The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has been announced as the official Education Supporter of the inaugural Bar Convent Brooklyn. WSET will be presenting a full schedule of seminars in the Tasting Room as part of the premier event.
Bar Convent Berlin is one of the leading international bar and beverage trade shows, and now for the first time BCB is coming to Brooklyn, NYC. The show offers an exceptional opportunity for premium brands, decision makers, and influencers across the globe to network, share knowledge, learn, explore the newest trends and products, and generate potential business opportunities.
WSET’s series of seminars at the event will be presented by globally recognised experts in the bar and beverage industry. The sessions will complement BCB’s schedule of advanced masterclasses by providing attendees with foundational spirits product knowledge. They will cover the fundamentals of each key spirits category, focusing on the key aspects that lead to differences in aroma, taste and style from geography and raw material to processing and post-distillation operations. They will also offer an introductory taster to what one might expect from WSET's qualifications, particularly the trademark Systematic Approach to Tasting.
WSET SEMINARS
Tuesday, June 12
A Systematic Approach to Tasting with WSET presented by Rob McCaughey
Rob is USA Business Development Manager – Spirits for WSET. He is a WSET Certified Educator, as well as a Certified Specialist in Spirits with the Society of Wine Educators and an Advanced Bartender graduate of the USBG Master Accreditation Program.
An Intro to the Versatile World of Vodka presented by Matt Pommeroy
After ten years managing and opening award winning bars and restaurants in London, Matt is now a respected voice on vodka around the world and is Global Director of Education, Advocacy and New Spirit Creation for Belvedere Vodka.
An Intro to World Whiskies presented by Raj Sabharwal
Raj is a WSET Certified Educator and in 2010 founded what is now Glass Revolution Imports, specializing in spirits from independent distilleries. His company was recognized as Whisky Magazine’s “Whisky Importer of the Year” three years running and in 2017 Raj was named as World Whisky Ambassador (Highly Commended).
Rum Fundamentals presented by Suzanne Long
Suzanne is one of the only female rum experts in the world. She is founder of Longitude, a world renowned tropical destination serving over 500 premium spirits, and regularly presents educational seminars and judges at competitions globally.
Demystifying Sake presented by Monica Samuels
Monica is a WSET Certified Educator, Senior Judge for IWC and National Sake Sales Manager for Vine Connections. She was named in Wine Spectator’s “Sake’s True Believers”, Wine Enthusiast’s “40 Tastemakers Under 40” and has been recognised as a Sake Samurai.
Wednesday, June 13
A Systematic Approach to Tasting with WSET presented by Hannah Lanfear
Following successful stints bartending at Britain’s Boisdale and Milk & Honey, and later as brand ambassador for Jensen’s Gin, Hannah set up her own WSET Approved Programme Provider, The Mixing Class, which focuses on spirits education, research and social responsibility.
Getting to Grips with Gin presented by Allen Katz
Allen is one of the leading distilled spirits experts in the U.S. He is founder of NY Distilling Company and Director of Spirits Education & Mixology for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, putting him at the forefront of industry training around the country.
Agave Basics presented by Scott Rosenbaum DipWSET
Scott is Spirits Strategist for T. Edward Wines and a lecturer at the International Wine Center and Hudson County Community College. He is also contributing editor for SevenFifty Daily, a regular wine and spirit judge and consults on wine and cocktail lists for New York restaurants.
Pisco 101 presented by Brother Cleve
Brother has been a musician/DJ/producer/writer as well as bartender/beverage consultant for 25+ years. In the 90’s he was a member of lounge music pioneers Combustible Edison (SubPop Records), who had their own cocktail recipe book. As the "Godfather" of the Boston cocktail scene, Brother revived classic cocktails in the city.
A Fluid History of Irish Whiskey presented by Martin Duffy
Martin is a Whisk(e)y Educator, U.S. Brand Representative for Glencairn Crystal and co-producer of Chicago Independent Spirits Expo. He was named by Chilled Magazine as a top 100 U.S Drinks Industry Influencer and by Forbes Magazine as one of the top four whiskey professionals in 2016.
The Essentials of Cognac presented by Kellie Thorn
In 2010, Kellie opened Atlanta’s Empire State South with star chef Hugh Acheson, and she is now Beverage Director for Acheson’s restaurants. She is a BNIC Certified Cognac Educator, has passed the reputed BAR Five Day program, and in 2017 was awarded the Les Dames D’Escoffier Legacy Award.
Armagnac Essentials presented by Hannah Lanfear
As above.
Understanding Scotch Whisky presented by Nicola Riske
Nicola joined Edrington full-time in 2012 and is now Macallan Brand Ambassador. USBG member since 2010 and National Secretary on the Board of Directors from 2012-2016, Nicola has always been an advocate for cocktail and spirits education and peer-to-peer learning.
Seminars are included as part of show admission and will be available on a first come, first served basis. To register to attend Bar Convent Brooklyn visit barconventbrooklyn.com
To learn more about WSET courses and find a local Approved Programme Provider visit the website at WSETglobal.com
