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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 is still Saturday Masterclass available this year. 

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

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.

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.   

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 in 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

Greg Mefford, Luxco's International Sales Director

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.