Seminars will be taking place
on both nights of the Grand Tasting Hall
Please make sure that you reserve your spot in the seminar of your choice at the Seminar Registration Table located in the Grand Tasting Hall. Although seminars are free with admittance to the Grand Tasting Hall, space is limited so reserve your spot as soon as you get there.

Day 1 - Thursday, November 13

Day 2 - Friday, November 14

About our Speakers:

Craig Johnstone
Company: The Macallan
Title: Scotch Whisky Brand Ambassador
Originally Based: Edinburgh, Scotland
Presently Based: Vancouver, Canada
Seminar Topic: Fresh back from his pilgrimage to The Bodegas and Jerez, Spain, Craig Johnstone delves into the importance of using oak in the making of The Macallan. Enjoy the fine flavours of several of The Macallan varities while Craig shares his knowledge.
Satellite Event Host @: The Macallan Dinner at Gotham Steakhouse

Jamie MacKenzie
Company: Morrison-Bowmore Distillers
Title: Regional Manager, North America
Based In: Glasglow, Scotland
Bio: Jamie MacKenzie joined Morrison-Bowmore Distillers in
Edinburgh, in June, 2001.  He was initially deployed in the UK market before an ambassadorial posting came up in the USA in 2004.  Between 2005 and 2008 Jamie has worked hard to develop Bowmore, Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch and McClellands for MBD in 14 European markets and is now relishing the prospect of returning to the USA as regional manager.  Jamie has performed seminars and tasting in front of audiences small and large around the world.
Seminar Topic: Join Jamie MacKenzie, North America Regional Manager of Morrison
Bowmore Distillers, to learn more about the oldest distillery on Islay and enjoy a wee dram of the intriguing Bowmore 15 year old Darkest - the Islay malt that has been “finished” for 3 long years in sherry casks.
Satellite Event Host @: The Morrison-Bowmore Dinner at Watermark On Kits Beach

Marc Lavadiere
Company: Highland Park
Title: Canadian Brand Ambassador
Based In: Toronto, Canada
Bio: Laverdiere, 56, travels Canada to conduct some of the most engaging master classes and tutorials in the business. In his role as Brand Ambassador, he works towards educating the public on how to get the most from their drams. Avuncular, boisterous, and equipped with a smile as warm as the whisky he’s talking about, Marc consistently wins audiences over with his story-teller style, self-deprecating wit and decidedly light-hearted approach to appreciating the spirit.
Seminar Topic: Michael Jackson: “Highland Park is the greatest all-rounder in the world of malts!”, Paul Pacult: “Highland Park 18, the Best Spirit in the World” Jim Murray, about Highland Park 25: “Nectar! Hang on: is nectar this good?” Join Marc and discover for yourself why Highland Park enjoys such a cult following with Scotch Enthusiasts.
Satellite Event Host @: Highland Park Dinner at Coast Restaurant

Michael Nicolson
Company: Retired (Ex-Master Distiller for Lagavulin, Royal Lochnagar, Blair Attol, Glenkinchie, Caol Ila. Worked for Glen Ord, Teanninich, Glen Albyn, Glen Mhor, Aultmore, Dallas Dhu, Dalwhinnie, Benromach, Cardhu, Rosebank, Linkwood, Linlithgow and Glenesk)
Title: Master Distiller
Originally Based: Scotland
Presently Based: Victoria, Canada
Bio: As a third generation distiller, Michael Nicolson’s career began in 1967 encompassing every aspect of distillation including the use of a shovel.  Since his humble beginnings, Michael managed some of the premier scotch producing distilleries while also touching many distilleries along the way. Michael now teaches about whisky at the University of Victoria.
Seminar Topic: JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ - widely recognized as one of the finest scotch whiskies in the world. Join Michael as he takes guests through the Blue Label journey with a nosing and tasting session. Enjoy this fine product exclusively during his seminar as Michael describes his experiences with JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™. Attendees will be guided through an understanding of the essence behind the brand and why it is so rare, limited and exceptional.