MENTOR Directory
The OurWhisky Foundation’s Atonia Programme is supported by a star-studded line-up of mentors with backgrounds spanning areas such as distilling, blending, brand ownership, bartending, ambassadorship, marketing and journalism.
Without the support of our mentors, our programme simply wouldn’t be possible. If you would like to apply to be a mentor, please complete the application form below.
Candidates may be located anywhere globally and identify as any gender, but must have at least five years experience in their field of expertise. Mentors will be added to our database and contacted if a suitable match is found.
All mentors receive training with a qualified coach prior to starting our programme, as well as a course handbook and monthly guidance from our team. Active mentors also have complimentary access to the OurWhisky Foundation’s membership platform for the duration of the programme.
Our Mentors
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Peter Allison, Co-Founder, Woven
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Blending, Leadership, Entrepreneurship
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Nicole Austin, Distillery Manager, Cascade Hollow
LOCATION: Tennessee, USA
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Marketing, Consultation
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Colin Baird, Energy Manager, Edrington
LOCATION: Aberlour, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Sustainability, Production
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Caitlin Bartlemay, Master Distiller, Clear Creek Distillery
LOCATION: Oregon, USA
EXPERTISE: Production, Blending, Operations & Logistics
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Richard Bates, Senior Director, Beam Suntory, Global Scotch, Irish Whiskey
LOCATION: Hurstpierpoint, England
EXPERTISE: Strategy, Brand, Marketing
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Mitch Bechard, Founder, Copper Cairn
LOCATION: Aberlour, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Ambassador, Distribution, Consultation
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Kirsteen Beeston, Global marketing director, Bowmmore, Auchentoshan & Irish whiskey
LOCATION: Glasgow, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Marketing, Management, Branding
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Kirsty Black, Distiller, Arbikie
LOCATION: Dundee, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Operations, Education
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Blair Bowman, Whisky consultant and broker
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Entreprenuership, Cask Management, Communication
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Nick Bradley, Prestige Portfolio Manager, Loch Lomond
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Brand management, Marketing
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Lew Bryson, Writer & Author
LOCATION: Pennsylvania, USA
EXPERTISE: Writing, Journalism
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Joe Cabassa, International Brand Ambassador, Academia de Whisky
LOCATION: Puerto Rico
EXPERTISE: Ambassador, Brand Management, Training
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Fraser Campbell, Whisky Host & Consultant, Copper Cairn
LOCATION: Aberdeen, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Consulting, Ambassador, Brand Management
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Kirsteen Campbell, master whisky maker, The Macallan
LOCATION: Aberlour, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Blending, Distilling, Production
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Alice Carroll, Founder, Foxes Bow Irish Whiskey
LOCATION: Texas, USA
EXPERTISE: Brand Management, Business Operations, Entrepreneurship
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Alex Chasko, Master Distiller, Teeling Whiskey Company
LOCATION: Dublin, Ireland
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Blending
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Claire Clark, Global Content & Partnership Controller, The Dalmore
LOCATION: Aberdeen/Glasgow, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Marketing, Creative
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Sarah Clark, Head of Channel Marketing, International Beverage
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Marketing, Leadership
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Alexandra Clough, Founder, Gather PR
LOCATION: New York, USA
EXPERTISE: Founder, PR, Communications
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Lorne Cousin, national ambassador, Glenfiddich USA
LOCATION: Florida, USA
EXPERTISE: Ambassador, Communication, Public speaking
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Daniel Crowell, Glenmorangie National Ambassador - US
LOCATION: Nebraska, USA
EXPERTISE: Education, Advocacy
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Kirsty Dagnan, Operations Director, Johnstons of Elgin
LOCATION: Elgin, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Leadership, Operations Management
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Susie Davidson, Elucidate Communications
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Founder, Marketing, Communications,
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Dawn Davies MW, buying director, the whisky exchange
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Buying, Education, Communication
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Alisdair Day, Co-founder, Rasaay distillery
LOCATION: Clachan, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Founder, Blending, Leadership
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Zoe Decool, Brand & Acceleration Director, Distill Ventures
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Strategy, Brand management
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Maurice Doyle, CEO, Compass Box
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Leadership, Coaching
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Gordon Dundas, brand development director, Ian Macleod
LOCATION: Glasgow, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Ambassador, Branding, Sales
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Marianne Eaves, Consulting Master Distiller
LOCATION: Kentucky, USA
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Blending, Production
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Julieann Fernandez, Master Blender, CVH Spirits
LOCATION: Glasgow, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Blending, Advocacy
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Tracie Franklin, Whiskey Educator, Spirited Tracie
LOCATION: Washington DC, USA
EXPERTISE: Ambassador, Education, Distilling
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Karen Fullerton, Business Executive - Northern Europe, Alter Oak
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Marketing, Brand management
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Dhavall Gandhi, whisky maker & consultant
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Entrepreneurship, Blending, Production
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Julie Gallacher, Head of Sustainability & Responsibility, Chivas Brothers
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Sustainability, Marketing
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Cameron George, US brand ambassador, Ardbeg
LOCATION: Washington, USA
EXPERTISE: Ambassador, Education
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Rod Gillies, Global Brand Director, The Dalmore
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Marketing, Brand Management, Innovation
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Christopher Goggins, Distiller, Dublin Liberties Distillery
LOCATION: Dublin, Ireland
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Production
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Colin Gordon, distillery manager, Ardbeg
LOCATION: Islay, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Production, Leadership
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Rebecca Griffiths-Duchiron, Head of Retail Marketing, Global Travel Retail, Edrington
LOCATION: Dubai, UAE
EXPERTISE: Marketing, Education
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Deepali Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, Thirsty Three Hospitality and SideCar India
LOCATION: Delhi, India
EXPERTISE: Marketing, F&B, Writing
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Daryl Haldane, global private client director, Beam Suntory
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Ambassador, Leadership, Communication
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Becky Harris, President & Head Distiller, Catoctin Creek
LOCATION: Virginia, USA
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Leadership, Entrepreneurship
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Emily Harris, Founder, May Fox Communications
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: PR, Marketing, Branding
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Scott Harris, Co-Founder, Catoctin Creek
LOCATION: Virginia, USA
EXPERTISE: Founder, Distilling, Marketing
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Beth Havers, Founder, Whisky Beth
LOCATION: Toronto, Canada
EXPERTISE: Founder, Ambassador
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Steve Hawley, president, American Single Malt Whisky Commission
LOCATION: California, USA
EXPERTISE: Founder, Marketing, Brand management
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Paul Hletko, Founder, FEW Spirits
LOCATION: Chicago, USA
EXPERTISE: Founder, Distilling, Production
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Matt Hofmann, Managing Director, Westland Distillery
LOCATION: Washington, USA
EXPERTISE: Founder, Distilling, Production
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Stef Holt, Market manager, Waterford Distillery
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Brand management, Marketing
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Lynn House, National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist, Heaven Hill Brands
LOCATION: Chicago, USA
EXPERTISE: Branding, Advocacy, Education, Self Promotion
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Alia Jamal, Founder, Doubleshot Comms
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: PR, Founder
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Abbie Jaume, Co-Founder & Distiller, Cooper King Distillery
LOCATION: York, England
EXPERTISE: Founder, Production, Distilling
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Jamie Johnson, National Brand Ambassador, Glenfiddich & The Balvenie, Canada
LOCATION: Toronto, Canada
EXPERTISE: Ambassador, Communication, Sales
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Sydney Jones, Head distiller, FEW Spirits
LOCATION: Illinois, USA
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Production
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Brian Kinsman, malt master, Glenfiddich
LOCATION: Speyside, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Blending, Production
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Cara Laing, Managing Director, Douglas Laing
LOCATION: Glasgow, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Marketing, Brand management
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Hannah Lanfear, Founding director, The Mixing Class
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Ambassador, Production, Communication
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Kristy Lark-Booth, Owner & Distiller, Killara Distillery
LOCATION: Tasmania, Australia
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Production, Leadership
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Alice Lascelles, Drinks writer & Author
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Communications, Cocktails, Writing
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John Laurie, Head of Partnerships & Private Clients, The Glenrothes
LOCATION: Livingstone, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Leadership, Management
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Sandrae Lawrence, Co-founder, The Cocktail Lovers
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Founder, Writing, Cocktails
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Ilaria Leone, Freelance Digital Content Strategist
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Communications, Marketing, Social Media
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Naomi Leslie, East US Ambassador, The Balvenie
LOCATION: New Jersey, USA
EXPERTISE: Ambassador, Education, D&I
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Miika Lipiäinen, Co-Founder, Kyrö Distillery
LOCATION: Helsinki , Finland
EXPERTISE: Founder, Entrepreneur, Branding
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Graeme Littlejohn, director of strategy and communications, SWA
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Communication, PR, Marketing
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Don Livermore, Master Blender, Hiram Walker Distillery
LOCATION: Ontario, Canada
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Blending, Leadership
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Polly Logan, Distillery Manager, Tormore Distillery
LOCATION: Aberdeen, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Production, Operations
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Bill Lumsden, head of distilling & whisky creation, Glenmorangie
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Distiliing, Management
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Iain McAlister, distillery manager, Glen Scotia
LOCATION: Campbeltown, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Production, Distilling, Leadership
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Elizabeth McCall, master distiller, Woodford Reserve
LOCATION: Kentucky, USA
EXPERTISE: Production, Distilling
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Johanne McInnis, Whisky writer & educator
LOCATION: New Brunswick, Canada
EXPERTISE: Writing, Content
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Jessamine McLellan, Campari Academy Lead
LOCATION: New York, USA
EXPERTISE: Leadership, Ambassador, Education
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Kirsty McLeod, Sales Director, Duncan Taylor
LOCATION: Elgin, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Sales, Education
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Gillian MacDonald, Master Blender, Glenmorangie
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Blending, Production
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Stephanie Macleod, Director of Blending, Dewar's
LOCATION: Glasgow, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Blending, Production
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Caspar MacRae, CEO, Glenmorangie
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Marketing, Sales, Leadership
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Stewart MacRae, former Regional Director, Edrington
LOCATION: Bishopbriggs, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Brand management, Sales, Leadership
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Brendan McCarron, Independent Consultant
LOCATION: Port Ellen, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Production
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Duncan McRae, co-founder, Woven
LOCATION: Adelaide, Australia
EXPERTISE: Leadership, Marketing, Branding
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Sandra Mearns, Head of Marketing - EMEIA, Edrington
LOCATION: Glasgow, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Marketing, Brand management, Leadership
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Isac Melander, Global Brand Ambassador, Naked Malt
LOCATION: Stockholm, Sweden
EXPERTISE: Ambassador, Brand Management, F&B
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Ann Miller, whisky educator
LOCATION: Speyside, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Ambassador, Leadership
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Fred Minnick, whisky writer & author
LOCATION: Kentucky, USA
EXPERTISE: Writing, Journalism
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Allan Moffat, Director, Larkfire
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Brand Management, Marketing
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Chris Moffat, Global Innovation Manager Blended Whisky, Bacardi
LOCATION: Glasgow, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Brand Management, Marketing, Operations & Logistics
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Thomas Mooney, Founder, Westward Whiskey
LOCATION: Oregon, USA
EXPERTISE: Founder, Distilling, Leadership
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Andrea Montague, Head of Advocacy, Edrington em
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Education, Advocacy
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Nick Morgan, whisky writer & author
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Marketing, Writing
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Jamie Morrison, global brand ambassador, The Glenturret
LOCATION: Crieff, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Ambassador, Communication, Sales
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Debs Newman, General Manager, Holyrood Distillery
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Management, Operations, Leadership
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Jennie Norrish, Founder, Yellow Shoes Consultancy
LOCATION: Woodbridge, England
EXPERTISE: Marketing, Communication, Branding
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Sietse Offringa, Regional Education Manager - The Macallan Europe North, Edrington
LOCATION: Amsterdam, Netherlands
EXPERTISE: Brand management, Ambassador, Distilling
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Alicia Partridge, Talent and Capability Partner, Pernod Ricard Winemakers
LOCATION: Sydney, Australia
EXPERTISE: PR, D&I
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Lauren Patz, Head Distiller, Purple Brands
LOCATION: California, USA
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Production
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Johna Penman, Marketing & Commercial Strategy Consultant, Johna Penman Consulting Ltd
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Brands, Marketing
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Martin Purvis, associate director Europe, Kelvin Cooperage
LOCATION: Bridge of Allan, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Operations
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Caitlin Quinn, Head distiller, Eauclaire Distillery
LOCATION: Calgary, Canada
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Production
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Struan Grant Ralph, global brand ambassador, Glenfiddich
LOCATION: Forres, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Ambassador, Brand management, Distilling
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Sandrine Ricard, Deputy Director, Pernod Ricard
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Marketing, Communications, Branding
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Neil Ridley, Author, Writer & Consultant
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Writing, Presenting, Consultation
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Nicola Riske, Regional Education Manager - The Macallan - European Partners
LOCATION: Madrid, Spain
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Brand management, Education
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Pauline Rooney, Formerly VP NAM Distillery Expansions at Diageo
LOCATION: Crestwood, USA
EXPERTISE: Operations, Engineering
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Lisa Roper Wicker, Master Distiller, Garrard County Distilling Company
LOCATION: Kentucky, USA
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Leadership, Business Management
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Noah Rothbaum, Spirits & Cocktails Author & Expert
LOCATION: New York, USA
EXPERTISE: Writing, Cocktails
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Jane Ryan, Head of Marketing, Worksmith
LOCATION: Sydney, Australia
EXPERTISE: Journalism, Communication, Writing
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Holly Seidewand, Co-Founder, First Fill Spirits
LOCATION: New York, USA
EXPERTISE: Retail, Marketing, Leadership
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Bryan Simpson, National Brand Ambassador and Education Manager, Moet Hennessy Canada
LOCATION: Toronto, Canana
EXPERTISE: Brand Ambassador & Advocacy
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Simo Simpson, bar owner
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Founder, D&I, Management
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Scott Sneddon, Distillery Manager, InchDairnie
LOCATION: Glenrothes, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Site Operations, Sustainability
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Janice Snowden, UK Brand Ambassador - Bushmills
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Brand Advocacy & Education
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Caitlin Soares, National Brand Manager, Edrington
LOCATION: Massachusetts, USA
EXPERTISE: Branding, Brand management, Leadership
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Colin Spoelman, Co-Founder, Kings County Distillery
LOCATION: New York, USA
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Entrepreneurship, Founder
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Ben Stewart, Head of Commercial, William Grant & Sons
LOCATION: Edinburgh, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Sales, Marketing, Leadership
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Tommy Tardie, owner, The Flatiron Room and Fine & Rare NY
LOCATION: New York, USA
EXPERTISE: Founder, Marketing, Education
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James Taylor, Global Marketing Manager - The Balvenie
LOCATION: London, UK
EXPERTISE: Brand Development, Marketing
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Kirsty Taylor, commercial director, Lakes Distillery
LOCATION: Cumbrial, England
EXPERTISE: Marketing, Sales, Distribution
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Annabel Thomas, CEO, Nc'nean Distillery
LOCATION: London, UK
EXPERTISE: Sustainability, Founder, Business
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Molly Troupe, Master Distiller, Freeland Spirits
LOCATION: Oregon, United States
EXPERTISE: Production, Entrepreneurship
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Michael Vachon, co-founder, Maverick Drinks
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Brand management, Distribution, Sales
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Claire Vaughan, Co-Founder, White Peak Distillery
LOCATION: Derbyshire, England
EXPERTISE: Brand management, Marketing, Design
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Racheal Vaughan Jones, Marketing Director, Compass Box
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Marketing, Brand management, Writing
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David Vitale, Founder, Starward Whisky
LOCATION: Melbourne, Australia
EXPERTISE: Entrepreneurship, Business, Leadership
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Sarah Ward, Global Brand Manager, Highland Park, Edrington
LOCATION: Glasgow, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Communications, Brand management
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Emma Walker, Johnnie Walker Master Blender, Diageo
LOCATION: Menstrie, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Whisky Blending, Whisky Production, Innovation
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Alexandra Warren, Global Head of Marketing, Distill ventures
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: PR, Communications, Marketing
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Ron Welsh, Whisky Consultant, Ron Welsh Consulting Limited
LOCATION: Stirling, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Mature Inventory Management, Product Development
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Jonathan Wilson, Brand Home Visitor Operations Manager, Bacardi
LOCATION: Aberfeldy, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Tourism, Visitor Operations, Customer Engagement
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Alan Winchester, Distillery Advisor, The Glenlivet
LOCATION: Dufftown, Scotland
EXPERTISE: Distilling, Production
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Alex wolpert, Founder, East London Liquor Company
LOCATION: London, England
EXPERTISE: Founder, Distilling
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Helen Wong, Managing Director, Edrington Taiwan
LOCATION: Taipei, Taiwan
EXPERTISE: Leadership, Buying, Management
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Jackie Zykan, master blender, Hidden BArn Whiskey
LOCATION: Kentucky, USA
EXPERTISE: Blending, Production, Management