MARK REYNIER

WATERFORD

Arcadian Farm Origin:  In search of whisky’s most natural flavours and aromas

Inspired by the world’s greatest wine-makers and making the most of Ireland’s rich terroir, the Waterford distillery continues to create a buzz with its experimental Arcadian range. The concept? Working with maverick farmers and iconoclasts whose way of life respects the land in the pursuit of pure flavours. Discover its many facets with single malts created using sometimes forgotten, sometimes peated organic barley grown grown in accordance with biodynamic practices. A truly innovative approach to whisky!

Biography of Mark Reynier

2020 marked the 40th anniversary of Mark Reynier’s career in wines and spirits, a career split equally between these two passions. In London in 1980 the non-conformist entrepreneur and pioneer of the concept of terroir in the spirits world founded the independent bottler La Réserve, before then bringing the Bruichladdich distillery back to life in 2000. Following the distillery’s success, it was bought by the Rémy Cointreau group in 2012. After its sale, Mark then bought the former Guinness brewery of Waterford in Ireland in 2014, turning it into a state-of-the-art distillery, and then began building the Renegade rum distillery on the island of Grenada in July 2018.

Drew Mayville

BUFFALO TRACE

The Buffalo Trace Distillery: The many facets of American whiskey

The most highly prized distillery in the world has produced whiskey on the banks of the Kentucky River for more than 200 years. The traces left by buffalo migrations along the river opened new roads. Discover the leading styles of American whiskey with Buffalo Trace’s master distiller and maturation specialist Drew Mayville.

Biography of Drew Mayville

Drew Mayville has over 40 years of experience working with some of the leading businesses in the drinks industry, including 23 years with Seagram’s. Drew joined Sazerac in 2004 as Master Blender and Quality Director. His passion lies not only in designing premium quality products but also in sharing his expertise and secrets with other whisky enthusiasts.

FRÉDÉRIC DUSSART & PHILIPE ETIGNARD

Château du breuil

Le Breuil Single Malt Whisky, barley hunter

Ancient barleys rather than conventional barleys for Single Malt whiskies, the advantages that make the difference.

Biography of Philippe Etignard

Cellar Master at La Spiriterie Française Château du Breuil – Normandy for 12 years, after more than 20 years in the wine world (Burgundy, Beaujolais, southern Rhône Valley). True creator of French premium spirits

Biography of Frédéric Dussart

President of La Spiriterie Française Château du Breuil – Normandy since April 2020. Business leader and entrepreneur with the desire to develop the French premium spirits market and in particular that of French whisky

HIROMI OZAKI & EMIKO KAJI

NIKKA WHISKY

Nikka Discovery 2022 “Aromatic Yeast”

Following the sensational roll-out last year, Nikka Discovery series will continue stimulating the curiosity of story-lovers. Limited editions 2022 highlight unique aromas generated through fermentation and guide you to further depths of Nikka’s diversified whisky-making.

Biography of Hiromi Ozaki

Ozaki joined Nikka Whisky in 1988 and took his first steps into the deep world of spirits at R&D. With his rich experiences in all aspects of whisky, from raw materials, cultivating yeasts to blending and aging, he was assigned as Chief Blender in 2021 to lead a core part of Nikka’s whisky-making.

Biography of Emiko Kaji

Emiko has been managing Nikka’s international business since 2010, as the front runner to cultivate the global market and introduce artisanal whiskies and spirits crafted by Nikka to enthusiasts around the world.

MATHIEU ALICHE

LAPHROAIG

Rediscover Laphroaig, the iconic single malt from the Isle of Islay

At Laphroaig (literally in Gaelic “a splendor nestled in a large bay”), the tradition of making our whiskey has been passed down from generation to generation, and this since its creation in 1815. Laphroaig leaves no one indifferent: a powerful single malt and complex, giving pride of place to its smoky, peaty and salty side. Lovers of exceptional single malts will tell you: the first glass of Laphroaig is unforgettable. Our brand ambassador, Mathieu Aliche, invites you on a journey to the heart of Islay Island to rediscover Laphroaig, an incomparable whisky, with an inimitable aromatic palette.

Biography of Mathieu Aliche

After a career in finance in the luxury sector and a brief detour in a communication agency, Mathieu Aliche embarked on his true vocation: bartending. With a wealth of experience in many London and Parisian bars, or even in the restaurant business, and with his precise knowledge of the world of spirits and particularly whisky, Mathieu contributes to the rediscovery and influence of Laphroaig in France.

Olivier GOUJON

BNIA

Everything you need to know about Armagnac

(Re)discover Armagnac through a tasting that explores young and old vintages, a range of complexities, ageing in dry and humid cellars, old and new casks, single-varietals and blends, and even cask strength bottlings! Learn how to understand this historically rich spirit and the impact of its different terroirs and grape varieties on its unique style and character.

Biography of OLIVIER GOUJON

Trained in wine-growing and oenology, as well as corporate communications, Olivier Goujon is head of the Armagnac inter-professional body, offering support for the growth of this renowned French appellation. With a deep love of skilled crafts and intangible living heritage, his aim is to introduce people to the spirit’s different styles and how they lend themselves to many different serving situations.

SERGE VALENTIN & ANGUS MC RAILD

20th WhiskyFun’s Birthday

20th WhiskyFun’s birthday

This is the reference site for all enthusiasts! With nearly 20,000 tasting notes published in 20 years, whiskyfun.com acts as a compass in the world of whiskeys and spirits. Whiskey Live Paris invites Serge Valentin and Angus MacRaild to come and celebrate the site’s 2 decades on the masterclass stage. On the program, a high-flying tasting and certainly a lot of emotion, one of the highlights of the show.

Biography of Serge Valentin

With over 10,000 tasting notes, the Whiskyfun blog is a genuine institution for whisky lovers. Serge Valentin, who updates the blog almost every day, is part of the very closed fellowship of the Malt Maniacs.

Biography of Angus MacRaild

Decadent Drinks is an independent bottler of whisky and other fine spirits. Angus MacRaild – also author of the WhiskySponge blog – is the founder.  His philosophy is quality, fun and not taking life too seriously. This quirky side can be seen both in his blog and on the labels of his bottlings with this sponge character in a wide variety of styles.

Oliver Chilton

Elements of Islay

Discover the new Elements of Islay Cask Edit, the quintessential expression of Islay.

Join Oliver Chilton, Head Blender for Elixir Distillers, in taking apart the new Elements of Islay Cask Edit, and discover the different styles that have been intertwined to create the perfect quintessential expression of Islay.

Biography of Oliver Chilton

Oliver has been involved in most parts of Speciality Drinks over the years, having started out in the original Whisky Exchange shop by London Bridge before being moved to head office to assist with running the Whisky Show in its early days. His palate helped secure him a role selecting casks for independent bottling – leading the way to the creation of Elixir Distillers.

Philippe Giraud & Gaetan Mariolle

Alfred Giraud

Alfred Giraud : a “traditionally different” whisky
With almost one hundred years of experience crafting some of the world’s coveted cognacs, the Giraud family draws on its mastery of blending to establish a new tradition of French malt whisky, bold yet remarkably refined, a balance of nature and creativity.
Philippe Giraud, founder, and Gaetan Mariolle, Whisky Maker, invite you to discover how Alfred Giraud revisits traditional French methods with a creative and modern approach, through a tasting of the range along with additional surprises …

Philippe Giraud’s biography

Philippe Giraud, born to a family of coopers and cellar masters at a renowned Maison de cognac for several generations, begins a new chapter of his family’s history when he leaves France in 1995 to join a renowned producer of scotch whisky. He develops a passion for whisky, and founds a spirit distribution company in 2004, thanks to which he continues to work with and appreciate fine whiskies. Philippe ultimately decide to combine his knowledge of the whisky business with his family’s cognac expertise to create a new legacy for the family, Alfred Giraud French Malt Whisky.

Gaetan Mariolle’s biography

Gaetan Mariolle spent an important part of his professional life in the wine and spirits industry. He was initiated to the art of blending and aging by two famous master blenders during the 15 years he worked at a renowned Maison de cognac. With a passion for whisky, in 2012 he joins the Giraud family & co-cellar master, Georges Clot, to create Alfred Giraud’s range.

Matt Hastings

Blender, Nc’nean

Why we care about grain

Barley and how it’s farmed is of the upmost importance to Scotch whisky. Join independent distillers Nc’nean, as we discuss key aspects of this fundamental ingredient, and how more sustainable practises can improve both the whisky in your glass, and the environment you enjoy it in.

Biography of Matt Hastings

Matt is the wearer of many hats at Nc’nean, including leading the blending operations at the distillery. He has great taste in whisky, reasonable taste in literature, and poor taste in tattoos.

DAVID VITALE

STARWARD

Pushing the boundaries of cask maturation

Starward is the world leader in red wine cask whisky maturation. Find out why their innovation and modern approach to making whisky has been winning awards all over the world.

Biography of David Vitale

David is Starward’s founder. Born in Melbourne, Australia to immigrant Sicilian parents, David launched his first business specializing in online learning in 1998 and in 2007 launched Starward with the simple goal of offering the world a modern Australian whisky. His love of his home town and progressive approach to tradition and innovation inspire almost every decision made at Starward. Today, he and his team have gained a reputation as trendsetters known for their ground-breaking work in the field. Their mission is to get people to try their whisky and to surprise them with just how different (and delicious) the spirit can be when made in Melbourne, Australia.

Chris Fletcher & Lexie Phillips

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s Bonded & Jack Daniel’s Triple Mash: the new whiskeys from the famous Tennessee distillery.

In 2022, Jack Daniel’s added two new expressions to its permanent super premium range. Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Chris Fletcher offers you an exclusive taste of Jack Daniel’s Bonded and Jack Daniel’s Triple Mash.

Biography of Chris Fletcher

The grandson of Franck Bobo – Jack Daniel’s master distiller from 1966 to 1988 – Chris Fletcher has taken over where Bobo left off as master distiller and director of quality at the Jack Daniel distillery. His incredible expertise and in-depth knowledge of the world of whiskey provide the perfect foundations for his role as the brand’s international ambassador, helping perpetuate the tradition and innovation of a historic whiskey.

Biography of Lexie Phillips

Lexie Phillips joined Chris Fletcher as assistant master distiller at the Jack Daniel distillery in 2020. She draws on her knowledge of the distillery’s history and the whiskey production process to work with the master distiller and stay up to date with the latest innovations. She often travels as a brand ambassador giving tastings and also offers private tours at the Lynchburg distillery.

STÉPHANE BOGAERT & SEBASTIEN CASTAN

ARTESIA & VILANOVA

French Whisky: Convergences and Contrasts

Carried by an ever-increasing number of producers, the wave of French whiskey continues to break. The approaches are plural but the movement very real. Stéphane Bogaert and Sébastien Castan, directors respectively of the T.O.S. and Castan, renowned for their Artesia and Vilanova brands, are taking part in their first Whiskey Live Paris this year. The opportunity to exchange during this masterclass with 4 hands on their respective backgrounds, methods and installations but also on what brings them together: strong regional roots, family project, choice of craftsmanship… A discussion, but also a cross-tasting with unique and striking single malts, which should make sparks.

Biography of Stéphane Bogaert

Stéphane Bogaert, co-founder of TOS distillerie, comes from a background in marketing and international trade. His primary vocation was to move into sports marketing, but a combination of circumstances led him to join the family delicatessen company. This was followed by the creation with his brother and a friend of a craft brewery in the Hauts de France in 2003, one of the pioneers of brewing renewal and renowned nationally. Diversification into the distillery came in 2017 with the creation of TOS and then the takeover of the Wambrechies distillery in 2019.

Biography of Sébastien Castan

3rd generation of distillers from the Castan farm-distillery, Sébastien is the founder of Whiskey Vilanova. After taking over his father’s family stills, Sébastien wanted to produce a spirit, while highlighting his cereals: the idea of ​​whiskey came to him in 2007. For 15 years, he has mastered the cultivation of his cereals, the precision of brewing/fermentation, the rigor of the distillation, as well as the aging of its whiskies.

Alexandre Gabriel

Plantation rum

The Great Rum Terroirs – Exploration & Innovation
For more than 30 years, Plantation Rum’s master blender Alexandre Gabriel has explored the world of rum and its various terroirs in search of inspiration and the best casks on the planet. His interest in the history, heritage and individual production methods of each rum-producing nation has taken him to prestigious distilleries in the Caribbean, Latin America and Oceania. From these trips he has brought back a selection of exclusive products from the world’s greatest rum terroirs.

Biography of Alexandre Gabriel

Alexandre Gabriel—Maison Ferrand’s master blender for over 30 years—is a passionate producer of outstanding craft spirits and the mind behind the brands Plantation Rum, Cognac Ferrand and Citadelle Gin. His creations have received more than 900 awards at the world’s leading international competitions. He is also the owner of the West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados and joint owner of the Long Pond and Clarendon distilleries in Jamaica.

In 2012, Gabriel was named Rum Blender of the Year at the prestigious Golden Barrel Awards and in 2017 was awarded the prize for Outstanding Contribution to Distilling by the American Distilling Institute, becoming the first person in history to receive this accolade.

Yumi Yoshikawa

Chichibu

Chichibu whisky making and philosophy on blending

Let’s get a sense of the house style from the two new spirits of the Chichibu distillery, as well as the philosophy behind the blending of the founder and master blender, Ichiro.

Biography of Yumi Yoshikawa

Yumi Yoshikawa is the global brand ambassador of the Chichibu distillery. Based in Chichibu in Japan, working at the distillery and traveling around the world.

Starting the career from 2001 as a bartender in Japan, and seeing the industry from both point of view from consumer and producer.

MARK REYNIER

WATERFORD / RENEGADE

Variations on the theme of terroir

Idea man Mark Reynier chose to round off his incredible career by setting up and developing two distilleries: Waterford, which produces whisky, and Renegade, which produces rum. In addition to their founder, they share another key attribute, a dedication to showcasing different terroirs and their contrasts. Complete traceability yet still full of surprises…

Biography of Mark Reynier

2020 marked the 40th anniversary of Mark Reynier’s career in wines and spirits, a career split equally between these two passions. In London in 1980 the non-conformist entrepreneur and pioneer of the concept of terroir in the spirits world founded the independent bottler La Réserve, before then bringing the Bruichladdich distillery back to life in 2000. Following the distillery’s success, it was bought by the Rémy Cointreau group in 2012. After its sale, Mark then bought the former Guinness brewery of Waterford in Ireland in 2014, turning it into a state-of-the-art distillery, and then began building the Renegade rum distillery on the island of Grenada in July 2018.