Join us at Bar Convent Berlin 2025 where we'll be collaborating with industry friends to bring you sessions on the trends shaping the future of U.S. distilled drinks and how to taste like American single malt like a pro.
Event details
Bar Convent Berlin is the largest trade fair for the bar and beverage industry. Bar owners, bartenders, distributors and manufacturers from around 80 countries come to BCB in Berlin every year to make new contacts, learn about product innovations and attend seminars. BCB has expanded its global network with further shows in the US and Brazil.
Click here to register for the event.
WSET masterclasses at Bar Convent Berlin 2025
The American Evolution: Redefining Single Malt
Monday 6th October 16.15 – 17.15 – DBU stage
Delivered in German by Author and WSET Educator, Thomas Domineg
Join us for a dynamic tasting session that charts the evolution of single malt whisky—from the classics to the cutting edge.
American distillers are reshaping the Single Malt category, crafting whiskies with fresh ideas, local grains, and fearless innovation. For bartenders, this means exciting new flavour profiles, storytelling potential, and a chance to be ahead of the curve in a category that’s gaining serious momentum.
We’ll kick off with two benchmark whiskies: a spicy high-rye Bourbon and a traditional Scottish Single Malt. Then, we’ll dive into three standout American single malts that showcase the diversity and creativity of this rising category.
Using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits, you’ll learn to decode flavour, understand production choices, and sharpen your tasting skills—all while discovering why American single malt is one of the most exciting developments in whisky today.
What You’ll Learn:
- Taste like a pro: Apply the WSET Level 2 tasting method to compare whisky styles.
- Know your benchmarks: Understand the key flavour profiles of Bourbon and Scotch single malt.
- Explore the new frontier: Identify what makes American single malt unique—from grain to glass.
- Master the variables: See how fermentation, distillation, and maturation shape flavour.
- Get ahead of the trend: Gain insight into the innovation and identity driving this emerging category.
The Spirit of America: Trends Shaping the Future of U.S. Distilled Drinks
Tuesday 7th October 14.00 – 14.45 – Brand Stage
A panel of U.S. Distilleries will provide insights on the latest trends and future of U.S. Distilled Spirits. Distillers will discuss trends like sustainability, American Single Malt, Cask Finishing, tradition meeting innovation, and many other topics.
Speakers
Dave Cuttino | Founder, Reservoir Distillery
David Cuttino is the founder of Reservoir Distillery, established in 2008 with a mission of having his single grain spirits answer the question “What does Virginia taste like?” Over nearly two decades, he has crafted award-winning Bourbons and whiskies that have earned acclaim across North America and Europe.
Rawnica Dillingham | CSO, New Riff Distilling
Rawnica Dillingham serves as the Chief Sales Officer at New Riff Distilling, where she leads global sales strategy, distributor relationships, market development, the private barrel program and beyond. With over 25 years of experience in spirits and hospitality, she is known for building sales organizations rooted in craftsmanship, transparency, and people-first leadership.
Christi Lower | Founder & CEO, Highline Spirits
Christi Lower is the bold visionary behind Highline Spirits – a former surgical PA, a mother of four, and a modern-day alchemist blending grit, grace, and global perspective into every bottle. Uninterested in legacy for legacy’s sake, Christi set out to build a spirits company unbound by heritage and tradition – one inspired instead by culture, art, diversity, and uncompromising excellence.
Andy Szwejbka | USMC Vet, Co-Founder, Hidden Ships Distillery
Before launching Hidden Ships, Andy Szwejbka served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps for 21-years, retiring in 2021. His military career was marked by progressively senior roles, including Director of Human Resources, Director of Operations, and Manager of Staff Training and Development—positions that honed his leadership, operational, and team development skills.
Liam Scandrett | WSET Senior Business Development Manager - Spirits, WSET
Liam Scandrett is an experienced educator with over 15 years of training expertise, beginning his journey in hospitality before becoming a brand ambassador for Pernod Ricard and later joining the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). Driven by a deep curiosity for the craft and science behind spirits, Liam first studied with WSET before joining the organization in 2016. He is passionate about the transformative power of education and is qualified to teach WSET Levels 1–3 in Spirits, as well as the WSET Educator Training Programme, which empowers drinks professionals worldwide.
Gareth Moore | Principal, CEO, Adelphi Capital, Virginia Distillery
Gareth H. Moore is the Chief Executive Officer of Virginia Distillery Company, where he has guided the business since the passing of his father and founder, Dr. George G. Moore. After George’s sudden death in 2013, Gareth stepped in to carry forward his father’s vision of building a world-class American single malt whisky distillery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Under his leadership, VDC completed its construction and launched its flagship Courage & Conviction line, which has since garnered national and international acclaim.
Click here to register for the event.