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.
SOLD OUT
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
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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 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
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