View Event Flyer - Whiskey Obsession Festival

SOTA’S PREMIUM
SARA
SPIRITS FESTIVAL
Panel of Whiskey Experts
TICKETS
Interactive Tasting and Discussion
Thursday, March 31, 2016 • 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
The Francis • 1289 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join eight master distillers and professional brand ambassadors as they present their favorite spirits.
$45 per person includes sixteen whiskies with wonderful hors d’oeuvres and appetizers from The Francis.
Brendan Coyle
High West Lead Distiller
David Blackmore
Glenmorangie and
Ardbeg Master Ambassador
Master Brand Ambassador David Blackmore leads
the Glenmorangie USA educational program, exciting and
educating the industry and consumers on the nuances of
Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky through tastings
and events across the country. David was named the
“2014 Scotch Whisky Ambassador of the Year” by Whisky
Magazine for the third consecutive year.
Rob Dietrich
Stranahan’s Distiller
Born and raised in Minnesota, Brendan came to Salt Lake
City in 1999 where he began his career with RedRock
Brewing Company. After several years learning the art
and science of brewing Brendan headed to Edinburgh
Scotland where he gained an appreciation for distilling
and completed a Masters of Science in Brewing and
Distilling Sciences at Heriot Watt University. With a love for
skiing and the southern desert Brendan was drawn back
to Utah to join High West in early 2008.
Gardner Dunn
Suntory Whisky Brand Ambassador
Since 2011, Rob Dietrich has served as Stranahan’s head
distiller, after taking over from original head distiller
Jake Norris. In 1998, Graber, a volunteer firefighter, met
Stranahan, the founder and owner of Flying Dog Brewery,
while fighting a fire at Stranahan’s barn. They struck up a
conversation about whiskey, and were soon in business
together. One of the first craft whiskey distillers in the US,
Stranahan’s is said to have “kicked off the Colorado distilling
craze” with its whiskey and the designation it invented, Rocky
Mountain Whiskey. It was Colorado’s first microdistillery, and
the state’s first legal distillery since prohibition.
Since joining Suntory, the results of Dunn’s efforts
have been clear in the tremendous growth
of the Japanese whisky category, and rampant
recognition of Suntory as a premier player
in the market: during his tenure,
Suntory has received over 80 awards.
Michter’s Distiller
Pam Heilmann
Bernie Lubbers
Heaven Hill Ambassador
Pam is Michter’s Distiller and Vice President of
Production. Prior to joining Michter’s, Pam spent
nearly 15 years at Beam Global, Inc., maker of
fine whiskeys including Baker’s, Basil Hayden’s,
Booker’s, and Knob Creek, and has a strong
operational background. Her most recent position
at Beam had been overseeing all aspects of
whiskey production as Distillery Manager at the
Booker Noe Distillery in Boston, Kentucky. During
her years at Beam, Pam worked directly with
former Master Distiller Jerry Dalton.
Bernie is The Whiskey Professor for Heaven Hill Distillery.
Not only the best job title on the planet, but it translates
to him talking about bourbon. A veteran comedian of 25
years he is entertaining, but he can also tell you more about
bourbon than you ever thought you could know.
He also created the “Evolution of Bourbon Tasting”
where folks not only hear about the history of how bourbon
came to be the native spirit of the United States, but they
see, smell, feel, and taste how bourbon started
as un-aged corn whiskey, and ended up as this
aged pure red amber American whiskey.
Philip Pepperdine
Chris Morris
Bowmore Ambassador
Woodford Reserve Master Distiller,
Chairman of the Kentucky Distillers Assoc.
Chris Morris knows whiskey. As the second Master
Distiller at the Woodford Reserve Distillery, Chris
was an integral character in the development of
Woodford Reserve. As head Master Distiller of one of
the world’s fastest growing bourbons, he spends his
days innovating and planning future releases.
Philip has worked in the hospitality industry
for over 16 years and was trained by
Sasha Petrosky on classic cocktails at
Milk & Honey and The Randolph at Broome.
He has represented the Beam Suntory
portfolio for the last few years.
“The idea is to create new and different things with an artisan’s
touch, things nobody’s ever done before while maintaining the
essence of Woodford Reserve that everyone loves.”
The event begins at 7:00 pm and includes hors d’oeuvres, but it’s recommended that guests don’t arrive on an empty stomach. Guests are reminded
that this event is for appreciation, not intoxication. Obviously impaired guests will not be allowed to remain at the event. All guests who consume
alcohol are encouraged to have a designated driver; Whiskey Obsession does not tolerate drinking and driving. Take your friends and take a cab.
whiskeyobsessionfestival.com/classes