The Free Seminar Series will be taking place on both nights of the Grand Tasting Hall in The Georgia Straight Seminar Tent

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 19, 2009

Day 2 - Friday November 20, 2009

About our Speakers:

J Wheelock
Company: The Edrington Group (The Macallan, Highland Park, The Famous Grousse)
Title: Scotch Whisky Brand Ambassador
Presently Based: Vancouver, Canada
Bio: J. Wheelock, 40, is the Western Canadian Brand Ambassador for The Macallan, Highland Park, and The Famous Grouse whiskies as well as Brugal rum from the Dominican Republic. Joining the Edrington team full-time in June of 2009, J. comes from nine-year tenure with their international joint-venture partner – Beam Global Canada. J.’s favourite single malt is the Highland Park 18 Year Old (named ‘Best Spirit In The World’ by American whisky expert Paul Pacult in the 2005 Spirit Journal 100 listing of the world’s best 100 distilled spirits) which has traditionally been the malt of choice to be shared with his father every Christmas.
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 Auchentoshan, the famous Lowland distillery that makes the only triple distilled single malt scotch, and enjoy a wee dram of the brand new Auchentoshan Classic - an approachable, modern single malt matured exclusevelly in first-fill bourbon casks.
Satellite Event Host @: The Auchentoshan "SocialReception" at Chill Winston

Dan Tullio/Tish Harkus
Company: Canadian Club

Title: "Godfather/Godmother of Whiskey" / Brand Center Directors and Ambassador

Based In: Windsor, Ontario

Bio: Tullio joined Hiram Walker in 1980 and worked his way through various positions in sales and marketing within the Walkerville, Canada distillery. Tullio has become renowned for his knowledge of all aspects of the various brands within the Canadian Club whisky portfolio. It is Tullio ’s passion, pride and appreciation for Canadian Club whisky that have earned him international recognition as an expert in his field, with invitations to speak at whisky events around the globe. Playing the role of Ambassador for Canadian Club, Tullio is not only the face of this patriotic whisky, but the point of contact for all distributors globally, responsible for product brand management and expert brand training.
Tish is the Brand Ambassador for Canadian Club and has been with the brand owner for over 20 years. Tish promotes the brand at key whisky shows throughout the U.S. and Canada to educate individuals on Canadian Club’s rich history and to share her love of the portfolio. By sharing stories about Walker and his sons, the whisky’s origins and expansion, how it was smuggled during prohibition, and the company’s impact on the local community, Tish hopes to provide those instruments in Canadian Club’s success with a deeper appreciation for the brand.
Seminar Topic:
1. Rich History of CC, bringing forward interesting/fun facts
2. Unique Production Process...'Blended Before Ageing, for Superior Smoothness'
3. Formal Tasting of the various CC Brand Expressions, with drink suggestions for each [CC Premium, CC Reserve 10yr, CC Classic 12yr, CC 150th Special Edition 30yr]

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: Both of Mike's grandfathers were distillers on Islay and his father was a grain distiller from the lowlands. Whisky distilling was therefore, very much in his blood. His first full manager role in 1983, was at Glenkinchie, one of the "Classic Six, from there his responsibilities expanded as manager of Blair Athol, a large and much visited distillery followed by, four years on the Isle of Islay responsible for both Caol Ila and the mighty Lagavulin. Royal Lochnagar was his final posting where he spent five years producing that distinctive spirit. In 2003 he was recognized by Whisky Magazine with an award for special services to the industry.
Seminar Topic: Life as a Master Distiller, the untold stories." - A career at some of Scotland's most well known distilleries including three from the Classic Six, Glenkinchie Dalwhinnie and Lagavulin, often brings moments that aren't printed on a pamphlet. Come enjoy Mike's passion for malt distilling and some of the more unordinary moments he experienced during his career as a Master Distiller.

Alistair Walker
Company: BenRiach Distillery
Title: Owner
Originally Based: Scotland
Presently Based: Scotland
Bio: Coming
Seminar Topic: Coming

Chase Stamp
Company:Brown-Forman (Jack Daniel’s)
Title: Market Manager, BC
Presently Based: Vancouver, Canada
Bio: Chase has been working in the spirits industry since he graduated from University! He recently joined Brown Forman as the Marketi Manager here in Vancouver. Chase brings to the table his in depth knowledge of the brands in his portfolio and his passion for building and promoting these brands through many different facets.
Seminar Topic: Yes, Jack Daniel was a real person, and a pretty fascinating one at that. From birth to death, legend surrounded him. And in between he created Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. That alone makes him legendary in our eyes. Join Chase Stampe, Market Manager, Brown-Forman to learn about the legendary Jack Daniel and what gives Jack Daniel’s its distinctive character