OurWhisky Unveils BCB Educational Program
The OurWhisky Foundation, Bar Convent Berlin’s official education partner, has released the schedule of educational talks for next week’s fair.
In celebration of whisky being named the ‘spirit of honor’ at this year’s show, educational workshops, seminars, and panel discussions will highlight the category’s diversity in geographic origin, flavor, and those who make and sell it.
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 program of workshops and tastings that everyone, from whisky novices to connoisseurs, will find educational and informative. We’re looking forward to welcoming BCB’s visitors to the Whisky Embassy in Berlin.”
In Hall 11.1, bartenders, educators, brand ambassadors and more will discuss a range of topics from casks to stills to careers to bar trends. This year’s BCB will take place from 14 to 16 October at Messe Berlin.
OurWhisky Foundation Launches Educational Program
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 flavor the casks that contribute to the single malt Scotch brand’s distinctive character.
2.30 pm-3.15 pm: 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.
3.45 pm-4.30 pm: 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 skill 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 – OurWhisky BCB
12 pm-12.45 pm: 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 seek.
1.15 pm-2 pm: 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.
2.30 pm-3.15 pm: How can a simple mentorship program change your life?
The OurWhisky Foundation has helped more than 200 women further their careers in the whisky industry through its dedicated mentorship program. 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.
3.45 pm-4.30 pm: 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 flavor and tradition in modern whiskey.
Wednesday 16 October
12 pm-12.45 pm: 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.
1.15 pm-2 pm: 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.
2.30 pm-3.15 pm: The media’s role in making whisky more inclusive
