OurWhisky Foundation reveals Whisk(e)y Embassy programme for BCB
The OurWhisky Foundation has revealed the inaugural educational programme for its Whisk(e)y Embassy at Bar Convent Berlin 2024.
As the official education partner for the Berlin cocktail conference (which runs 14-16th October) the OurWhisky Foundation has curated three days of educational talks for attendees to learn more about whisky.
With the category named the official Spirit of Honour at this year’s show, the programme of educational workshops, seminars and panel discussions will highlight whisky’s breadth of diversity, in terms of geographical origins and flavour, as well as those who make and sell the spirit.
From casks to stills and careers to bar trends, topics will be explored on stage by bartenders, educators, brand ambassadors and more over the three days in Hall 11.1.
Becky Paskin, founder of the OurWhisky Foundation, who will host the Whisk(e)y Embassy, said: “We’re proud and excited to be the official whisky education partner for Bar Convent Berlin. We’ve compiled a diverse programme of workshops and tastings that everyone, from whisky novice to connoisseur, will find educational and informative. We’re looking forward to welcoming BCB’s visitors to the Whisk(e)y Embassy in Berlin.”
Below is the full lineup to add to your calendars:
Monday 14th October
13.15-14.00: The wood (and wine) that makes the whisky
Whisky makers use a variety of casks to mature their spirit, from new American oak and Bourbon to Sherry butts and Port pipes. It’s well known that the cask contributes up to 70% of whisky’s flavour, but how much do you know about the casks themselves? Join Highland Park brand ambassador Thomas Plaue as we uncover the secrets behind Sherry and Port and how these two wines flavour the casks that contribute to Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky’s distinctive character.
14.30-15.15: Do you even like whisky? Exploring sexism in whisky
Whisky has long had a reputation for being a ‘man’s drink’ thanks to decades of male-targeted advertising, but how much does this affect the women who make and drink whisky? In this ground-breaking workshop, OurWhisky Foundation founder Becky Paskin explores how unconscious bias is at the heart of sexism in the whisky industry and what we can do to overcome it.
15.45-16.30: Still waters run deep
Most whisky aficionados are very familiar with malt, fermentation and cask influence as drivers of flavour. But what about the still? Join Charlie McCarthy from the WSET and Deborah Stewart of Glenfarclas as we explore a specially selected range of Scotch whiskies, each of which has been shaped by a unique still that gives these special malts a distinctive style and character.
17.00-17.45: Who’s afraid of little old Scotch?
Scotch has long been a staple of the backbar yet an infrequent feature in cocktail menus. The myth that Scotch ‘can’t be mixed’ has been consigned to the past, so what are we all so afraid of? Join whisky expert Becky Paskin and whiskies from Cutty Sark for a swift recap of this misunderstood category and rediscover Scotch’s myriad applications in cocktails beyond the standard Old Fashioned.
Tuesday 15th October
12.00-12.45: The evolution of the whisky bar
Imagine a whisky bar and you may envisage a dark, wood-panelled room with tartan wallpaper and leather armchairs filled with older gentlemen puffing on cigars. Yet there’s a new kind of modern whisky bar emerging, one that’s bright, vibrant, accessible and loves a good cocktail. Join Dram’s Chris Tanner, Sexy Fish’s Cressida Lawlor and Compass Box’s Racheal Vaughan Jones to discover how whisky bars have evolved and what modern drinkers are looking for.
13.15-14.00: The rise of American single malt
While the US is renowned for its Bourbon and rye whiskey, there’s a new category of American single malt emerging and no, it’s not just ‘American Scotch’! Discover the versatility and dynamism of this exciting new category and its fight for official recognition with Westland’s Ana Hinz and Virginia Distilling Co.’s Andrew Meissner.
14.30-15.15: How can a simple mentorship programme change your life?
Beyonce once said, “If there’s one thing I’m willing to bet on, it’s myself.” The OurWhisky Foundation has helped over 200 women further their careers in the whisky industry through our dedicated mentorship programme. Through one-on-one guidance with some of the industry’s biggest names, bespoke workshops and networking opportunities, our programme is designed to help women build personal confidence, professional skills and an enduring, supportive community. With so many mentees securing new jobs and promotions, even starting their own businesses, it’s no wonder they describe our programme as ‘life changing’. Come hear from two former mentees and a mentor, as well as the OurWhisky Foundation’s founder, Becky Paskin, about how mentorship could change your life, and how, as a future mentor, you could help nurture the talent of tomorrow.
15.45-16.30: Whiskey reinvented: Exploring innovations in proofing, blending and water
Dive into the cutting-edge techniques redefining American whiskey, from FEW Spirits' groundbreaking proofing methods to Widow Jane's exceptional blending practices, perfected with limestone-rich water from the legendary Rosendale Mines. Join Samson & Surrey brand ambassador Kyra Elton for a rare look at the craftsmanship pushing the boundaries of flavour and tradition in modern whiskey.
Wednesday 16th October
12.00-12.45: The rye-sing tide of European rye
Rye whisky may be mostly regarded as a product of the US, but there’s a new wave of European distillers using this spicy, flavoursome grain to make whisky that’s a reflection of their own culture and place. Discover the individual character of rye whiskies from England’s Fielden, Denmark’s Stauning and Germany’s own Stork Club, and how to use them best in cocktails.
13.15-14.00: What’s next? How to pursue a whisky career
Trying to figure out your next career move in the whisky and drinks industry? Come for a selection of Widow Jane drams and a chat to discover the career routes and learnings from three leading women in whisky: Sienna Jevremov, head distiller and blender at Widow Jane, Kyra Elton, brand ambassador for Samson & Surrey, and Chloe Merz, co-founder of Collab Bar.
14.30-15.15: The media’s role in making whisky more inclusive
The media plays a vital role in shaping our perceptions of the world, including who makes and enjoys whisky. As bars and distillers seek to make whisky more inclusive, how can magazines, newspapers and content creators also do the same? Join us for an in-depth discussion with Melita Kiely, editor of the Spirits Business, Johannes Hohloch, editor-in-chief of DRINKS and Der Whisky-Botschafter, and Alex Irving, co-founder of LXPR.
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