WhiskyFest San Francisco 2009 Seminar Overviews
7:00 to 7:45
SALON 10-11
Robin Coupar, 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.
SALON 12-13
Simon Brooking, Malt Master Ambassador, Laphroaig
Laphroaig: Where the Spirit Meets the Cask
Ever wondered how the use of different casks imparts flavors into your whiskey? Laphroaig Master Ambassador Simon Brooking will walk you through a tasting of four expressions of Laphroaig and will show you how the use of different casks including a Maker’s Mark cask as well as former Sherry Casks impart specific flavor profiles into each whiskey.
SALON 14-15
Parker Beam, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
The Methuselah Myth—How Long Can A Bourbon Age?
While Scotch Whiskies can mature for 20, 30 or even 50 years, the influence of a new charred oak barrel and Kentucky’s four distinct seasons impose a natural limit on how long Bourbon can age. But where is that limit—just how long can Bourbon age? Join Heaven Hill’s legendary Master Distiller Parker Beam as he explores rare, extra-aged Bourbons, from 18 years to 30 years, including Parker’s Heritage Collection 27-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Youth will not be served here—respect your elders!
7:45 to 8:30
Nob Hill A-B
Lincoln Henderson, Whisky Expert, Suntory
Yamazaki Time: The Art of Japanese Whisky
Renowned whisky expert Lincoln Henderson returns to lead his popular tasting of a full flight of Yamazaki whiskies. Handcrafted at the oldest distillery in Japan, Yamazaki is made from the purest natural ingredients in perfect harmony with nature. Discover the smooth, honeyed taste and uniquely Japanese characteristics that have made Yamazaki an international award-winner as you experience Yamazaki 12-year, and 18-year. Yamazaki Time is not to be missed.
Nob Hill C-D
Steve Beal, 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.
8:30 to 9:15
SALON 10-11
Martin Daraz, US Brand Ambassador, Highland Park
Highland Park Master Class
A comprehensive tasting of Highland Park expressions from 12 year old through 30, led by Highland Park Brand Ambassador, Martin Daraz.
SALON 12-13
Simon Brooking, Malt Master Ambassador, Laphroaig
David Mays, Whiskey Professor
The Great Whisk(e)y Debate
You are invited to The Great Whisk(e)y Debate, to discuss the virtues and joys of the world's premier whiskies. This ultra-premium whiskey event provides an entertaining forum to decide once and for all, which is the world's premier whiskey.
SALON 14-15
Winston Evans, The Glenlivet Ambassador
The Single Malt that Started it All
Our seminar will cover the history of The Glenlivet, and the role it played in building the single malt scotch whisky industry during the 1800s in Scotland and more recently, the 20th century in the U.S. We will then step through the basics of scotch whisky production, highlighting the key elements of our production process that differentiate The Glenlivet from our competitive set. The big finish will be a tasting of six marques from our core range.