Masterclass

Samuel is an expert in Japanese food and drink, a whisky educator and an international spirits competition judge. He has been working with producers from Japan and the UK for years, promoting high-quality Japanese spirits. Author of the book „The Art of Mixing Koji Cocktails”.

Chris Dennis – Global Ambassador, The Lakes Distillery. He represents the brand worldwide, leading tastings and educational sessions dedicated to English whisky and The Lakes' production philosophy.

Martin Markvardsen is Highland Park's longest-serving brand ambassador and one of the most recognisable figures in the whisky world. For nearly 20 years, he has represented the Orkney distillery globally, sharing his knowledge of its unique heritage and distinctive style. He has almost 36 years of experience in the industry, and his achievements include Master of Malt, Keeper of the Quaich, Master of the Quaich, and twice Icon of Whisky Global. At Whisky Fest Sofia, he will lead a unique tasting session and present Highland Park's new brand identity, inspired by the nature and creative spirit of Orkney.

Kyra Elton is the Brand Ambassador for Heaven Hill in Europe, representing the company's portfolio across Europe and select markets in the Middle East. She has over ten years of experience as a bartender, a specialist in premium spirit development, and in distilling, giving her a thorough understanding of every stage of spirit creation – from the production process to its perfect presentation.

As a certified WSET Spirits educator and a passionate sharer of knowledge, Kyra has a knack for talking about whisky and spirits in a way that is accessible, engaging, and inspiring. By combining specialist technical knowledge with practical experience and a talent for storytelling, she effectively builds bridges between producers, hospitality professionals, and lovers of premium spirits.

The recipient of the WCD (Women in Distilling) scholarship for the General Certificate in Distilling is continually promoting education and the idea of continuous development in the spirits industry. This is a unique opportunity to meet one of the leading whiskey ambassadors in Europe and learn about the craft, traditions, and innovations behind some of the world's most recognisable whiskies.

With over 20 years of industry experience in whisky, Gillian plays a key role at The Glenmorangie Company as Master Blender and Head of Whisky Creation.

Stanisław Domin – Brand Ambassador for Glenmorangie and Ardbeg. He spends his days educating and hosting tastings, introducing the character of both distilleries: Glenmorangie's dessert-like creativity and Ardbeg's uncompromising, powerful smokiness. He represents the brands at industry events, sharing his knowledge of their style, history, and limited editions.

Present on the gastronomic scene for nearly 20 years as a bartender, manager, bar consultant, event planner, restaurateur, and brand ambassador for premium alcohol brands. Author of the book „Bar alchemy – a guide to the world of cocktails”. An experienced trainer for prestigious training projects in the HoReCa segment and an ambassador for premium brands, specialising in vodka and whisky categories. Co-creator of the Warsaw cocktail bar Woda Ognista, which set trends on the Polish cocktail scene and was listed in 50 Best Bars Discovery and Top 500 Bars. World Vice-Champion, winner, and finalist of prestigious bartending competitions in Poland and abroad. Former member of the jury for The World’s 50 Best Bars. Speaker at the most prestigious bar conventions, including Bar Convent Berlin and Better Bar Show.

He took his first steps into the world of whisky at Whisky Bar 88, which boasted a collection of 1,200 bottles of the spirit. He then moved to Warsaw, where he co-created the Long Bar at the Raffles Europejski Warsaw hotel. In March 2024, he returned to the world of whisky, taking on the role of brand ambassador for The Macallan.

In the world of whisky, he is most drawn to the magic of the casks, their influence on the spirit's aroma, taste, and character, and the people who passionately create this exceptional alcohol.

A whisky ambassador who has dedicated his professional life to continually expanding his knowledge of strong spirits. Previously, he built his experience in Polish cocktail bars and at numerous bartending competitions, where he became a finalist and laureate.

My passion for whisky has been growing for many years. Inspired by a desire to deepen my knowledge of whisky, I began my education related to this spirit. I learned the secrets of its production, origins, and history.
Over years of practice, I've learned to instinctively distinguish its smell, taste, and character. In gathering information about it, I was greatly helped by countless professional handbooks, where I could familiarise myself with various opinions and tips expressed by experts in this field.
Then I began my travels to Scotland to personally feel the atmosphere where the world's best whisky is created. Meetings with whisky makers and enthusiasts assured me that this is a drink worth dedicating even more time to, to get to know it thoroughly…
Today, with the knowledge and experience I've gained, I can share it with others, which gives me immense satisfaction.

Suntory Global Spirits Brand Ambassador.

In Poland, I look after Japanese and Scotch portfolios – I support the development of culture beyond just whisky, educating about brands with soul and history.

He has been active on the Polish bar scene for over a decade. He started behind the bar, and today he shares his experience as an educator, conducting workshops and tastings.

I'm trying to break established patterns and show that the world of whisky is for anyone with a bit of curiosity and an open mind.

Privately, I'm a fan of the perfect Japanese highball in the company of wonderful people and music played from vinyl.

Adrian Chwała is one of Poland's leading premium alcohol industry experts, a passionate enthusiast of whisky, wines, and cigars. With over a decade of experience in the market, he began his journey in the art of mixology, which gradually evolved into an in-depth, uncompromising exploration of the world of high-quality spirits. As Head of Advocacy at United Beverages Group, he leads a team of Brand Ambassadors, responsible for the education, strategy, and development of the most prestigious portfolio of brands, which include The Macallan, Bushmills, Highland Park, Glen Moray, and Planteray Rum, among others.

Since 2015, Maciej Wojciechowski has been associated with Dom Whisky, where he has been developing his expertise in the area of whisky and premium spirits. His career began as a sales advisor and ambassador for Dom Whisky, where he conducted tastings, educated customers, and built authentic experiences related to the premium whisky segment.

Since 2023, they have held the position of Director of Retail Operations, responsible for the development and management of the Dom Whisky brick-and-mortar store network.

„Time creates whisky. A journey through 113 years in casks”

One of the main factors that create the flavour and aroma of whisky is time and the cask.

The Special Release from Diageo is an exceptional series of limited editions that celebrate the craftsmanship of Diageo distilleries. During this masterclass, we will embark on a journey through 113 years of whisky maturation in casks – from the youngest to true pearls.

Bartosz Ziembaczewski — Reserve Brands Manager at Diageo Polska, responsible for the image and development of luxury brands within the company's portfolio.

She leads tasting sessions and Masterclasses, and represents the company at industry events.

Combines expert whisky knowledge with the skill of presenting products in an engaging and educational way, building Diageo's position in the Premium segment.

Filip White – an ambassador, trainer, and brand manager with over 12 years of experience in Poland and abroad. He gained his experience both behind the bar and in creative marketing for many leading alcohol companies. He is currently responsible for the Planteray, Citadelle, Ferrand, and Canerock brands as an ambassador for Central and Eastern Europe.

Natalia Samotes has been involved in the Polish gastronomy and bar industry since 2014, consistently building her position as one of the more recognisable experts on the mixology scene. She currently represents United Beverages Group as a Prestige Brands Ambassador, responsible for education, presentations, and building awareness of premium brands.

Michał Paszota - a graduate of the Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology at Jagiellonian University. A plant biotechnologist and production technologist. Manager, distiller, and co-owner of the Podole Wielkie Distillery. Co-creator of the Podole Wielkie brand, which produces premium spirits.

Marcin Rogulski, founder of MR Spirits, is a renowned educator and expert in the field of super-premium and prestige spirits. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, as well as working as a brand ambassador for global brands, Marcin has created a unique offering for both corporate clients and individuals. He gained his knowledge and passion by travelling the world, visiting over 60 countries. He has toured distilleries in Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Cuba, France, and the UK. Through cruises and working behind the bar on luxury 5-star ships, he managed to circumnavigate the globe twice and became acquainted with the flavours of spirits produced in various parts of our world. Marcin has trained approximately 20,000 people in Poland and abroad. Today, he infects his audiences with his passion and knowledge, surprises and educates, while also supporting and uniting other outstanding experts under the MR SPIRITS banner. To continuously develop his skills, Marcin has recently completed two prestigious courses – WSET L2 in Spirits with Distinction and WSET L3 in Spirits with Merit.
Marcin currently acts as the Brand Ambassador for Fuji Japanese Whisky in Poland and Europe, conducting professional tastings for off-trade and on-trade channels, as well as Fuji whisky meetings for consumers.

Kamil Skoczek – a bartending enthusiast with a passion for spirits, boasting over 16 years of experience in bar management and the promotion of alcoholic brands. This includes organising industry events, workshops, training sessions, and tastings. He specialises in creating complete gastronomic concepts and cultivating relationships with clients and business partners. Kamil is a finalist and winner of numerous national and international bartending competitions. A graduate of specialised courses and training, including WSET. He currently holds the position of Prestige Brands Ambassador at United Beverages, where he has the opportunity to share his knowledge about brands such as The Macallan, Bushmills, Planteray, 1800, and many others. In his personal life, he is a fan of basketball, cars, and electronic music.

Clara Castilla is the Commercial Director for Northern Europe, Spain, and Portugal at Clase Azul México. A passionate advocate for Mexican culture, agave spirits, and artisanal crafts, she dedicates herself to sharing the brand's heritage and craftsmanship through engaging tastings and professional masterclasses.

From the careful selection of barley and oversight of the distillation process, through cask filling, to the meticulous care of the maturing whisky in the distillery's warehouses – Malcolm personally oversees every step of the creation of Old Pulteney whisky, imbuing it with a unique character and the highest quality.

Iain Allan is a recognised expert with nearly thirty years of industry experience, who has been developing the Glen Moray brand as Global Brand Ambassador since 2005. With a certification in distillation and many years of practice alongside Master Distillers, he leads prestigious VIP tastings and masterclasses worldwide. As Director of The Malt Whisky Trail, he also promotes the Speyside region as a key destination for Scotch whisky enthusiasts.

With over 20 years of industry experience in whisky, Gillian plays a key role at The Glenmorangie Company as Master Blender and Head of Whisky Creation.

Stanisław Domin – Brand Ambassador for Glenmorangie and Ardbeg. He spends his days educating and hosting tastings, introducing the character of both distilleries: Glenmorangie's dessert-like creativity and Ardbeg's uncompromising, powerful smokiness. He represents the brands at industry events, sharing his knowledge of their style, history, and limited editions.

Adrian Chwała is one of Poland's leading premium alcohol industry experts, a passionate enthusiast of whisky, wines, and cigars. With over a decade of experience in the market, he began his journey in the art of mixology, which gradually evolved into an in-depth, uncompromising exploration of the world of high-quality spirits. As Head of Advocacy at United Beverages Group, he leads a team of Brand Ambassadors, responsible for the education, strategy, and development of the most prestigious portfolio of brands, which include The Macallan, Bushmills, Highland Park, Glen Moray, and Planteray Rum, among others.

Brand Ambassador for Brown-Forman, responsible for the Scottish whisky portfolio in the Polish market: Benriach, Glenglassaugh, Glendronach; American whiskey: Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve; Venezuelan rum Diplomatico; and the premium gin category represented by the brands Fords Gin and Gin Mare. On a daily basis, he gives lectures, training sessions, and workshops dedicated to Brown-Forman's rich alcoholic beverage offering, during which he shares best tasting practices. Lecturer in the educational programmes Master Craft Academy and Artisans of Taste.

He took his first steps into the world of whisky at Whisky Bar 88, which boasted a collection of 1,200 bottles of the spirit. He then moved to Warsaw, where he co-created the Long Bar at the Raffles Europejski Warsaw hotel. In March 2024, he returned to the world of whisky, taking on the role of brand ambassador for The Macallan.

What most attracts him in the world of whisky is the magic of the casks, their influence on the spirit's aroma, taste, and character, as well as the people who passionately create this unique alcohol.

Adrian Chwała is one of Poland's leading premium alcohol industry experts, a passionate enthusiast of whisky, wines, and cigars. With over a decade of experience in the market, he began his journey in the art of mixology, which gradually evolved into an in-depth, uncompromising exploration of the world of high-quality spirits. As Head of Advocacy at United Beverages Group, he leads a team of Brand Ambassadors, responsible for the education, strategy, and development of the most prestigious portfolio of brands, which include The Macallan, Bushmills, Highland Park, Glen Moray, and Planteray Rum, among others.

Suntory Global Spirits Brand Ambassador.

In Poland, I look after Japanese and Scotch portfolios – I support the development of culture beyond just whisky, educating about brands with soul and history.

He has been active on the Polish bar scene for over a decade. He started behind the bar, and today he shares his experience as an educator, conducting workshops and tastings.

I'm trying to break established patterns and show that the world of whisky is for anyone with a bit of curiosity and an open mind.

Privately, I'm a fan of the perfect Japanese highball in the company of wonderful people and music played from vinyl.

Stanisław Domin – Brand Ambassador for Glenmorangie and Ardbeg. He spends his days educating and hosting tastings, introducing the character of both distilleries: Glenmorangie's dessert-like creativity and Ardbeg's uncompromising, powerful smokiness. He represents the brands at industry events, sharing his knowledge of their style, history, and limited editions.

Not Knowing About Whisky, or the man who probably knows least about whisky in Poland.

The blog was created in 2020 and from the beginning has been about whisky in an accessible, and sometimes highly unconventional, way.

Reviews, reports, tastings, travels and tasting notes — all to infect others with a love for water of life.

Sometimes a bit more seriously.

Sometimes with a pinch of salt.

Independent bottler, traveller, whisky lover, aged spirits enthusiast and everything that can surprisingly delight in a glass.

It would be best to know a little bit more about whisky every day.

Artur Wawrzyszczak – Brand Ambassador Chopin Vodka. Graduate of the Eugeniusz Pijanowski Warsaw School of Gastronomy and The Elite Bartenders Course Singapore (2015). Owner of the bar agency WOW ARTIWA, co-owner of The PARK restaurant in Grodzisk Mazowiecki.

Key achievements: SPB Bartender of the Year 2018 and 2019, Gold Medal and Skills Champion ICC Golden Cup 2018 (Taiwan), winner Calvados Nouvelle Vogue 2019 (France), Runner-up Baijiu 2019 (China), Polish Classic Bartenders Champion 2022, finalist World Championships IBA 2022 (Cuba), Runner-up Pan American 2025 (Chile).