The inaugural Canada Whisky Symposium featured a keynote Q&A followed by a full day of presentations, a panel discussion, a workshop, and a tasting session.
Program topics targeted intermediate to advanced levels of knowledge in the craft of whisky-making, led by experts in the field.
The event also featured trade exhibits; the 2025 event will not feature a trade show component.
One of Canada’s most celebrated whisky icons, Forty Creek Master Blender Bill Ashburn, recounted some of the highlights in his 35-year career as a visionary helping to put modern Canadian whisky on the global map. In conversation with renowned author and Canadian Whisky Awards founder Davin de Kergommeaux (Canadian Whisky: The New Portable Expert, The Definitive Guide to Canadian Distilleries), Ashburn shared stories of innovative and award-winning bottlings over the years, and the novel techniques and inventive thinking behind them. The pair also discussed the evolution of whisky in Canada, and some of its possible directions.
As the co-founder of the American Single Malt Whisky Commission, Matt Hofmann was a key visionary in the development of an entirely new Standard of Identity for the spirit. It was created for American distillers to protect, educate, promote and grow their audience, there are lessons in the journey with global applications. Participants found out how the new ASMW category can boost distillers’ commercial growth, how it may help distillers develop greater awareness in regional and export markets and explored whether it can inject innovation and creativity into modern whisky making.
Slang terms like angel’s share and devil’s cut emphasize the mysterious, almost mystical aura surrounding wood-aged spirits. While casks are one of the most important factors in producing high-quality matured spirits, the chemistry underlying wood maturation process is often poorly understood. Master distiller Matt Strickland demystified some of the most important factors, including processes happening in the cask throughout maturation, and how distillers can influence them to create desired outcomes. Topics from type and size of cask to fill strength, warehouse environment and spirit composition were covered, giving distillers increased confidence in the warehouse and blending room.
A panel of experts in grain-growing, malting and agricultural research gave artisan distillers the knowledge and information they need to encourage successful collaboration with the farming, grain and malt worlds. From the potential to grow low- and no-GN barley varieties that are better to distillers, to the opportunity to work with micro-maltsters on custom batches, these experts spoke to current projects and research to inspire whisky makers everywhere. Moderated by Red Shed Malting’s Matt Hamill, the panel also included Tyler Shoales from Country Malt Group and Sherwin Santiano from the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre.
Rye whiskies are near and dear to Canadian customers and known around the world as a Canadian staple. What consumers do not know though, is how much love and effort goes into processing this small grain. During this session, Haley Churchill of Lallemand Distilling offered solutions to the challenges rye grains can cause during mashing, fermentation and distillation particularities. The session also addressed foaming and viscosity issues, while also advising how to maintain the sought-after spice character of rye.
The YouTube star and online content creator Kristine Hui (aka Miss Brewbird) presented an overview of common congeners that form in fermentation and distillation of new-make spirit destined to mature into whisky—the good, the bad and the ugly. Her discussion of the most common congeners and how they’re formed included a sensory session to identify them at different concentrations, and also expert advice on how to prevent and correct them in your distillery.
Waterford Whisky launched the landmark Whisky Terroir Project in 2016, to understand the influence of terroir (the location, soil, climate and other environmental factors) on barley-derived whisky. Oregon State University’s Dr. Dustin Herb, who has since published scientific papers definitively proving the influence of terroir on barley grown on two Irish sites, recounted his role in the project and the implications of its results for the future of global whisky.
Scottish distiller Mike Nicolson may have thought he was retiring on Vancouver Island, but in this session he recounted his time as a whisky consultant in Canada over the last two decades. Through his own narrative and the stories of his clients, Nicolson provided a lens to compare and contrast Canadian and Scotch whisky production and the vision, goals, planning and process of his clients. With both wisdom and humour, Nicolson recounted experience that holds valuable learnings for whisky makers everywhere.
Author & Founder | Canadian Whisky Awards
Davin is the author of Canadian Whisky: The New Portable Expertand The Definitive Guide to Canadian Distilleries. He has written about whisky, has presented whisky seminars, and has led tasting workshops on four continents for the past two decades. He is a judge for international whisky competitions such as the World Whisky Awards and the Malt Maniacs Awards; in 2009, Davin founded the Canadian Whisky Awards, and continues as the chair of its judging panel.
OTHER INDUSTRY EVENTS
With 13 warehouses across North America, the team at Country Malt Group (CMG), is committed to providing the craft beverage industry with premier brands, highest-quality ingredients, and exceptional service. By making it easy to get what you need, you can focus on what is important, your craft!
Glencairn Crystal is the global leader in the design and creation of innovative, premium, bespoke crystal glasses and containers. Creating containers for the rarest spirits on the planet, we have produced decanters for the world’s oldest whisky, oldest rum and oldest port – amongst hundreds of other super premium spirits, and we are the leading supplier of ultra-premium decanters and bottles to the premium spirit world. We are also the creators of the Glencairn Glass, the world’s favourite whisky glass, used by hundreds of distilleries and millions of people around the world.
Lallemand Distilling is an industry leader in supplying fermentation products and value-added services for both the fuel ethanol and distilled spirits industries. We specialize in the research, development, production and marketing of yeast, yeast nutrients, enzymes, bacteria and innovative solutions. Lallemand Distilling consists of the team within Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits (LBDS) dedicated to distillers. Lallemand Distilling is committed to providing the distilling market with only the highest quality products: yeast, nutrients, enzymes, and innovative solutions in partnership with expert technical support and education programs, all specific to the needs of distillers.
nwPURE is a producer of neutral grain spirits (NGS) for the beverage alcohol industry, using wheat, corn, rye and malted barley as feedstock. Our NGS is triple-distilled using state of the art equipment, passing through 9 columns of distillation to remove impurities. Our alcohol is distilled and rectified in various stages followed by polishing through the final distillation column which has copper internals to remove any residual sulphur impurities. To further ensure a high level of purity, our alcohol can be carbon filtered through our two stage filtration system that uses silver impregnated carbon. All of our products and processes adhere to strict QA/QC protocols to evaluate and ensure product quality. Our alcohol is non-GMO and kosher certified and can be used in a variety of beverage applications, including vodka, gin, RTD’s and blended whisky.
Poured Canada is the only magazine to target and directly reach the producers of beer, wine and spirits across Canada. Through strategic partnerships with Beer Canada, Spirits Canada and the Wine Growers Canada, each issue provides readers with policy and advocacy initiatives, trends, statistics, guidance, actionable resources and more. The magazine is committed to providing coverage of the industry geographically across Canada, and to highlighting diversity among the people who work in it. Poured Canada features distribution in all 13 Canadian provinces and territories.
The inaugural Canada Whisky Symposium included a trade show area featuring exhibits by some of the spirits leading suppliers.
At ACIC we strive to provide customers in the wine, spirits, and food industries with the highest quality standard closures. This goal is achieved through our dedication to customer service, the technical expertise of our team members, and their ability to impart this information to our customers. We have established partnerships with the world's best producers of natural and technical corks, Vinoseal, bartops, screwcaps, and capsules to provide a full range of closure options. Let us help you with your next bottling!
Bosagrape Winery & Brew Supplies has been in business since 1989, starting as a hobby that went out of control. Our name does not say it all. You've likely heard of us but you may not know our full range of products. We have been supplying Canada's craft distillers since the early 2000's with certified hydrometers, bottles, t-tops, shrinks, barrels, barrel racks, yeast, nutrients, enzymes, cleaners, botanicals, tanks, labware, reagents, filters, fillers, labelers, and anything and everything else you need to make great craft spirits. Call us at 604-473-9463, email us at orders@bosagrape.com, or browse our online catalogue at bosagrape.com
With 13 warehouses across North America, the team at Country Malt Group (CMG), is committed to providing the craft beverage industry with premier brands, highest-quality ingredients, and exceptional service. By making it easy to get what you need, you can focus on what is important, your craft!
A Canadian-owned and operated company with over 25 years of experience, CPE Systems Inc. is dedicated to providing the distilling industry with quality pumps and products to support their production needs. Sourcing pump parts from trusted manufacturers allows CPE Systems Inc. to provide high quality, customizable pump solutions that will keep your distillery operating at peak efficiency. Our customer service team is dedicated to supporting our clients from purchase to installation, offering exceptional, trusted advice and industry expertise that sets us apart from anyone else. At the end of the day, your success is what matters to us. No question is too simple and no distillery is too small for CPE Systems Inc. Contact us today.
Fermentis works with everyone in the world of beer, wine, spirits and other fermented beverages. Its range of products and services covers almost all professional requirements: from safeguarding production to expressing sensory characteristics. Born in the north of France, Fermentis is a Business Unit of the Lesaffre Group; global key player in yeasts and fermentation solutions.
Glenmore Custom Print & Packaging provides industry-leading options that will set your brand apart from the competition. With over 40 years of expertise and a drive for constant innovation, Glenmore excels in printing techniques and offer a wide range of packaging solutions tailored for distillers. In-house finishing ensures cost-effective production, faster turnaround times, and superior quality control. As Canada's top custom manufacturer of tubes, labels, shrink sleeves, paper-boxes, and more, Glenmore elevates your brand's packaging with state-of-the-art equipment and unwavering commitment to excellence. Glenmore is the perfect partner to help bring your great idea to life!
Great Little Box Company/Ideon Packaging (GLBC) provides businesses with innovative and creative labels and packaging. Family owned and founded 40 years ago, their 5 divisions enable an innovative and consultative approach to all your label and packaging challenges. Proudly serving Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest, we welcome you to experience our mission of Great People Delivering WOW!
Lallemand Distilling is an industry leader in supplying fermentation products and value-added services for both the fuel ethanol and distilled spirits industries. We specialize in the research, development, production and marketing of yeast, yeast nutrients, enzymes, bacteria and innovative solutions. Lallemand Distilling consists of the team within Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits (LBDS) dedicated to distillers. Lallemand Distilling is committed to providing the distilling market with only the highest quality products: yeast, nutrients, enzymes, and innovative solutions in partnership with expert technical support and education programs, all specific to the needs of distillers.
Niagara College's Artisan Distilling program, at its School of Wine, Beer and Spirits, teaches the scientific, technological and business aspects of distilling and fermentation, and the production cycle of distilled spirits. Renowned with graduates, employers and industry partners for its outstanding reputation, Niagara College gives its students access to the latest technologies available for small batch fermentation and distillation processes. Niagara College of School of Wine, Beer and Spirits is located at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, in the heart of Ontario’s thriving distilling industry, and includes a world-class teaching distillery, an on-site 40-acre vineyard, a fruit tree orchard, a hop yard, an apiary, and a Teaching Greenhouse.
At North Stills, it is our mission is to provide artisan distilleries with a local source for the absolute highest quality of distillation equipment available on the market today. Our equipment is as highly functional and efficient as it is aesthetically pleasing. Our large warehouse in Southern Ontario stocks a wide range of pot stills, reflux stills, flute columns, distilling yeast, and just about everything else you’ll need to make world class spirits. We’re proudly Canadian and we ship worldwide.
Polaris Automazioni has placed the principles of quality, flexibility and growth at the forefront of the production system. Born in Italy in the 1960s by Alberto Bertani, the first Polaris semi-automatic labeling machines were built in a laboratory under his house. Over the years the company has grown and created ever more complete machines and automations that are appreciated in every corner of the world. Today, Polaris bottling systems are made with maximum flexibility to meet the specific needs of producers who use different types of bottles, including cylindrical, square, conical, amphorae, and even irregular shapes and those with variable capacities. Polaris system formats and production lots can be changed frequently without losing time or adding operational complexity - bottle format changes can often be made in 15 to 30 minutes.
Poured Canada is the only magazine to target and directly reach the producers of beer, wine and spirits across Canada. Through strategic partnerships with Beer Canada, Spirits Canada and the Wine Growers Canada, each issue provides readers with policy and advocacy initiatives, trends, statistics, guidance, actionable resources and more. The magazine is committed to providing coverage of the industry geographically across Canada, and to highlighting diversity among the people who work in it. Poured Canada features distribution in all 13 Canadian provinces and territories.
Prospero Equipment offers commercial Column and Pot stills to the North American market. Made and manufactured in Italy the Stills are extremely robust and high quality producing a very high quality end product. The Barison Industry stills that we offer are made to provide a fully automated system for the management of the distillation process, equipped with dedicated software for checking the alcohol content, temperature and working pressure.
Saverglass manufactures and decorates premium and super premium glass bottles for wines and spirits. Recognized for its mastery of know-how, the quality of its products and the originality of its creations, the Group, the guardian of the great tradition of French master glassmakers, has made a name for itself throughout the world through its capacity for innovation, which has become a true corporate culture. Saverglass is also pleased to offer repacking options.
Revival Stillworks provides planning, engineering, manufacturing, and support services for craft distillers. Residing in the beautiful city of Sidney BC, Canada, all of our equipment is proudly designed and manufactured locally by our skilled team of copper smiths and fabricators as we combine old world techniques with modern day technology. Our team takes pride in developing products that not only look beautiful but will stand the test of time, and our craftsmen are committed to quality and performance above all else. Our uncompromising approach to quality means our customers are our family, and you can expect to receive the utmost trust, respect, and fairness from each of our employees.
Summit Labels is not your typical label printer—they’re pioneers, redefining the custom label industry in Vancouver, BC. They embrace the spirit of innovation, and if there’s one thing you need to know up front, it’s that they’re collaborators. Summit Labels loves to get together with clients over a pint of craft beer or a cup of coffee, and discuss how to make your brand stand out. Summit Labels—they’re more than order-takers, they’re partners.
Tapì USA is part of Tapì Group, a business established by a young, dynamic, enthusiastic team of professionals in 1999. We position ourselves as a “global boutique” firm that designs closures for the premium and super-premium drinks sectors. Our innovation skills have led us to develop into a multinational group, recognised for our originality, our design flair and our focus on aesthetic appeal. As a business, our main aim is to be a leader in market trends. And this is the primary driver behind our mission – to develop a culture that values beauty, conveyed through our product designs.
Verallia is the world’s third largest producer of glass packaging for beverages and food products, manufacturing 16 billion glass bottles and jars each year for 10,000 companies. Their global network helps provide North American customers with customizable, eco-friendly and high-quality glass solutions. With nearly 200 years of experience in glass manufacturing, 32 glass plants and 8 glassware processing centres in 11 countries, Verallia offers the entire North American market a unique approach based on sustainability, innovation, customer experience and high-quality products.
ZLC Employee Benefits Solutions provides a full range of services related to employee benefits and group retirement plans across Canada. Our goal is to provide you with the most affordable plans, as well as the peace of mind that your plans are financially sustainable going forward, and, most importantly, that your plans are relevant to attracting, retaining and engaging the key talent to support your business strategy. ZLC has also developed a proprietary small business solution for employee benefits that allows companies to have full flexibility on plan design while leveraging the cost efficiencies of a national buying consortium.
800 Robson Street, Vancouver
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver within a short walk of hotels, public transit, restaurants, and retail stores, UBC’s Robson Square conference facility provides a mix
of comfortable and contemporary auditorium, classroom, workshop, and trade exhibit spaces for ADC’s unique needs.
ADC 2023 was a licensed event, which allowed us to hold select workshops and seminars with Canadian spirits forming part of the program.
