Join us at Bar Convent Berlin 2023 where we'll be collaborating with industry friends to bring you four unique sessions exploring WSET's tasting technique, career planning for bartenders and barrel-aged spirits.
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.
The 2023 event is returning to the Exhibition Centre Berlin, 9-11 October.
Click here to register for the event.
WSET masterclasses at Bar Convent Berlin 2023
WSET’s expert educators will be joined by leading bar industry figures on Monday and Wednesday at the convent. We will be showing you how our internationally recognised qualifications can help develop your tasting skills and boost your career across various workshops and during our panel specifically for bartenders. We'll also be talking about the key considerations influencing barrel-aged spirits in Cognac & Kentucky. For more details on our sessions this year, please see below.
Boost your career with the world's leading spirits qualifications
Monday 9th October 11.30 – 12.45 – Taste Forum
Ever wondered if WSET Spirits qualifications are right for you? Join us for this in-depth discovery session where we will share how our expertly designed spirits courses and unique learning pathway can help you deepen your spirits knowledge and hone your tasting technique. We will be joined by specialist spirits educators sharing their insights and by graduates who will reveal how the skills gained on WSET qualifications can impact your job and career.
Speakers
Liam Scandrett | WSET Certified Spirits Educator | Senior Business Development Manager (Spirits) - EMEA, WSET
Liam’s career in the drinks business has spanned bar and restaurant management, brand education, activation and drinks development. Always intrigued by the production processes and choices behind flavour in spirits, he studied with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) before joining the Trust in 2016. He is now WSET’s Senior Business Development Manager for Spirits covering Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India, working with organisations across these regions to provide clear, unbiased and objective spirits training.
Liam holds the Institute of Brewing & Distilling General Certificate in Distilling (Grain) and has studied traditional Japanese Spirits to become an official Awamori Jinbner.
Rafal Ciesielski | WSET Certified Spirits Educator | Founder of Barschool.pl
Rafal Ciesielski is a WSET Certified Spirits Educator based in Poland, with more than two decades working in the hospitality industry. Former bartender and bar manager of award-winning London restaurants including Le Café Anglais (London Restaurant of the Year 2008) and Lutyens Restaurant (Best New Restaurant - autumn 2009). Founder of Barschool.pl, an educational concept, consultancy company and Approved Programme Provider of WSET Spirits courses where he teaching Levels 1-3 in Spirits. Rafal Ciesielski is a founder of ‘Better Bar Show’ – Polish annual conference and trade show for bar industry professionals. Bartending passionate.
Nicola Riske | Regional Education Manager for The Macallan - Europe South
Regional Education Manager for The Macallan across Southern Europe, Nicola carries more than 18 years of experience in the spirits industry. Recently named both Best International Brand Ambassador at the Spirited Awards & Icons of Whisky’s Global Scotch Whisky Ambassador of the Year, she is internationally recognized for her spirits education & flavor conversations. She holds her General Certificate in Distilling from the Institute for Brewing & Distilling & she’s additionally a Certified Sherry Wine Educator & Olive Oil Sommelier.
A Tales Catalyst recipient, Nicola is passionate about health & wellness, liquid education, innovation, women in business, & sensory exploration. As a dynamic advocate of mentorship in the industry, she coaches others in the business via the OurWhisky Foundation. Additionally, she is a proud member of the Education Committee at Tales of the Cocktail.
Respect yourself: career planning for bartenders
Monday 9th October 13.30 – 14.30 – Main Stage
These days we all know that bartending is a career that can bring unique opportunities. But career pathways are not set in stone and can be tricky to navigate. Our panel of globally renowned experts share their experiences and the principles that have underpinned their unique careers.
Speakers
Charlie McCarthy | Business Development Manager – Spirits (EMEA), WSET | WSET Certified Spirits Educator
With a career as a cocktail bartender stretching back to 2004, Charlie has a track record in advocacy and consultancy for spirits brands such as Hendrick’s Gin, Grey Goose and Tullamore DEW. As a bar consultant, Charlie has trained bartenders and designed menus in 5 star hotel bars in London, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, Mexico & Azerbaijan.
Charlie joined WSET as Business Development Manager for Spirits (EMEA) in October 2019. With a particular expertise in Irish whiskey, Charlie is qualified to deliver WSET spirits qualifications including the new Level 3 Award in Spirits, and is delighted to champion WSET spirits qualifications throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India.
Iain McPherson | Award-winning Bar Owner | Cocktail & Freezing Technique Nerd
Iain has always been obsessed with sub-zero temperatures from a young age, obtaining his “Science of Ice Cream” degree from University of Reading and attending the “Gelato University” in Bologna, Italy. This led him to create the brand “Señor Scoop” in 2015, his liquor infused ice cream company.
Iain has pioneered many freezing techniques such as the cocktail technique called “Switching” in 2018 and he made another breakthrough this year and created the technique ‘Sous Pression’ which is the freezing alternative reality to ‘Sous Vide’. He believes we should be doing more to identify sub-zero temperatures, as an alternative or addition to cooking techniques within the bar industry.
As well as opening many award winning bars such as Hoot The Redeemer, Panda & Sons and Nauticus, he has been ever present in the “Bar World 100” list, since its inception, which is the top 100 most influential people in the Global drinks industry list. He most recently won the prestigious “Innovator of The Year” at this year’s CLASS Bar Awards. Iain has the double, as he also won Innovator of The Year, at the 2023 CLASS Bar Awards.
@thecocktailpanda
Chockie Tom | Bartender + Writer | Co-founder Doommersive | Indigenous Hospitality Activist
Chockie Tom is an American Indigenous writer and bartender renowned for advocating cultural empowerment within the bar industry. Originally from California and now based in London, she co-founded the internationally acclaimed pop-up, Doommersive, which addresses cultural appropriation in Tiki culture while aiding communities affected by colonization. Her groundbreaking work in industry representation has seen her on prestigious lists like the 2021 Imbibe 75, the 2022 Wine Enthusiast Future 40, and debuting 35th on the 2023 Bar World 100. A respected figure in her field, Chockie has made history by leading the first Indigenous panels at "Tales of the Cocktail" and "BCB Brooklyn". Her innovative Indigenous-led series, "The Cornsilk Road," was launched at world renowned, "Little Red Door" in Paris in April of 2023.
Karim Fadl | Manager New Ventures North Germany - Moet-Hennessy
Karim brings years of experience across the drinks industry, he began his career as a bartender at the award-winning Amano bar in 2010 and after several years he became the brand ambassador for Bacardi and Bombay Sapphire. During his time there he was shortlisted for ambassador of the year twice. After a few years in the ambassador space he worked as a freelance spirits consultant before joining DRIFTER spirits as Trade Advocacy Manager in 2017. He currently works at Moet-Hennessy as their New Ventures Manager for North Germany.
Oak + Time + Place
Wednesday 11th October 13.30 – 14.15 – Taste Forum
The worlds finest aged spirits are the fruits of expertise passed down through generations. From the forest, to the cooper, to the humidity of the warehouse, the interplay of many factors must be balanced. Listen to masters of their craft sharing insights with us and join us in enjoying their resulting spirits.
Speakers
Charlie McCarthy | Business Development Manager – Spirits (EMEA), WSET | WSET Certified Spirits Educator
With a career as a cocktail bartender stretching back to 2004, Charlie has a track record in advocacy and consultancy for spirits brands such as Hendrick’s Gin, Grey Goose and Tullamore DEW. As a bar consultant, Charlie has trained bartenders and designed menus in 5 star hotel bars in London, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, Mexico & Azerbaijan.
Charlie joined WSET as Business Development Manager for Spirits (EMEA) in October 2019. With a particular expertise in Irish whiskey, Charlie is qualified to deliver WSET spirits qualifications including the new Level 3 Award in Spirits, and is delighted to champion WSET spirits qualifications throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India.
IG - @wsetglobal
Benji Purslow | European Brand Educator - Heaven Hill
Benji Purslow has been the European Brand Educator & Ambassador for Heaven Hill since May 2020.
Benji’s love of sharing whiskies with an emphasis on education, along with his experience in the on-trade puts him in a great position to help develop Heaven Hill Distillery’s award-winning portfolio across Europe.
Benji has been working in hospitality since 1999 and on the London cocktail scene since 2007. He’s been a part owner of a London cocktail bar, Victory Mansion, since 2015. Benji has won many awards for his cocktail creativity, most notably reaching the UK final for Diageo’s World Class competition twice. Benji provides support to Heaven Hill’s International partners and distributors helping with cocktail development plus initiatives to help drive sales in the On and Off Premise. Working with our USA-based Ambassadors, Benji has developed a trade education and consumer engagement program primarily focusing on our American Whiskey portfolio.
WSET Tasting Skills Workshop (German Session)
Wednesday 11th October 16.30 – 17.15 – Taste Forum
DE - WSET Level 1 & 2 in Spirits sind mittlerweile in deutsch verfügbar.
Ein wichtiger Grundsatz der WSET-Qualifikationen ist die Verschmelzung von Theorie und Praxis.
In diesem deutschsprachigen Seminar werden zwei angesehene deutsche Spirituosenexperten das renommierte WSET S.A.T. (systematische Verkostung von Spirituosen) vorstellen - ein Instrument, das von Spirituosen- und Barfachleuten genutzt, um Spirituosen objektiv zu verstehen, zu beschreiben und zu bewerten. In diesem Kurs werden Sie vier verschiedene Spirituosen verkosten und unter der Anleitung von Experten Ihre Fähigkeiten zum Riechen, Verkosten und zur Kommunikation über Spirituosen verbessern.
EN - WSET Level’s 1 & 2 in Spirits are available in German. A key tenet of WSET qualifications, is the linking of theory and tasting. In this German language session, 2 respected German spirits educators will explore the renowned WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting® – a tool used by spirits and bar professionals to objectively understand, describe and assess spirits. In this session you’ll taste 4 different spirits, and develop your nosing, tasting and spirits communication skills under the guidance of expert educators.
Speakers
Karim Fadl | Manager New Ventures North Germany for Moet-Hennessy
Karim brings years of experience across the drinks industry, he began his career as a bartender at the award-winning Amano bar in 2010 and after several years he became the brand ambassador for Bacardi and Bombay Sapphire. During his time there he was shortlisted for ambassador of the year twice. After a few years in the ambassador space he worked as a freelance spirits consultant before joining DRIFTER spirits as Trade Advocacy Manager in 2017. He currently works at Moet-Hennessy as their New Ventures Manager for North Germany.
Tom Nusseck | Exclusive Brands Manager – Hawesko GmbH
DE - Tom Nusseck ist aktuell Exklusivmarkenmanager bei der Hawesko GmbH. Auch wenn die Arbeit auf Produktseite - unter anderem bei Thomas Henry und Wein Wolf - seinen Lebenslauf geprägt hat, hat der Job hinter dem Tresen für immer einen Platz in seinem Herzen. Zusätzlich zu seinem Master in Konsumentenpsychologie & Marktforschung hat er sich beim WSET sowohl im Wein als auch in der Spirituose das Level 3 zertifizieren lassen.
EN - Tom Nusseck is currently the exclusive brands manager at the Hawesko GmbH, Germany’s largest online retailer for wine. While he worked mostly on the product and marketing side of the drinks industry - with stops at Thomas Henry and Wein Wolf among others - the job behind the bar will always have a special place in his heart. In addition to his master’s degree in Consumer’s Psychology and Market Research, he is certified with a Level 3 in Wine and a Level 3 in Spirits by the WSET.
Click here to register for the event.