The Program
The Canada Whisky Symposium gathers distillers from across North American and beyond to share their unique and inspiring whisky programs with attendees.
Keynote Q&A
Todd Leopold from Leopold Bros. Distillery & Malthouse
Over an early morning sample of their whiskey, Todd will share the story of Leopold Bros. and their resurrection of the Three Chamber Still, a truly rare and unique piece of engineering and art.
0900-1000
Session 1
Rob Carpenter from Hollyrood Distillery
Holyrood Distillery Five Years in: What we did right and what we didn't: join Co-founder of Holyrood Distillery, Rob Carpenter, for a candid tale of Canadians building a distillery in Edinburgh and the lessons learned.
10:15-11:15
Session 2
Paul Cirka from Cirka Distilleries
How does a small craft distillery attract the attention of a celebrity, navigate production challenges and get to the point of launching a new brand. This is the story of Paul Cirka, Michael Bublé and Fraser & Thompson Whisky. Launched in October 2023, this is a look into the challenges of launching a new celebrity whisky brand.
Panel
Defining Rye Whisky in Canada
Join Davin de Kergommeaux and a panel of distillers to talk about the future of rye whisky in Canada.
Session 3
Anna Mantheakis from Westward Whiskey
As a distiller with synesthesia, Anna has a unique approach to blending and tasting whiskey. She will talk about what it was like to find she had synesthesia; how synesthesia affects her process; how neurodiversity underpins her tasting philosophy; and how she honed her skills through her work with Westward Whiskey. We will learn the story of how Westward Whiskey grew from humble origins to become a well awarded producer of exceptional American Single Malt.
14:45=15:45
Session 4
Rob Easter from Workhorse Rye
Rob will deliver a deep dive into growing heirlooms grains, their differences in flavour, and how the interact with the soil differently than modern industrial grains, as well as the influence of oak on their delicate flavours. At Workhorse Rye Rob is focused on respecting the base ingredient of one's art, and our potential roads ahead that rely on community, collaboration, compassion for future generations, and raising the quality of our base ingredients.
16:00-17:00
Optional Evening Dinner
Whisky & Cocktail Dinner with Lot No. 40 at True Wild Distilling
The Whisky Dinner will feature a reception followed by a three-course meal—each dinner course will be paired with a cocktail and a whisky sample.
Featuring special guest Dave Mitton, Lot 40 Global Brand Ambassador.