The lineup reflected the depth, quality and versatility of the category, while also highlighting the member companies and partners helping carry American whiskey to global audiences.

From classic American whiskey pours to rare and limited selections, the activation gave guests a clear sense of what makes American whiskey distinct: American grain, new charred oak, craftsmanship, patience, innovation and a deep connection to American agriculture and manufacturing.

The evening’s atmosphere was exceptional. Guests experienced world-class hospitality, a performance by the Andrea Bocelli, fireworks and a celebration that captured the spirit of America’s milestone anniversary in unforgettable fashion.

For AWA, the Paris event was about more than a bar activation. It was an opportunity to showcase American whiskey as a premium, authentic Made in America product before diplomatic leaders, cultural figures, international stakeholders and partners who understand the importance of trade, hospitality and cultural diplomacy.

American whiskey is more than a bottle on a bar. It is a grain-to-glass story of American agriculture, manufacturing, craftsmanship, hospitality, trade and cultural diplomacy. Every pour carries the work of U.S. grain farmers, American white oak foresters, barrel makers, distillers, warehouse teams, logistics providers, exporters, restaurants, bars and hospitality professionals.

Paris is a powerful setting for that story. As one of the world’s great centers of culture, diplomacy, hospitality and premium spirits appreciation, Paris provides an important platform to elevate American whiskey and reinforce its place in the global spirits conversation.

AWA’s participation in America 250 celebrations reflects the association’s broader mission to lead, protect and promote American whiskey. These international events are not simply tastings. They are opportunities to place American whiskey before global audiences at moments where diplomacy, culture, trade and commercial opportunity meet.

AWA thanks Ambassador Kushner, the U.S. Embassy Paris team, participating member companies, embassy staff, bartenders, event partners and all those who helped make the evening such an extraordinary success.

Cheers to America, to American whiskey and to the people and partnerships helping carry America’s native spirit around the world.