Join Steve Hawley and Joe O’Sullivan from the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission to learn about how a group of distillers from across the country are banding together to establish, promote and protect an entirely new category of whiskey. During the seminar, we’ll discuss how the Commission crafted a formal definition for American Single Malt Whiskey, what it takes to ratify that definition with the federal government, how they’re advancing their mission in the trade and with consumers, and what distiller’s on the leading edge of whiskey look for in malt.

Speakers

Steve Hawley was part of the original team in 2010 that built the Westland Distillery brand and business from the ground up. He began his career in the advertising industry focused largely on beverage brands including Constellation Brands, E&J Gallo, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Starbucks, and Pepsi to name a few. After years of helping others realize their visions, Steve wanted to build his own in the world of whiskey he has such a great passion for. With Westland, he’s not only given birth to a widely respected brand but also an entirely new category of whiskey in American Single Malt. In his role as a founder and President of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, he is working to establish and protect the category across the globe.

Joseph O’Sullivan is the Master Distiller for Clear Creek Distillery, Hood River Distillers, and all associate brands. Before being appointed to his current role, Joseph was first hired by Clear Creek founder Steve McCarthy in 2005 as a distillery mechanic, barrel coordinator, and frequent delivery driver.  Later he became an apprentice in the craft working directly under McCarthy during one of the brand’s most foundational periods.  Serving as a frequent public speaker he quickly developed a passion for whole fruit fermentation and the spirit that would later be known as American Single Malt.  It was during this time that craft spirits as an industry emerged. In 2010, he moved to New York City where he served as a consultant to many of that region’s first distilleries and breweries and was responsible for running day-to-day operations at Greenhook Ginsmiths.  After his time in New York, Joseph returned to the Pacific Northwest and was offered the opportunity to serve as Head Distiller and later Master Distiller for all Hood River Distiller brands while remaining headquartered at Clear Creek. Now approaching 18 years of experience in distillation, Joseph’s career has witnessed the rise of American spirits to the prominence it holds today.  He is extremely proud of the accomplishments this community has achieved and works each day to return the education and passion which was gifted to him by so many.

Registration

Registration is free for Craft Maltsters Guild members & $20 for non-Craft Maltsters Guild members.

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Webinars take place using Zoom, a web-based platform. Access to high-speed internet is necessary to fully participate – and a headset with a microphone is recommended. A confirmation email containing Zoom Meeting details will be sent to you after you’ve registered.

Have questions? Please contact Guild ED, Jesse Bussard at [email protected].