Schedule

Welcome from our Host, David Lee

Steven Kersley joined Eden Mill in April 2026, with a strong pedigree of brand building. He brings wide industry experience - including BrewDog, Diageo, and WEST Brewery - to his new role, and inherits what he calls "an incredible back-catalogue of award-winning spirits". But watch this space - he's most excited about "the spirits that are yet to come" and promises a laser-focus on what the customer wants.

Olivier Ward – What does the data say about the future of distilling? Olivier Ward launched Spirit of the Nation: UK Distilling Census in 2025, and will analyse the facts and figures and discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead. He will also draw on his experience at Everglow Spirits Co to help smaller distilleries think more clearly about the relationship between operations, brand, and route to market

Mark Thompson (TRKR) gives an overview of the big trends shaping the distilling industry, and what’s next in terms of finding that vital visibility and shelf-space. Lesley-Anne Gray (Worldpanel by Numerator) will examine off-trade trends, while Phil Montgomery (CGA) looks at the on-trade.

A chance for delegates to go beyond the headlines and dig deeper to understand what appropriate responses to the industry data might look like.

Presentation of the Scottish Gin and Rum Awards

Stuart Cassells is a firm believer that distilling needs to re-connect with its heritage and tell stories to consumers that resonate in the modern day. The former general manager at The Macallan also delivered a global sales plan for the oldest whisky in the world - 85-year-old for Gordon & MacPhail - and used a combination of old-fashioned storytelling and modern technology to bring a new product, The Blether, from concept to market within 6 weeks. Stuart is now a consultant to a wide range of distilleries to help them tell their unique story. He will talk about the importance of high-quality customer experience, and explain why the industry needs to draw on its heritage to reshape itself for the modern era.

What’s getting scientists excited in the field of flavour innovation to create new products, and refresh established brands? Are there lessons that other spirits categories can learn from Scotch whisky? 
Speakers 
Kami Newton,  The Sensory Advantage  
Frances Jack, head of research strategy at the Scotch Whisky Research Institute; 
Dave Wilkinson, Head Distiller, Edinburgh Gin 

After high-profile closures, like the Clynelish visitors’ centre near Brora, what role do visitors’ centres have for distilleries? Is there a difference between bigger and smaller players when it comes to the role of tourism? How does great design help a distillery tell its story, and does the industry need to collaborate more effectively to tell its story and push up the number of visitors who have a distillery tour on the agenda for their holiday in Scotland? 
Panellists: 
Gareth Roberts, designer of numerous high-end craft distilleries (Raasay, Lindores, Stannergill) with Organic Architects  
Victoria Miller, Founder, Sip Seekers 

A chance to put that burning question to an expert panel - on funding, tax, technology, process design, sustainability, branding, marketing and more. Your panel:

Professor Dawn Maskell, Director of International Centre for Brewing & Distilling, Heriot-Watt University;

Scott Allen, Forsyths Group; 

Stuart Cassells, Strategic and Commercial Consultant and former General Manager, The MacAllan

Claire Forrest, Business Advisory Director, Johnston Carmichael

Tom Nichol, former Master Distiller at Tanqueray, is an industry legend. Hear stories and insights from his long experience in a conversation with David Lee. August Svensson, Diageo's White Spirits Brand Ambassador, will join the session to discuss Tanqueray’s place in the modern gin market-place.