A diverse and captivating array of expert-led sessions specifically created for this event are being discussed now.
The 2024 Banff Whisky Experience Masterclass/Presentation Lineup will be announced in August 2024.
NOTE: As a special benefit, all festival accommodation package & Pass holders will enjoy a two-week window of early access to select their presentations first. Secure your lineup before the limited remaining seats are made available to the general public.
Stay updated by subscribing to our Newsletter-Click Here.
2023’ Masterclass/Presentation lineup for reference.
FRIDAY DEC 1st, 2023
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (SP 1 & SP 2) 2:30-3:30pm
WHISKY COLLECTING 101- Myths and Legends -
Presented by Ajay Bhardwaj, The Whisky Consultant.
SP1 - 2:30pm FRIDAY
December 1st, 2023
Insight into the world of Collecting Whisky. Who collects, how to start a collection, sell your collection and current trends in the secondary market.
Ajay Bhardwaj – The Whisky Consultant
Ajay is Canada's first certified Whisky Ambassador and Director of Spirits at Iron Gate Auction, Canada's largest Wine and Spirits auction house. He is the Director of North American Operations for the Whisky Ambassador Ltd from Scotland and has also co-developed and delivered the Advanced Whisky Ambassador certification. Ajay is passionate about sharing the story of the spirit and learning with others through the Whisky Ambassador certification, educational tasting events and consultations on investment-grade spirits for buyers and sellers.
OLD & RARE WHISKY in a Global Market - Presented by Graham Ewart and Stuart Davidson of Cask 88.
SP2 - 2:30pm FRIDAY
December 1st, 2023
Direct from Scotland, the Team from Cask 88 will be visiting Canada for the first time to host this Masterclass on the journey of Cask Whisky ownership, how the market is performing currently and the best opportunities for cask investment & acquisition available today. :
Graham Ewart – Whisky Consultant and Portfolio Manager Edinburgh born Graham hails from the world of fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels. During his time, he has grown a love for great food, fine wine and especially whisky. Graham spent years building and rebuilding whisky lists for luxury restaurants in Edinburgh.
Stuart Davidson – Head of Sales and Portfolio Manager Worked in a family-owned whisky merchant “Robbie’s Dram” for 5 years bringing rare and old bottles of Scotch to the global market. Now at Cask 88 for nearly 3 years, his role as Head of Sales is a role that puts Stuart in the heart of the business.
FRIDAY MASTERCLASSES (MC 1-6) 4:00-8:00pm
4:00-5:00pm
BRUICHLADDICH, A Victorian distillery reimagined for the future
w/ Frazer Matthews.
MC1 - 4:00pm FRIDAY
December 1st, 2023
Sharing details that will entice, new expressions, limited bottles, and North American releases that will excite. This tasting will explore our resurrection to our reconnection of the land and dram, we set course to be provocateurs and change makers.
A dive into our journey that would go on to inspire an army of distillers and drinkers across the world. Tasting through a selection of seasonal, regional, and vintage releases as well as look into a few inspired bottlings from the progressive Hebridean distillers.
EDUCATOR BIO:
Frazer Matthews, Global Brand Ambassador - Bruichladdich
Having grown up on Islay, Frazer left Islay High School before joining the Bruichladdich team in 2015, originally on a temporary contract as a Shop Assistant & Tour Guide. Thankfully for Frazer, that role was made permanent, and he worked in the Laddie Shop for the next 4 years, being immersed in the production processes as well as sharing the Bruichladdich story with thousands of guests each year from all over the world. More recently, Frazer joined the Academy and education team, before starting his role as Global Brand Ambassador in December 2021.
AGAINST THE GRAIN – The Story of Maker’s Mark Bourbon
w/Micah Dew.
MC2 - 4:00pm FRIDAY
December 1st, 2023
Join Maker’s Mark Diplomat Micah Dew, through a tasting of history. From the burning of the family recipe to making one of the World’s most iconic whiskies. Micah will lead tasting through five Maker’s Mark expressions, including a limited selection exclusively for this Masterclass. Discover the bourbon that created a new category and the innovations that are driving Bourbon today.
EDUCATOR BIO:
Micah Dew, Maker’s Mark Distillery Diplomat has years of experience as an engaging speaker and bourbon specialist. His career as a World Class bartender and hospitality consultant has lead him to be featured in multiple publications, on Breakfast TV, the Rachel Ray Show, and Dragon’s Den.
5:30-6:30pm
RARE DRAMS TO THE CORE, w/Kenny Watt.
MC3 - 5:30pm
Friday
December 1st, 2023
Take an opportunity to taste a few unique Drams and understand what makes these great Liquids so special. Join Rare Drams ambassador Kenny on a exclusive journey through Islay & Speyside, through sherry casks and peated whiskies in this highly anticipated masterclass.
Remember, nae filtering, nae colour, nae bother.
EDUCATOR BIO:
Kenny Watt is a whisky enthusiast born and raised in Alberta. His father Harry Watt who was born in the Glen Esk area of Scotland, fuelled Kenny’s passion for all things Scottish especially whisky.
Returning to Scotland on his many visits, Kenny has become a true rare drammer and brings with him his passion & enthusiasm for the golden spirit , and is not a bad wee Golfer either. Representing Rare Drams, and responsible for Southern Alberta, Kenny has developed a keen sense of the process, and the importance that the liquid has in creating a unique dram.
A SYMPHONY OF SINGLE MALTS, Presented by KAVALAN Whisky
w/Ann Ho.
MC4 - 5:30pm FRIDAY
December 1st, 2023
Kavalan Whisky - “Music, like whisky, has the power to stir deep emotion.” Taste Kavalan’s passion of the arts and discover it’s range, from the Classic to the Cask Strength Solist along with something very special, bottled exclusively for the Banff Whisky Experience 2023.
EDUCATOR BIO:
Ann Ho has an impressive history in whisky and distilling. With Kavalan she is a Blender, Spirits research institute section manager and regional brand ambassador. Ann is also a member of the institute of brewing and distilling (IBD), holds a 2022 Edinburgh Whisky Academy Certificate in whisky and flavour, 2021 WSET level 2 award in spirits, and a 2019 IBD foundations of distilling certificate, among many other accolades and awards.
7:00-8:00pm
AMERICAN CRAFT SINGLE MALT WHISKEY, Presented by Copperworks Distilling
w/ Jeff Kanof.
MC5 - 7:00pm FRIDAY
December 1st, 2023
Located on the waterfront in Seattle, WA. this USA Craft distillery opened over a decade ago, to produce small-batch whiskey, gins and vodka from malted barley to reflect the brewing roots of founders Jason Parker and Micah Nutt. Now, one of the most respected American Craft Single Malt whiskey producers, they have created award winning spirits in this new and often overlooked category. Join Jeff on this deep dive into why a distillery chose this lesser traveled path during a time when classic American corn whiskey rained supreme.
EDUCATOR BIO:
Jeff Kanof, Co-Owner/Vice President Copperworks Distilling Company.
A recovering attorney, Jeff left his law firm job in New York City to focus on his passion for fine spirits. He cut his teeth in Seattle by helping to launch Letterpress Distilling. Jeff then joined Copperworks in time to help bottle the first batch of spirits and now directs sales and a huge range of other functions at Copperworks. He serves as Secretary/Treasurer on the American Craft Spirits Association’s Board of Directors, and is a wealth of American whisky knowledge absorbed from the real world.
FROM THE VAULT - Two Brewers
w/Owners Bob Baxter & Alan Hansen.
MC6 - 7:00pm FRIDAY
December 1st, 2023
Every Two Brewers release is unique and, once gone, never to be seen again. This is an opportunity to try samples picked from the Archive, as well as a few special samples that are still available. Come and savour the latitude we cover and experience one of the industry’s most forward thinking distilleries and the only premium whisky maker in the Yukon Territory.
EDUCATOR BIO:
Bob started Yukon Brewing with his partner Alan Hansen in 1997. After spending 10 years growing the beer business, the question came up ‘why not buy a still?’. The research began in 2007, the still was bought and installed in 2009, and the spirits voyage began with a first batch of new make to put into barrels to, some day, be whisky. Both Bob and Alan are engineers and that technical know-how, along with lessons learned along the brewing road, were valuable tools towards making whisky that was worthy to put their name on it. At least, put their name on it in a way – hence the Two Brewers whisky line was born. Bob has called the Yukon home since 1980, when he went to check the place out ‘for a couple of years’.
SATURDAY DEC 2ND, 2023
PANEL DISCUSSIONS (PD 1 & PD 2) 09:00am-12:30pm
THE EMERGENCE OF OUR WESTERN CANADIAN CRAFT HEROS. A Panel Discussion
w/Dolph Shaw joined by four of Canada’s leading craft distilleries.
PD1 - 09:00am SATURDAY
December 2nd, 2023
Is Hero too strong of a word for those who brought the water of life to Western Canada? Maybe everyday-heroes – yes, everyday-whisky heroes! We praise the day that we first tried whisky and we should do our best to praise those who through inspiration, creativity, persistence and a dedication to excellence have added their footprint to our Western Canadian landscape.
Join our panel discussion as we hear the creation stories, the present state of affairs and the future aspirations from Yukon, BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan distilleries. Hear the stories, the struggles and the aspirations of the owners and master distillers from some of your favourite distilleries.
Lead by:
Dolph Shaw is as homegrown as it gets. A Calgarian, Banff(ian)? and Edmontonian who is a secondary teacher by trade, and whose passion has poured over to the wonderful world of whisky. Dolph is the President of the Alberta Scotch Society, the creator of The Canadian Whisky Journey and The International Whisky Journey where he has interviewed the Alberta Bound panel and close to 100 other distillery owners, blenders, distillers and industry leaders. He is also the creator of the original online Whisky Book Club where he has interviewed the likes of our beloved Davin de Kergommeaux, Blair Phillips, Lew Bryson, Ian Buxton, Dom Roskrow, Pip Hills (SMWS), Andrew Jefford, Billy Abbott, Carlo De Vito, David McNicoll, Robin Robinson, Fionnán O’Connor, Brian F Haara, Daniel Bee most recently David Stirk. His passion has been documented on YouTube and Facebook Live for your viewing enjoyment.
WHAT IS AUTHENTIC WHISKY? A Panel Discussion
w/Davin de Kergommeaux joined by a panel of industry experts.
PD2 - 11:00am SATURDAY
December 2nd, 2023
A panel of prominent whisky makers from the US, Europe and Canada discuss three different whisky making traditions and their individual approaches to making flavourful whisky. As provocative questions from whisky writer, Davin de Kergommeaux, prompt the panel to compare and contrast emerging whisky trends, expect a lively discussion and fun-filled learning experience created exclusively for the Banff Whisky Experience.
Lead by:
Davin de Kergommeaux has been writing about, talking about, and teaching about whisky for more than a quarter of a century. He is the founder and chairperson of the Canadian Whisky Awards, and publishes comprehensive notes about Canadian whiskies on canadianwhisky.org. His writing features regularly in Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate and a host of lifestyle publications. In 2016 The Globe & Mail named him as one of the most influential Canadians in food and drink, and in 2018 author Lew Bryson, quoted in a New York Times feature about Canadian whisky, said “I don’t think you can overstate his [de Kergommeaux’s] significance.” He lives in Canada and writes full time. Find him on social media @Davindek
SATURDAY MASTERCLASSES (MC 7-15) 1:00-5:00pm
1:00-2:00pm
VIRGIN OAK SHOWDOWN w/Colin MacDougall.
MC7 - 1:00pm SATURDAY December 2nd, 2023
*Limited Seating
Join veteran National Brand Education Manager Colin MacDougall in an exploration through a range of iconic Lot no.40 Rye expressions next to Rabbit Hole bourbons and taste the power and finesse of 1st use casks. Learn why these casks are used, what they offer from molecule to mouthfeel, and taste firsthand rare and limited releases from these iconic whisky houses.
*Be the first in Canada to taste 2 brand new releases in this tasting. A rare barrel finished Lot.40 and a first release Rabbit Hole kintucky Strait Bourbon.
EDUCATOR BIO:
Colin MacDougall: NATIONAL BRAND EDUCATION SPECIALIST, B.E.A.T. BEVERAGE PROGRAM ARCHITECT & WORLD SPIRITS EXPERT.
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 furthered his passion for spirit & wine education becoming a well-respected member of the bar and beverage community and gaining accreditation in WSET and CSS, all while running award winning bar programs. Colin is a seasoned beverage program consultant, an award-winning cocktail menu architect, and was a familiar face behind the bar managing at several prestigious restaurants including Melbas on the Park, West, Pourhouse, and Blue Water Café.
ALBERTA BO(U)ND – A deep connection to Alberta craft whisky
w/Dolph Shaw.
MC8 - 1:00pm SATURDAY December 2nd, 2023
Here in Alberta, we don’t need to have a bottled in “bond” determination; we make our whiskies as big, as bold, and as complex as they get. In this first of it’s kind Masterclass, each guest will have the rare opportunity to engage the master distiller / blender / owner of 5 most unique craft distilleries. As their golden elixir bathes your palate, you will be steeped in the unique history, vision and motivation of these captivating distillery entrepreneurs and crafts people. They’ll share their unique stories and the whiskies that have been released specifically for this limited edition class!
EDUCATOR BIO:
Dolph Shaw is as homegrown as it gets. A Calgarian, Banff(ian)? and Edmontonian who is a secondary teacher by trade, and whose passion has poured over to the wonderful world of whisky. Dolph is the President of the Alberta Scotch Society, the creator of The Canadian Whisky Journey and The International Whisky Journey where he has interviewed the Alberta Bound panel and close to 100 other distillery owners, blenders, distillers and industry leaders. He is also the creator of the original online Whisky Book Club where he has interviewed the likes of our beloved Davin de Kergommeaux, Blair Phillips, Lew Bryson, Ian Buxton, Dom Roskrow, Pip Hills (SMWS), Andrew Jefford, Billy Abbott, Carlo De Vito, David McNicoll, Robin Robinson, Fionnán O’Connor, Brian F Haara, Daniel Bee most recently David Stirk. His passion has been documented on YouTube and Facebook Live for your viewing enjoyment.
FETTERCAIRN, Scotland’s Unicorn of Single Malt Whisky
w/Andrew Lennie & Emma Coady.
MC9 - 1:00pm SATURDAY December 2nd, 2023
Fettercairn, the older brand you’ve probably never heard of. Founded in 1824, coming up to it’s 220th anniversary, come and discover the Fettercairn house style, and what makes this Highland Single Malt so unique.
Led by Fettercairn’s International Malt Specialist, Andrew Lennie; and Emma Coady, Canadian Single Malt Specialist, these two Ambassadors will guide you through an immersive sensory training utilizing aroma kits, Fettercairn’s new make spirit, a few uniquely Fettercairn malts through the ages, and their unique Scottish oak programme.
Come and let yourself be immersed into Scotland’s unicorn Single Malt Scotch whisky.
EDUCATOR BIO:
Andrew Lennie: Andrew assumed the role of International Malt Specialist for Whyte and Mackay in 2019 and spends time across all markets sharing the great stories of Jura, Fettercairn and Tamnavulin.
Emma Coady: The newest Canadian Single Malt Specialist of the Whyte & Mackay family as of July 2023. Born and raised on “The Rock” in St. John’s Newfoundland, Emma became hooked on the vibrancy of the beverage alcohol industry through her work. Emma first fell in love with the world of wine in 2016 on a trip to Bordeaux, France. A few years later, she moved to Kelowna to work at award winning winery, Mission Hill Family Estate where she hosted private tours and tastings. Due to her top performance, Emma won a sales incentive with Whyte & Mackay, which took her to Scotland to visit 3 of their distilleries; The Dalmore, Jura and Fettercairn. Feeling inspired by the craft of whisky making, the extensive history and beautiful stories of these distilleries, Emma made the leap from the wine world, to the world of whisky!
2:30-3:30pm
MADE BY THE SEA - A Scotch & Oysters Experience
w/Dante Raphael Concepcion Jr.
MC10 - 2:30pm SATURDAY December 2nd, 2023
Transport yourself to the Islands of Scotland with this never before seen masterclass. Experience an in-depth look into some of Scotland’s most revered coastal distilleries - tasting prized spirits alongside a selection of expertly curated oysters.
Featuring the limited releases and classics from Talisker, Lagavulin and Caol Ila, be prepared to tantalize your palate and your mind.
EDUCATOR BIO:
Dante has over 15 years of experience in the spirits and hospitality industry, with a large emphasis on education and training. A former bartender turned educator, Dante has written curriculum for numerous bartending schools and consults with a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and bars across North America to develop their beverage and logistical operations programs.
Dante's thirst for knowledge serves him well as National Whisky Ambassador for Diageo Canada. This position allows him to travel throughout the country, facilitating training and hosting masterclasses for consumers and product consultants of the LCBO, SAQ, MBLL, BCLS, NSLC and Duty Free. Dante has been invited to host numerous private tastings and special events with Google, Nike, and Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), to name a few.
AMERICAN SINGLE MALT: The Biggest Little Category in the World
w/Ryan Negley.
MC11 - 2:30pm SATURDAY
December 2nd, 2023
*Limited Seating
A story of the past, present and future of this exciting new category. Told by Ryan Negley and the Whiskeys of BOULDER SPIRITS. Explore the aspects that make American single malt unique to itself. This presentation will lead the guest from the very basics of our definition of single malt (or lack thereof, technically) to first of their kind expressions that explore the possibilities of what’s to come.
We’ll touch on why it’s taken so long for American producers to embrace this style of whiskey, as well as the rules and aging requirements put forth by the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission.
EDUCATOR BIO:
RYAN NEGLEY
Marketing, Blending, etc.
Ryan joined the Boulder Spirits team in 2018 with the launch of the single malts. He's a veteran of. the craft distilling scene, as well as a committee member on the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission. Ryan fell into the distilling world by way of cocktails and was a consistent competitive cocktail bartender. He also co-founded the Denver Whiskey Club in 2009; a first of its kind social club for whiskey enthusiasts in the Denver market.
In 2022, A Canadian exclusive, The Trailhead American Single Malt, was Ryan's first foray into the world of blending. Since then, he's been assigned to all future special releases. Ryan spends his time outside of the distillery outside. Hiking, camping, and all around adventuring keep him and his family busy throughout the year.
THE MARITIME MALT: Whisky’s by & with the sea, presented by OLD PULTENEY w/Maurice Chevalier.
MC12 - 2:30pm SATURDAY
December 2nd, 2023
For thousands of years, salts have been known to enhance flavours. It can change our sensory perception of flavour and reduce any unwanted level of bitterness. In this tasting experience our Maritime Malt will be paired with unique Salts from the Seas.
Join us for an unforgettable tasting experience of our hand-crafted single malt whiskies that are aged by the sea that provide an unmistakable coastal character. Let us bring the spirit of our coastal home of Wick all the way to the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where the sea salt air will surround the high altitude classroom.
EDUCATOR BIO:
Maurice Chevalier IV serves as the North American Brand Ambassador for International Beverage Holdings Limited, a world-renowned producer of artisanal distilled spirit brands. He travels extensively teaching about the IBHL portfolio which includes single malt whiskies form the Pulteney, Speyburn, Balblair and Knockdhu distilleries, as well as Caorunn Scottish gin and Phraya rum from Thailand. Maurice has worked in the Wine & Spirits industry for over eleven years and is an active member of the United States Bartenders Guild. Maurice developed his love of distilled spirits during the bourgeoning cocktail scene that swept across the United States in the early 2000s. In 2009, he decided to follow his passion of artisanal craft spirits and joined Preiss Imports as the company’s first Brand Manager. In 2017 Maurice was hired as Director of Brand Education for San Francisco based Importer; Hotaling & Co., until 2020.
4:00-5:00pm
THE ART OF THE BLEND - An Interactive Masterclass
w/ Dante Raphael Concepcion Jr.
MC13 - 4:00pm SATURDAY
December 2nd, 2023
Join Johnnie Walker for an interactive masterclass experience, celebrating the art and skill of master whisky blending.
Put your knowledge and palates to the test, and work alongside fellow whisky lovers & under the tutelage of an experienced team of industry experts, to craft your very own whisky blend utilizing classic and iconic malts from the four corners of Scotland.
EDUCATOR BIO:
Dante has over 15 years of experience in the spirits and hospitality industry, with a large emphasis on education and training. He will be joined by an expert team of whisky educators & scotch whisky ambassadors to lead each participant through this skillful craft.
Dante's thirst for knowledge serves him well as National Whisky Ambassador for Diageo Canada. This position allows him to travel throughout the country, facilitating training and hosting masterclasses for consumers and product consultants of the LCBO, SAQ, MBLL, BCLS, NSLC and Duty Free. Dante has been invited to host numerous private tastings and special events with Google, Nike, and Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), to name a few.
A former bartender turned educator, Dante has written curriculum for numerous bartending schools and consults with a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and bars across North America to develop their beverage and logistical operations programs.
FROM THE NORTH OF SWEDEN, High Coast Whisky Presents
w/ Lars Karlsson.
MC14 - 4:00pm SATURDAY
December 2nd, 2023
Be a part of this BWE exclusive Masterclass and the first time a High Coast team member has visited Canada for this unique opportunity to taste something new. Lars Karlsson will lead you on a discovery tour of how some of the coldest cooling water in the world & rugged terroir come together to produce a clean and elegant whisky from the North of Sweden. It’s a trip you don’t want to miss!
In this tasting, Lars will share High Coast’s story and speak to what differentiates them from other distilleries – including producing whisky using some of the coldest cooling water in the world. High Coast Distillery loves to experiment with new ingredients and casks. They are known to be one of the most transparent distilleries in the world – as they share their complete recipes & how they make their whiskies so special.
EDUCATOR BIO:
Since 2015 Lars Karlsson has worked as the Quality & Export sales manager at High Coast Distillery. He’s responsible for the Blending and Quality Control for all bottlings, as well as Export Sales. Lars grew up in the town of Trollhättan in Southwest Sweden, famous for its” Saab car industry”. He studied music and worked as a trumpet teacher and Headmaster of a cultural school before entering the whisky business full-time. Before High Coast Distillery, Lars worked with Sweden’s largest importer of Independent Bottlers, Clydesdale. He lives with his wife and 6 year-old son on the other side of the river from the distillery. If he’s not working, Lars will be on the river or on a snowmobile under the northern lights. He’s a true ‘whisky geek’ and famous for his incredible nosing skills.
A REVIVAL OF A LOST AMERICAN TRADITION: Three Chamber Rye Distillation
w/ Todd Leopold.
MC15 - 4:00pm SATURDAY
December 2nd, 2023
*Limited Seating
Leopold Bros. operates the largest malting floor in the USA, and produces over 20 craft-distilled products, including their famous Three Chamber Rye Whisky from the world’s only operating three chamber pre-prohibition style still that Todd tirelessly researched and brought back to life with the help of the leading manufacturer of American whiskey stills, Vendome Copper & Brass Works Inc., of Louisville, Kentucky.
Join Todd as he takes you through is fascinating journey from brewer to malter, to distiller and innovator while sampling some of the remarkable whiskies that have established Leopold Bros. as one of the leading craft distilleries in the United States.
EDUCATOR BIO:
Todd Leopold studied brewing at the Seibel Institute in Chicago and interned at several breweries in Germany. before going to distilling school in Lexington, Kentucky.
Leopold Bros. is family-owned and operated distillery based in Denver, Colorado and was founded by brothers Todd and Scott in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
