Drinkers here might be familiar with their scotch and Japanese whisky, but it is time for their American counterparts to come to the fore, if spirits distributor Proof & Company has its way.

It is helming the inaugural edition of the Proof & Company Whiskey Weekend, which will be held on Saturday and May 21 at The Great Escape cafe-bar at Golden Mile Tower. Entry is $20 at the door and it runs from 3pm till late.

The celebration of American whiskey, spelt with an "e", comes at a time when there is a confluence of appreciation for, and availability of, such spirits in Singapore, says the company's "spirits evangelist" Joe Alessandroni.

"Singapore and Asia in general are very sophisticated as far as the appreciation of malt whisky goes, but the traditions and style of American whiskey are a little bit different," he says.

Unlike its stuffier, tradition-clad Scottish counterpart, he describes American whiskey as "approachable" and "democratic" enough for the everyman.

While single malts are enjoyed neat more often than used in cocktails, American whiskeys are a bit more versatile.

"You can have American whiskey neat as well, but it is a staple in classic cocktails and some things like rye whiskey are much better in cocktails than sipping neat," he says.

You can sample some of the United States' finest, including Rebel Yell, Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark and more, at the complimentary Whiskey Tasting Bar at the event.

There is also a Blind Tasting Booth on Saturday where, for $5, you will win a prize if you can identify three mystery whiskeys.

American whiskeys also have a longstanding tradition of being used in cocktails and paired with food. Hence, Mr Alessandroni says they want to recreate an American-style block party or cookout, where there will be everything from a make-your-own mint julep bar to hearty grub, including burgers from Blue Label Burgers (by Luke's Oyster Bar & Chop House) and Meat Smith .

Prominent American-style bars in Singapore, such as 28 HongKong Street, Skinny's Lounge, Manhattan and Employees Only, will also have pop-up bars at the two-day event. Each will partner a whiskey brand to serve $10 cocktails.

Additionally, there will be a Bourbon Bake Off on May 21 where participants from professional and amateur baker categories will whip up apple pies. Attendees can sample the pies, along with a shot of HighWest American Prairie bourbon and Scrappy's Bitters "Old Fashioned" ice cream for $10.

For those who wish to delve into the finer points of American whiskeys, there will be half-hour mini masterclasses by industry experts and brand ambassadors. All classes are free and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

On Saturday at 3.15pm, explore Michter's Bourbon with master distiller Pamela Heilmann. On May 21 at 4pm, explore the rye whiskey category with bartender Rusty Cerven, formerly of the Connaught Bar and The Gibson in London.

EC Proof, the retail arm of Proof & Company, will also have a pop-up store with a selection of fine American whiskeys and home bar tools on sale.

The organisers are expecting 1,000 attendees over both days.