Enjoy a unique tasting session in one of the world's top distilleries
The world of whisky is varied and fascinating - with the top distilleries employing centuries of exacting standards to ensure each bottle tastes like a dream. For those who know their Bourbon from their Malts, the history and provenance of their favourite dram adds a flavour of authenticity to the rich aromas and complex, smoky notes that assault the senses in such a seductive way.
This painstaking pursuit of perfection can reveal itself in unexpected and wonderful ways, like the link between Maker’s Mark Bourbon and Laphroaig. From the Ozark mountains from which Makers Mark source their oak to the special “air drying” techniques used in preparation of their barrels (after maturing Makers Mark to perfection) they are shipped nearly 4,000 miles from Loretto, Kentucky to the Laphroaig distillery on the south shore of the Isle of Islay to enjoy a second life creating the unique taste and world-class reputation that Laphroaig expressions are so famous for.
In 2007 Laphroaig held the world’s first ever live online whisky tasting in London garnering one of the highest online broadcast audiences ever, this was followed up by last year’s live broadcast direct from Laphroaig’s home on the Scottish island of Islay gaining an even larger audience.
This year we’ve gathered together some of the world’s top whisky experts and Master Distillers for Distillery Live 2009 direct from the Maker’s Mark distillery in Kentucky. We’ll be tasting Maker’s Mark and a few of the different Laphroaig expressions, exploring how they can be enjoyed in cocktails and even add their subtle flavours to food in cooking. However, there will of course be time to appreciate the glory of both Laphroaig and Maker’s Mark straight.
Joining us for this not-to-be-missed opportunity is President of Maker's Mark Bill Samuels Jr and their Master Distiller Kevin Smith, as well as John Campbell, Distillery Manager for Laphroaig and famous whisky writer John Hansell.
For more information visit www.laphroaig.com/live or www.distillerylive.us.com
John Hansell
John Hansell is a leading drinks writer in the United States. He is a contributor to The Wall Street Journal and has appeared in USA Today, The New York Times, Smart Money, Business Week, Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Stuff, Cosmopolitan, Playboy, Food & Wine, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, and numerous other publications. He wrote a monthly spirits column for the Tribune chain of newspapers for six years and was the spirits columnist for the McClatchy-Tribune News Service. He currently reviews beer in each issue of All About Beer magazine and his blog "What Does John Know?" www.whatdoesjohnknow.com. has fast become one of the leading whisky blogs.
He is the creator, Publisher, and Editor of Malt Advocate, the nation’s leading magazine for the whisky enthusiast. He also created WhiskyFest, the nation’s largest independent festival featuring the world’s greatest whiskies and the people who make them.
Mr. Hansell lectures and consults extensively on spirits. He regularly hosts specialty tastings and dinners throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. He is currently featured as the expert in the History Channel’s Modern Marvels “Whiskey” show, was featured on ABC World News Tonight and on CNBC. He has lectured at such prestigious venues as the Smithsonian Institute, the Culinary Institute of America, the British Consulate, the National Press Club, and the James Beard House. He also consults to the industry by providing staff training and consultation during product development.
He was the first American journalist to be inducted as a Keeper of the Quaich, an honor bestowed by the Scotch whisky industry. Induction ceremonies are held at Blair Castle in Scotland and are hosted by Prince Charles and other dignitaries. John was also inducted into the Bourbon Hall of Fame for his contributions to the bourbon industry. He is among the very few individuals in the world who are members of both societies.
Mr. Hansell has traveled to numerous distilleries throughout the world, and he has even worked at them.
He has B.S. and M.S. degrees in science. He is married and has a daughter.
Kevin Smith, Vice President Operations, Master Disteller: Maker's Mark
Maker’s Mark Distillery may be old – as it is the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the world – but is still operating brilliantly, especially under the watchful eye of Kevin Smith. As the Master Distiller and Vice President of Operations, Kevin Smith oversees the handmade production of Maker’s Mark, ensuring that the high standards for quality and tradition as set forth by Bill Samuels, Jr. are maintained and followed through daily. He is involved from the selection of grains to choosing the white oak barrels and the final bourbon tasting. This, however, is no easy task, and Kevin relies heavily on a wonderful staff of about 70 employees who are equally as dedicated to producing the finest bourbon in the world.
Named Master Distiller in 2008, Kevin has been in the bourbon business since 1989, when he first began working for United Distillers at the Old Fitzgerald Distillery, in Louisville, Kentucky. As one of few young people in the bourbon business at that time, it wasn’t long before Kevin worked his way from department to department, gaining exposure to the various complex fields of the bourbon business, including distilling, warehousing, bottling, and even a brief time in research and development. These opportunities allowed Kevin to learn the business inside and out, and provided him with an invaluable education that sparked his undeniable passion for the creation of bourbon.
In 1991, Kevin’s destiny called as he was paired to work with a former Master Distiller, Dave Pickerell in the building of a new distillery for United Distillers. In 1996, Kevin made a temporary career move to Jim Beam as the distillery manager of the Booker Noe Distillery, located in Boston, Kentucky. In 1998, Kevin joined Dave at Maker’s Mark Distillery as the Assistant Vice President Operations and Master Distiller-in training.
Kevin attended Indiana University and graduated in 1987 with a B.S. in Biology. Prior to his bourbon career he held positions in fund raising for the Indiana University Foundation and as a quality control chemist at the Colgate Palmolive Company. Kevin, his wife and two children reside in Nelson County just outside historic Bardstown Kentucky.
John Campbell, Distillery Manager
Laphroaig Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is distilled on the remote island of Islay off the West coast of Scotland.
John Campbell was named Laphroaig’s distillery manager in 2006, fulfilling a 12-year-old ambition. He is the youngest distiller on the island and the first Ileach (native of Islay) to run Laphroaig in its 190 year history. Since joining Laphroaig in 1994, John has worked across the whole distilling process both at Laphroaig and in distilleries including Tormore, Miltonduff and Ardmore.
In July 2001 John returned from Speyside to take up the post as Laphroaig's Brewer. He has since taken the lead to upgrade the distillery and produce a number of successful limited edition bottlings to support the 'Feis Ile' (Gaelic for Islay Festival).
In addition to his role as Distillery Manager, John plays a lead role in promoting Laphroaig around the world. This includes running the distillery's "Friends of Laphroaig" program, which today boasts a 280,000 strong membership from over 150 countries. John Campbell grew up in the shadow of Laphroaig, and now, he's running the distillery!
Established in 1815, Laphroaig is the world’s best selling Islay malt whisky and is known to be the most richly flavored of all Scotch whiskies. The distillery still owns its own peat moors and produces its own maltings. Its whisky maturation warehouses directly face the sea, which contributes to the very characterful whisky it produces.
