2023 Masterclasses

New VIP Announcement to Whisky Ottawa! SOLD OUT

Welcome Dougal Barr – Douglas Laing Global Brand Ambassador, our new VIP presenter.

With a Masters in Scottish History from the University of Edinburgh and well over a decade of public speaking experience, Dougal found the world of Whisky a very organic and natural fit when he stepped into discussing Scotland’s largest and most famous export. Having worked with world-renowned brands such as Auchentoshan, Bowmore, Laphroaig and Glen Garioch over several years with Beam Suntory, Dougal had the perfect knowledge base to step into the diverse world of Douglas Laing & Co as their Global Brand Ambassador. Whether it is an education in blending and Blended Malts with the Remarkable Regional Malts Series or deep-diving into the wonderful world of independently bottled Single Cask expressions, you can expect a passionate, easy-going discussion around the wonderful history of Scotch whisky, the science behind it and the delights it can offer up to the newcomer and seasoned whisky drinking veteran alike.

It's time to share this extraordinary surprise presenter with you all!
Wellcome Dougal Barr – Douglas Laing Global Brand Ambassador to his second visit to Canada
and his first to Whisky Ottawa!
 
 

Unique Executive Experience SOLD OUT!
Masterclass: VIP Exclusive Experience with Dougal Barr – Douglas Laing Global Brand Ambassador
Friday, September 29th, 2023, Venue: Montgomery Scotch Lounge
this ticket also includes the VIP Exclusive Experience with Dougal Barr, see below
 
First in Canada at Whisky Ottawa
Douglas Laing's 75th anniversary, Whiksy Ottawa, brings you three of the anniversary releases!  
XOP Caol Ila 25yo
XOP Glenrothes 25yo 
XOP Tullibardine 30yo 
75th anniversary 1 - (Douglas Laing special release)
75th anniversary 2  - (Douglas Laing special release)
75th anniversary 3  - (Douglas Laing special release)
 

 

 

SOLD OUT

VIP Exclusive Experience with Dougal Barr – Douglas Laing Global Brand Ambassador
Saturday, September 30th, 2023, at 5:00 pm, Venue: Shaw Center
 
Epicurean Amarone
Aberfeldy 8 Provenance
Invergordon 19 Year Old Particular
Dailuaine Midnight Series Old Particular
Rock Island 14-Year-Old Sherry Edition
75th anniversary 1 or other special release
 

With a Masters in Scottish History from the University of Edinburgh and well over a decade of public speaking experience, Dougal found the world of Whisky a very organic and natural fit when he stepped into discussing Scotland’s largest and most famous export. Having worked with world-renowned brands such as Auchentoshan, Bowmore, Laphroaig and Glen Garioch over several years with Beam Suntory, Dougal had the perfect knowledge base to step into the diverse world of Douglas Laing & Co as their Global Brand Ambassador. Whether it is an education in blending and Blended Malts with the Remarkable Regional Malts Series or deep-diving into the wonderful world of independently bottled Single Cask expressions, you can expect a passionate, easy-going discussion around the wonderful history of Scotch whisky, the science behind it and the delights it can offer up to the newcomer and seasoned whisky drinking veteran alike.

 
 

2023 Whisky Ottawa will present our public Masterclasses Series on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at Shaw Centre.   These public Masterclasses Series each year are overwhelmingly successful, and they sell out each year!

These Masterclasses are open to all whisky enthusiasts who desire to expand their knowledge of whiskies worldwide. You do not require a Whisky Ottawa main event ticket to be part of these intimate educational experiences. The masterclasses are on Saturday, Sept 30, starting at 14:00 and running till 17:30.

 

There are still Saturday Masterclasses available this year. 

 

In from Japan, Naoki TOMOYOSHI

Nikka Whisky Master Class Discovering its history, craft and limited editions

THE NIKKA WHISKY DISTILLING CO., LTD.
Global Marketing & Sales Department
Representative
Saturday, 5:00 pm until 5:45 pm

As a core member of Nikka Whisky’s international business,  Naoki has spent almost a decade championing Nikka Whisky around the world. Based in Tokyo and with a bartending background, Naoki is a veteran of the Japanese whisky and cocktail scene.

Today, Nikka Whisky produces various types of whiskies, such as Single Malt Yoichi and Miyagikyo, blended whiskies, and grain whiskies. Nikka also has a long history of distilling white spirits for the domestic market, including gin and vodka. This has led to the global release of Coffey Gin and Coffey Vodka, expressions that are based 100% on our Coffey still distillate, as an attempt to further pursue the beauty of the Coffey Still*.

*One of the very first designs of the column still, which retains more flavours of the ingredient grain whilst creating a pleasant silky texture.

Among all the products, Nikka From the Barrel has grown to become an iconic expression of Nikka that is highly recognized by top bartenders of the world as an excellent whisky for cocktails. Coffey Grain is also increasing its presence in the global bar scene.

Further information on the story of Nikka can be found in our website.

Masterclass:
From The Barrel
Yoichi Single Malt Whisky
Miyagikyo Single Malt Whisky
Yoichi Discovery Series Single Malt Aromatic Yeast Whisky Limited Edition
Miyagikyo Discovery Series Single Malt Aromatic Yeast Whisky Limited Edition
https://www.nikka.com/eng/story/
 
 

Karina Mair
National brand ambassador for Michter’s
Saturday, Sep 30th at 3:00 pm until 3:45 pm
 

Karina joined Michter’s in 2022 as Eastern Canada Regional Advisor. Today, Karina’s role has expanded to managing Michter’s business development across the entire country as Lead Advisor for Canada.

As a native ot Canada, Karina’s passion for whiskey runs deep. Prior to joining Michter’s, Karina spent 20+ years in the beverage industry. Starting in 2016, Karina’s passion for Michter’s began as she was working as a top sales representative for the importer in Toronto.”

Masterclass Theme: Bourbon
US*1 Bourbon
US*1 Rye
US*1 Sour Mash
US*1 American Unblended
10 Yr Bourbon
10 Yr Rye 

 

 

Greg Mefford, Luxco's International Sales Director
Saturday, Sep 30th at 3:45 pm until 4:30 pm

Since March 2015, Greg Mefford has served as Luxco’s International Sales Director, supporting the international sales team as they develop Luxco’s global importer network.

“The toughest part of my job is managing all of the time zones,” said Mefford. “But seeing our brands grow and be recognized in different countries around the world makes it all worth it.”

When not at work, Greg fronts a band that goes by the name of Deaf Mefford, playing classic rock music primarily from the “cassette years” of the 70s and 80s. He plays guitar and sings. Friends from high school play in the group, and Greg’s wife, Caryn, sings as well. “It’s really a lot of fun,” said Mefford.

When not playing a show or charity gig, Greg enjoys racing cars and karts and attending Blues and Cardinals games.

Masterclass Theme:
Ezra Brooks 99 Proof KSBW
Old Ezra 7-Year-Old Barrel Strength 117 Proof KSBW
Yellowstone Select 93 Proof KSBW
Yellowstone Special Finishes Collection ‘Toasted’ 100 Proof KSBW
Rebel 100 Proof KSBW
Rebel 10-Year-Old 100 Proof Single Barrel KSBW
 

Guest presenter: Bryan Simpson, National Brand Ambassador for Ardbeg & Glenmorangie
Saturday, Sep 30th, 5:00 pm until 5:45 pm
 

Bryan Simpson has been a part of the Scotch Whisky community for over a decade, both in his native Scotland and his new home of Canada. Born in Glasgow but now living in Toronto, he has ignited thousands of Canadians' passion for Single Malt before being appointed Canadian Brand Ambassador for Ardbeg and Glenmorangie.

 

Back in Scotland, Bryan combined his love for the Highlands with his whisky-tasting zeal and formed a whisky club that experienced Scotch in the heart of Scotland's wilds. His well-honed palate was developed pairing whisky drinkers with their perfect dram, where he gained a reputation of hosting engaging presentations to both those new to Scotch and experienced malt enthusiasts.

Bryan's obsession with Ardbeg and Glenmorangie is not just what's in the glass but the history of both brands and how it ties to Scotch Whisky as a whole. His interest in the scientific aspects of Scotch making is clear but just as important to him is the social world that exists around his favourite drink and how it brings people together.

Masterclass Theme:
Bryan will be hosting a Glenmorangie masterclass. "I’ll bring along 5 of our expressions".
Glenmorangie Original 10 years old
Lasanta 12 years old
Quinta Ruban 14 years old
Glenmorangie Signet
Glenmorangie Palo Cortado Cask Finish 12yo
 
 

Our 2023 Master Blender, National Brand Education Specialist, Authors and  National Brand Ambassador
Our guest presenter: Master Blender, Dr. Don Livermore
Saturday, Sep 30th at 4:15 pm until 5:00 pm
 

Meet Dr. Don Livermore, the Master Blender of Hiram Walker & Sons Limited in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He is responsible for some of Canada’s award-winning whiskies, such as JP Wiser’s, Lot 40, Pike Creek, and Gooderham & Worts. After graduating in 1996 from the University of Waterloo with a degree in microbiology, 

CDN Whisky Masterclass

J.P. Wiser's 10 Year
Lot 40 Dark Oak
Lot 40 Port Cask
J.P. Wiser's 18 YO
Lot 40 Cherry Cask
J.P. Wiser's 42 Year Cask Strength
 
 
 

Colin MacDougall
National Brand Education Specialist at Corby Spirit and Wine Limited
Saturday, Sep 30th at 3:15 pm until 4:00 pm
 

While he’s a dyed-in-the-wool “Bluenoser” who originally hails from Nova Scotia, Colin MacDougall travelled the corners of the earth before settling back into Canada on its Pacific Coast. Here he continued his passion for the spirit and wine industry, becoming a specialist for an already well-respected and dedicated team at Corby’s/Pernod-Ricard.

Colin knows that everything in life tells a story, and he has been telling the story of the beverage industry since the early 2000s. He is an expert on the multitude of diverse stories and nuances world spirits have to offer, is a seasoned beverage program consultant, an award-winning cocktail menu architect, and was a familiar face behind the bar as a manager at a number of prestigious restaurants, including Melbas on the Park, West, Pourhouse, and Blue Water Café.

For Colin, spirit education is more than simply an occupation – it’s a golden opportunity to educate loyal fans and new acolytes alike, championing the very best that the world's distilleries have to offer.

Masterclass Theme: Bourbon
Rabbit Hole Cavehill
Rabbit Hole Dareringer
Rabbit Hole TBD
Jefferson's Reserve Very Small Batch
Jefferson's Ocean

 

 

Davin de Kergommeaux
Author/writer and presenters
Saturday, Sep 30th at 2:45 pm until 3:30 pm
 

Freelance whisky writer, public speaker and spirits judge Davin de Kergommeaux is the author of three whisky books and is recognized as the world expert on Canadian whisky. Whisky travels have taken him to four continents to pour and speak about Canadian whisky and visit local producers and distilleries. In 2016 the Globe and Mail named him one of the 50 most influential Canadians in food and drink, then in 2018, the New York Times said his significance in the revival of Canadian whisky could not be overstated.  He lives in Ottawa with his wife and Lhasa apso pup.   

My Masterclass features 5 whiskies from St Laurent Distillery.  I visited them a few months back for a story in Whisky Magazine, and I was blown away.  Terroir on Steroids in Eastern Quebec, Distillerie St. Laurent on the shores of the 30-miles-wide Fleuve St Lawrence imbues Quebec-grown rye and barley malt with unmatchable seaside character and the aura of maple-wood smokers.
 
St. Laurent Single Malt Pedro Ximénez barrel finish 47%
St. Laurent maple-smoked Single Malt Téquila barrel finish 47%
St Laurent 3 Grain Port butt finish 47%
St Laurent Rye 43%
St Laurent Acerum 40%

 

 

International Whisky Brand Ambassador,
Macaloney Brewers & Distillers
Saturday, Sep 30th at 4:00 pm until 4:45 pm
 

Robin has more than a decade of experience in the spirits industry and has represented brands including Hart Brothers, Dun Bheagan, and Hunter Laing. Most recently, he worked as a Fine Spirits Specialist at the prestigious Waddington’s Auctioneer and Appraisal House. He has attained a plethora of industry accreditations, including a WSET Level 2 Spirit Instructor Certification and WEST Level 3 Sake Instructor Certification. He is a dual US/Canadian citizen and served as a combat paramedic stationed with the US Marine Corp. Mr. Morgan is a veteran sales representative and a true whisky enthusiast who brings with him unparalleled product knowledge.

Based On Vancouver Island in Bristish Columbia Canada, Robin is responsible for Macaloney’s Whisky portfolio in North America (except BC). If you’re interested in stocking Macaloney’s whiskies in your liquor store or are looking for a guided whisky tasting for your club, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Please contact him at: robin@macaloneydistillers.com

An Loy Single Malt Whisky.
St. Mallie Muscatel Single Cask Single Malt.
Kildara Triple Distilled Potstill. World Whiskies Awards 2023, Best in the World
Cath-Na-Aven Single Malt Whisky
An Aba Single Malt Whisky Peated. Whiskies of the World Awards, Double Gold
Peat Project Single Malt Whisky.
 

Buy Tickets Here

 

 

 

When and Where

Unique Executive Experience
Masterclass with Dougal Barr
Friday September 29th, 2023
Venue: Montgomery Scotch Lounge,750 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa ON
Now on sale

Masterclass Series
Saturday September 30th, 2023
at 2:00pm and 5:30pm
Venue: Shaw Center, Ottawa ON
Now on sale

VIP Exclusive Experience
Saturday September 30th, 2023
at 5:00pm
with Dougal Barr
Venue: Shaw Center, Ottawa ON
Now on sale

Grand Tasting Hall
(main event)
Saturday September 30th, 2023
at 7:00pm
Venue: Shaw Center, Ottawa ON
Now on sale

Buy tickets online now

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