Topic: A Sip of Knowledge with Raj Sabharwal, Glass Revolution Imports

Hosts: Liz Rhoades, Lew Bryson, & Martin Duffy

What You'll Learn: Join a trio of drink industry veterans in weekly conversation on whiskey, spirits, distilling, marketing and the current state of the drink industry. This week, Raj Sabharwal, founding partner and managing director at Glass Revolution Imports, joins the group.

After 25 years in the corporate world, Raj decided to follow his passions for fine wine and spirits and in 2010 started Purple Valley Imports USA LLC. In 2017, Purple Valley Imports changed their name to Glass Revolution Imports.

Glass Revolution is an importer specializing in world class spirits from independent distilleries. Raj personally selects the brands and selections offered and his passion is reflected in the Single Casks of Whisky and Rums that Glass Revolution offers.

At present Glass Revolution's portfolio includes: Amrut Single Malts and Rums, Blackadder Whisky, Murray McDavid, The Firkin Whisky Co., Drouet Cognac, Mahon Gin  and a number of Single Malt Independent Bottlers. Glass Revolution were the first to import Single Malt Whiskies from India, Czech, England and Australia, into the USA.  Glass Revolution’s portfolio includes a number of multi-award-winning products, including 4 World Whiskies of The Year. In addition Glass Revolution was recently appointed the exclusive US Importer of Waterford Irish Single Malt Whisky.

Glass Revolution has been recognized as “Whisky Importer of the Year” for 2013, 2014 and 2015 by Whisky Magazine’s Icons of America Whisky. In 2017, Whisky Magazine recognized Raj as World Whisky Ambassador (Highly Commended) with their American Icon’s of Whisky Award.

Raj is an avid wine and spirits collector and is WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) Spirits Level 3 certified, a WSET Level 1 and 2 Certified Spirits Educator and a Certified Whisky Ambassador. Raj has spoken at Whisky and Spirits Conferences around the world.

Liz Rhoades, founder of Spirit Safe Consulting, former research scientist for DIAGEO, distilling consultant, spirits writer for The Whiskey Wash & presenter.

Lew Bryson, former managing editor for Whisky Advocate Magazine for 20 years, whiskey author, beer/whiskey writer and presenter.

Martin Duffy, former DIAGEO Master of Whisky for the Midwest, DIAGEO Reserve Brand Ambassador for The Republic of Ireland, North American Brand Representative for Glencairn Crystal.