OurWhisky reveals BCB educational programme
Bar Convent Berlin’s (BCB) official education partner, OurWhisky Foundation, has released its schedule of educational talks for next week’s three-day fair.
With whisky named the official ‘spirit of honour’ at this year’s show, the programme of educational workshops, seminars and panel discussions will highlight the category’s breadth of diversity, in terms of geographical origins and flavour, as well as those who make and sell the spirit.
Becky Paskin, founder of the OurWhisky Foundation and host of the Whisky 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 Whisky Embassy in Berlin.”
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.
This year’s BCB will be held from 14 to 16 October at Messe Berlin.
See below for the full line-up.
Monday 14 October
1.15pm-2pm: The wood (and wine) that makes the whisky
Join Highland Park brand ambassador Thomas Plaue as he uncovers the secrets behind Sherry and Port and how these two wines flavour the casks that contribute to the single malt Scotch brand’s distinctive character.
2.30pm-3.15pm: Do you even like whisky? Exploring sexism in 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.
3.45pm-4.30pm: Still waters run deep
Join Charlie McCarthy from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and Deborah Stewart of Glenfarclas as they 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.
5pm-5.45pm: Who’s afraid of little old Scotch?
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 15 October
12pm-12.45pm: The evolution of the whisky bar
Join London bar 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.
1.15pm-2pm: The rise of American single malt
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.
2.30pm-3.15pm: How can a simple mentorship programme change your life?
The OurWhisky Foundation has helped more than 200 women further their careers in the whisky industry through its dedicated mentorship programme. Come and 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.
3.45pm-4.30pm: Whiskey reinvented: Exploring innovations in proofing, blending and water
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 16 October
12pm-12.45pm: The rye-sing tide of European rye
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.
1.15pm-2pm: What’s next? How to pursue a whisky career
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.
2.30pm-3.15pm: The media’s role in making whisky more inclusive
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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