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.
NEW
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.