WhiskyFest Chicago 2010 Seminar Overviews

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7:00 to 7:45

Robin Coupar
Sr. Brand Manager, The Glenrothes
Why Vintage Malt Whisky?
Not Just a Clever Marketing Idea… Berry Brothers and Rudd's approach to making vintage malt whisky. Maturity, not age, delivers exceptional quality.

Winston Evans
Brand Ambassador, The Glenlivet
The Glenlivet - The Single Malt That Started It All
The Single Malt that Started It All will feature six of our core variants; including a limited quantity of our 21 Year Old (Archive) and our critically acclaimed The Glenlivet XXV Year Old.

Martin Duffy
Senior Master of Whisky, The Classic Malts
Classic Malts Mentor
The Classic Malts Mentor program uses the expansive knowledge of the Diageo Masters of Whisky to educate scotch enthusiasts on a sampling of the Classic Malts portfolio. This multimedia, multi sensory event takes consumers through the history, production process, regionality and most important the flavor profiles of this vast selection of Single Malt Scotches. The consumer will leave this event with an increased confidence to order their new favorite Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

7:45 to 8:30

Lincoln Henderson
Whisky Expert, Suntory
Suntory Time: The Art of Japanese Whisky
Renowned whisky expert Lincoln Henderson returns to lead his popular tasting of a full flight of Yamazaki and Hibiki whiskies.
Experience the smooth, complex and uniquely Japanese characteristics that have made Yamazaki 12, 18, and the exceptionally rare 25 year old, international award-winners.

Lincoln will also present Hibiki 12. First seen by Americans in the feature film "Lost In Translation", starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johannson, Hibiki 12 has just been introduced to the American market and is no longer "lost" to American whisky lovers.
"Suntory Time" is not to be missed.....

Craig Beam
Master Distiller, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
A Shotgun Marriage—Blending Bourbon, Kentucky Style
Even though the Master Blenders of Scotland get most of the top billing, there is some pretty good marrying of whiskeys going on in Kentucky as well. How do you mingle different Bourbons and how do you balance age and youth, grain and wood, high and low storage? Join Heaven Hill’s legendary 6th generation Master Distiller Parker Beam as we explore different combinations of aged Bourbons, highlighted by the 5 decade vatting of Parker’s Heritage Collection Golden Anniversary Edition. The session culminates in an opportunity to craft your own blend!

Mickey Heads
Distillery Manager, Ardbeg
Renaissance to Rollercoaster
Join Ardbeg's Distillery Manager, Mickey Heads, for a rare opportunity to taste through some of Ardbeg's most notable expressions as well as a few surprises. A very peaty whistle stop tour awaits, culminating in an extraordinary and exhilarating Rollercoaster ride!

8:30 to 9:15

Richard Paterson
Master Blender, Whyte and Mackay
Learn from The Nose!
This tasting room, hosted by Richard Paterson, third generation master blender for Whyte & Mackay, will introduce participants to one of the most awarded single malt scotch whiskeys, The Dalmore.

Paterson is known the world over for his exceptional blending skills which have resulted in signature expressions that suggest depth, character and richness. He travels the world selecting the finest barrels and blends the aged liquid from these until the result is like a fine orchestra - harmonious, elegant and rich.

In this classroom setting you will taste through The Dalmore Core Expressions with Richard while learning the finer points of tasting.

Don't be surprised when he picks you to taste 'the most expensive liquid in the world'.

Fritz Maytag
President and Brewmaster, Anchor Distilling Company
15 Years of Craft Distilling
Recreating America's original whiskey one small batch at a time and discovering why young whiskey is better than immature whiskey.

Martin Daraz
Brand Ambassador, Highland Park
Last Call with Martin Daraz
End your Whisky Fest™ Chicago on a high note, come and sample “the best spirit in the world”* with Martin Daraz, native Scotsman and Brand Ambassador for the Highland Park Distillery in the USA. We will be nosing and tasting five expressions from Highland Park 12 year old all the way up to Highland Park 30 year old.
*F.Paul Pacult, Spirits Journal 2005/2009