2012 Speakers & Seminars

Previous Speakers & Seminars

7:00pm

Unlocking The Secrets Of Single Malt Scotch

Gregor Mina
Brand Ambassador, Glenmorangie & Ardbeg

A long standing member of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Edinburgh, Gregor has over ten years drinks industry experience working across the Scotch, Beer, Liqueurs & Spirits sectors in Europe and North America. Born in Lanarkshire and raised in Fife, Gregor spent a significant period of time in Drumochter in the Scottish Highlands. Following a variety of posts in the UK, Gregor is thrilled to now be part of the Glenmorangie and Ardbeg team in the USA and is completely focused on driving these two respected Scotch brands across the Central Region.

The Classic Single Malts & The Distillers Editions: Oban, Talisker, and Lagavulin

Kyle McHugh
Master Of Whisky, Diageo

Kyle McHugh is one of the preeminent beer, wine, and spirits experts working in the beverage industry today. After growing up around the bar business at the elbow of his barkeep mother, Kyle entered the hospitality industry immediately after college. Named a Diageo Master of Whisky in the fall of 2011, he tours the country hosting interactive tastings & seminars featuring Diageo’s world-class portfolio of whiskies including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, and Bushmills. Kyle is an Advanced Sommelier candidate with the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Cicerone candidate & trained BJCP beer judge, and an Advanced Bartender candidate with the U.S. Bartenders Guild, where he also serves as Midwest Regional Leadership Director. Kyle and his work have been featured in countless media outlets including Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast, New York Times, and Chicago Tribune.

The Evolution of an Icon: Jack Daniel’s

Joe Olidge
Division Marketing Manager, Jack Daniel’s

Joe Olidge is a well regarded marketing thought leader in the beverage industry. With nearly 20 years of brand building knowledge and hands on experience, Joe has a passion for aligning consumer opportunities with global brands. Throughout his career, he has worked with some of the most successful global brands in the industry, including Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola. In 2006, he joined Brown-Forman Beverage Company and has lead the Atlantic Division marketing efforts for the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, the top selling whiskey trademark in the world.

8:00pm

Give ‘Em The Bird: The Wild Turkey Portfolio

Eddie Russell
Associate Distiller, Wild Turkey Distillery

Eddie Russell, a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall Of Fame, has worked at the Wild Turkey distillery for 30 years. Eddie is the creator of Wild Turkey 81 and Wild Turkey 81 Rye. In addition, he is the co-creator of Russell’s Reserve with his father, Wild Turkey Master Distiller Jimmy “The Buddha of Bourbon” Russell.

Eddie’s seminar will discuss the Wild Turkey portfolio of products.

The Production Of Irish Whiskey: How It Differs From Scotch and North American whiskeys

Eoin Derham
Brand Ambassador, Jameson Irish Whiskey

Born and raised in Cork, Eoin attended the University of Limerick and worked at L’Oreal and Red Bull prior to joining Jameson as a brand ambassador. Based in St. Louis, Eoin shares the story of Jameson with the Missouri and Louisiana markets.

How did Maker’s make it?

Dave Pudlo
Maker’s Mark Distillery Education Director

Dave is the lead trainer for the award winning Maker’s Mark Bourbon Distillery. For the past seven years, Dave has used his extensive experience in training and education to host on-site visitor experiences for distributors, retailers, and VIP groups providing in-depth information on bourbon history and the development and process of making Maker’s Mark Bourbon.