We held our first distillers conference back in 2012. Since then we’ve held several events, on a year in person, and now we’re also offering one a year in the way of a virtual conference.
We also offer workshops and masterclasses, both as part of our conferences and as one off experiences.
If you’ve missed one of our past events, don’t worry. You can still check out videos, photo galleries and talk information here.
Past Events
21st October 2022Blog / October 22 / Past EventsA big thank you to everyone who came and participated in this years Craft Distilling Expo! We have a great time and look forward to welcoming you to the next one.
Got any good pictures? Feel free to send them to us and we can add them to the gallery. [...]
3rd May 2022April 21 / Blog / Equipment & Design / Materials / Past Events / ResourcesKeeping a Lid on It – Vital Considerations for Reliable for Bottling and Closures with Rosie Milsom.
The Head of Global New Product Development at Atom Brands, Rosie Milsom, discusses the often forgotten issues that can arise with bottles, bottling, and closures. From head space to tamper seals and integrity of closures, all will be discussed here. [...]
23rd March 2022April 21 / Equipment & Design / Financial / Past Events / Processes / Resources / UncategorisedResearch & Development Tax Relief for Distilleries – Are you claiming? Tax Breaks Available To The Distillery World Karen McFadden, Associate Director at Catax, will be talking to you about this tax incentive – Research & Development Tax Relief (R&D) – and how it fits into the alcohol industry. Karen will tell you what it’s all about, how you can become eligible to claim for it, and why so many distilleries are missing out on this fantastic break. She will also talk through some client examples, which should help you understand if this is a topic worth exploring further.
*Legal Disclaimer – The views expressed in this video are not necessarily those of the Crafdi Online Conference or Craft Distilling Expo. Individuals must seek their own legal, financial and tax advice from a qualified professional before making any decisions. The Craft Distilling Expo accepts no liability.* [...]
14th March 2022April 21 / Blog / Materials / Past Events / Processes / ResourcesOverview of Rum and Rhum Production with Lallemand
This presentation reviews the production of Rhum Agricole (made from fresh Cane juice) and Rum (made from molasses). Robert will discuss the impact yeast strains have on fermentation, how distillation can influence aromatic profiles and finally will review aging and the effects of casks. [...]
14th March 2022April 21 / Blog / Materials / Past Events / Processes / ResourcesA New Way to Sour Mash Intentional Inoculation of Lactobacillus in Grain-based Fermentations Abstract: Yeast fermentation is the driving force behind alcohol creation and the production of spirits in our distilleries. They form the ethanol, as well as the complex flavors and aromas we have come to love. However, bacteria have always played a large role in this process as well, intentionally and unintentionally, historically and in modern distilleries. We have been investigating the idea of intentional bacterial inoculations, alongside standard yeast pitches, to create new and exciting flavor profiles and fermentations. These yeast-bacterial co-fermentations have shown a lot of promise as a new, highly controllable/reproducible method for sour mashing at the craft scale. In this webinar, we will investigate the effects this has on the fermentation, as well as the resulting spirits’ profile and maybe some new and unique ways we can play with this new tool. [...]
14th March 2022April 21 / Blog / Events / Past Events / ResourcesOne from last years April Online Event, but always helpful to understand the power of a social media event.
Sarah Miller (Gin a Ding Ding) founder of #ginadaymay joins David T Smith to discuss the concept, innovation and grown of #ginadaymay and how distillers and the public can get involved. [...]
14th March 2022April 21 / Blog / Equipment & Design / Past Events / ResourcesA real cork(er) and other closures – an introduction to Rankin Brothers.
Join Jim Rankin for a talk about the company that has been providing bottle closures for nearly 250 years. Jim will also be taking a closer look at issues and solutions around cork taint. [...]
14th March 2022April 21 / Blog / Events / Past Events / ResourcesCustodian of World Gin Day, Emma Stokes (GinMonkey), will share some of the exciting things that are going on for World Gin Day 2021 (12th June 2021) and how gin brands can participate and use this rather festive day to engage with consumers. Now in its second decade, World Gin Day has gone from strength to strength and even with recent challenges it continues to be a great force for all things juniper. [...]
14th March 2022April 21 / Blog / Past Events / Resources / SustainabilitySustainability in distilling is of increasing importance and it goes beyond solar panels and wind turbines; for many brands, the packaging of their spirits accounts for around 30% of their total carbon emissions. Our team of experts will discuss eco-packaging in detail in this feature-length panel, including topics such as the use of sustainable material, managing the energy expelled in production, transport, packaging reuse and recyclability.
Panel includes: Rosie Milsom – Atom Labs / Atom Brands Joel Harrison – Caskstrength Creative Max Chater – Victory Distillery Jim Rankin – Rankin Brothers ~Nolan Kane – Allied Glass
00:10 Introductions 02:01 Sustainability does anyone care? 04:10 Why is it important? What does it mean? 08:50 Natural Cork 11:50 Sustainability as a Core Value 17:28 Aluminum Cans 20:40 Recycling 25:00 Return and Refill 27:50 Glass Bottles 33:10 Tolerance of defects – being less wasteful 38:02 Local sourcing 39:25 Demand for sustainability push or pull? 41:00 End of life for packaging / recycle / reuse 55:40 Can packaging ultra-luxury spirits be sustainable? 1:08:40 Closing Remarks [...]
11th March 2022April 21 / Blog / Materials / Past Events / ResourcesWhere do you start with enzymes?
It’s an important question that makes a huge difference to you final product.
Learn everything you need to know with this video from our April 21 Online Conference, ‘Enzymes As Processing Aids In Distilleries with Dr. Prashant M Bapat’. [...]
8th March 2022April 21 / Materials / Past Events / ResourcesOver a dozen ethanol types are used in beverages in the UK. In this talk Bert Albrecht of Ethimex and our Joe Barber will explore the different types of GNS, their main characteristics and their uses. We’ll also give some insight in global Ethanol sourcing, where it is produced and how it is put to use. Ethanol-water is a particular mix and we will explain how this affects the distillation process and how ethanol behaves when diluted. We’ll also analyse a typical Technical Spec Sheet and explain the different quality levels of ethanol and why this is important to a distiller. Finally we’ll also have a look at what to do with Ethanol waste and how it could reduce your carbon foot print.
This Live Q&A was recorded on 16th October 2020. [...]
6th March 2022April 21 / Equipment & Design / Past Events / ResourcesJoin Scott Allen and David T Smith in this introduction to Allen Associates and a discussion on some of the key considerations when designing a distillery.
Scott Allen has a wealth of knowledge in everything you need to think about when designing your distillery, from the obvious to the not so obvious!
This is a must watch for anyone considering setting up a distillery. And, if you already have, it’s still a good watch. There might be something you’ve overlooked! [...]
26th February 2022October 21 / Past EventsThanks to the Spirits Business who kindly shared this article ahead of our our October 21 event.
London trade fair the Craft Distilling Expo is set to return as an in-person event with several talks and masterclasses planned.
The exposition and conference will take place from Thursday 30 September to Friday 1 October at the Boiler House of the former Truman Brewery, which is based in Brick Lane, London.
Talks and masterclasses will be led by prominent figures in the distilling industry, including co-founder of the Craft Distilling Expo and The Global Spirits Masters judge David T Smith.
He said: “As with the whole industry the last 18 months have been a challenge, despite the success of our online offerings.
“We are really looking forward to seeing friends and colleagues, both old and new in-person this year. We’ve put on an exciting range of talks with an increasing focus on sustainability.”
Joining him to lead how-to-make workshops, comprising the likes of gin and fruit spirits, will be fellow Global Spirits Masters judge Julia Nourney.
A talk on ultra-sonic spirits by Puddingstone Distillery’s Ben Marston is also on the agenda, as well as a guide to botanical and spiced rum from Peter Holland, co-founder of The Floating Rum Shack.
There will also be discussions on sustainability in the spirits industry, which will include topics such as water conservation and carbon footprint in production.
A distillery directory, containing more than 650 entries on distilleries in the UK and Europe, will be available for attendees to collect.
Tickets can be purchased from live.distillingexpo.com.
The spirits industry is seeing the comeback of various events this autumn, including Tales of the Cocktails which takes place from today (20 September) to 23 September. Check out The Spirits Business‘ guide to the must-attend events at the annual festival here.
Furthermore, The Spirits Business will co-host The Wine & Spirits Show Chelsea next month in partnership with sister title the drinks business. [...]
25th February 2022October 21 / Past Events / Processes / ResourcesThis talk, with David T Smith and the incredible Rachel Sutherland of Warners Distillery, was a an eye opening event. The testing saw participants blind tasting two liquids side by side and having to guess what the difference was.
One example that really got the crowd excited was the comparison between a spirit that had come off the still and been diluted down to 40% abv in one go, and the other, the same spirit off the still, that had been diluted slowly over a week, eventually reaching 40% abv.
Tasting side by side like this, the group found that there was a very obvious difference, with the one being diluted slowly being rounder and well integrated. Although this meant a smoother spirit overall, there was some discussion in how it also lost a little of it’s character. [...]
24th February 2022Blog / October 21 / Past EventsThe October 2021 Craft Distilling Expo was a special one as it was the first time we were able to do an in person event since lockdown measures pushed our conference online.
The online conferences went so well that they became their own thing and we aim to hold one every year in April, as well as the live in person event at our home in Truman Brewery London in October.
Here’s the agenda. [...]
24th February 2022April 21 / Blog / Events / Past Events / ResourcesSpirits competitions can have a major impact on a distillery or brand’s public awareness, but what should you, as a distiller, expect from a competition? How can they help you? What are judges looking for in a spirit and why do certain spirits consistently do well? How does judging typically work? Who are the judges?
Our panel of seasoned judging professionals were on hand to answer questions.
Jon Hillgren – Hernö Gin, a multi-award winning gin Veronika Karlova – International Spirits Judge Tobias Gorn – International Spirits Judge Bernadette Pamplin – International Spirits Judge Eric Zandona – Director of Judging at the American Distilling Institute David T Smith – International Spirits Judge
Competitions
American Distilling Institute Judging of Craft Spirits
International Wine and Spirits Competition
World Drink Awards (Paragraph Publishing)
Spirits Masters (Spirits Business)
San Francisco World Spirits Awards
International Spirits Challenge
The Gin Guide Awards [...]
22nd February 2022April 21 / Blog / Past Events / Processes / ResourcesMaster Distiller and expert whisky consultant Stephen Gould of Golden Moon Distillery in Colorado introduces the topic of producing rye whisky, including some of the key considerations before you start. This is an essential talk for anyone considering producing rye whisky or those who are just great fans. The talk will cover topics including: the raw material, basics of fermentation, malted vs. unmalted grain, grain/mash bills, and distillation. [...]
22nd February 2022April 21 / Blog / Past Events / Processes / ResourcesBarrels are crucial when it comes to the flavour, aroma, and character of a spirit and, given how important they are, it’s essential to make sure that they are maintained and cared for correctly. International Spirits Consultant Julia Nourney will discuss the proper storage and maintenance of barrels from when they first arrive to between uses and – finally – disposal. [...]
25th February 2020Event Archive / Past EventsCraft Distilling Expo – Programme 2019
THURSDAY 26th SEPTEMBER 2019
Pre-Expo Event:
09:00-10:20 – SPACE A – Masterclass*: Hands-on Rum Blending with Peter Holland
10:00 – EXPO OPENS
11:30-12:00 – SPACE B – Keynote speaker – Ian Hart of Sacred Spirits
12:00-13:20 – SPACE B – Panel: How to Grow Your Distillery
12:00-12:25 – SPACE C – Distilleries in Small Spaces, Matthew Servini of Craft Distilling Business Limited
12:30-13:15 – SPACE A – Masterclass*: Great British Rum with Peter Holland
13:00-13:25 – SPACE C – Chemistry of Botanicals, Matthew S. V. Pauley of Heriot-Watt University
13:30-14:00 – SPACE C – Carbon Negative Distilling with Russ Wakeman of Two Drifters Distillery.
14:00-14:50 – SPACE A – Masterclass*: Aged Gin: Roll Out the Barrel with David T Smith
15:00-15:25 – SPACE A – The Benefits of Signature Serves, Sam Carter – Laverstoke Mill
15:00-15:50 – SPACE B – Panel: How to Start a Distillery
15:30-15:55 – SPACE C – “Are we running out of Juniper?” – Beacon Commodities
16:00-16:50 – SPACE A – Masterclass*: Single Malt Whisk(e)y with Stephen Gould from Golden Moon Distillery
16:00-16:25 – SPACE B – Distillery Safety with Scott Allen, Allen Associates
16:00-16:50 – SPACE C – From Distillery to Destination with Amy Dobson, Distillery Manager at Laverstoke Mill
16:30-17:00 – SPACE C – Duty and Legal Issue in Distilling, Alan Powell, British Distillers Alliance
18:00-19:00 Gin and Tonic Networking Session
FRIDAY 27th SEPTEMBER 2019
09:00-10:00 – SPACE A – Masterclass*: Nosing for Faults with Julia Nourney and The Aroma Academy
10:00 – EXPO OPENS
10:00-10:45 – SPACE B – Panel: Distillers & The Media
11:00-11:50 – SPACE A – Masterclass*: Gin FAQ Vol. 4 – Pot Distillation of Botanicals
12:00-12:25 – SPACE B – Vacuum Distillation with Dr. Abbie Neilson from Cooper King Distillery
12:00-12:25 – SPACE C – Lab Techniques for Distillers with Robert Cassell
12:30-12:55 – SPACE B – Brand Ambassadors – An Introduction with Steph DiCamillo
12:30-12:55 – SPACE C – What Happens When Tasting Whisky: The Senses, The Brain and Emotions with Ian Wisniewski
13:00-13:45 – SPACE A – Masterclass*: Old Tom Gin – A Fresh Look with Keli Rivers from Sipsmith Gin
13:00-13:45 – SPACE B – Discussion: Import and Export with Michael Vachon of Maverick Drinks and Chelsea Washburn of The American Spirits Exchange.
13:00-13:25 – SPACE C – Packaging and Branding Revamp: A Case Study with Warner’s Distillery
13:50-14:00 – SPACE C – Gin of the Year Awards Presentation
14:00-14:45 – SPACE B – Designing a Cask Management Program with Julia Nourney
14:00-14:45 – SPACE C – “How to make whisky and rum on a rectifiers license” with Odin from iStill
15:00-15:50 – SPACE A – Masterclass*: Beyond Gin: Botanical Spirits with Stephen Gould from Golden Moon Distillery
15:00-15:25 – SPACE C – Innovation in Spirits – Duncan McRae from Atom Brands
16:00-16:50 – SPACE B – Panel: Distilling in 2019 [...]
18th July 2017Blog / Event Archive / Past EventsJoin the team at London’s finest example of a Destination Distillery to learn about the process of making whisky.
The East London Liquor Co. will be joined by Independent Whisky Consultant, writer, and expert, Julia Nourney from Germany.
The session will cover the theory and techniques used in fermentation, mashing, and distillation, which attendees can witness first-hand at the distillery.
The workshop will also cover maturation and casks, with discussion on the theory and blending of casks. [...]
17th September 2016Blog / Event Archive / Past EventsThe Craft Distilling Expo are once again running their one-day Post-Expo workshop exploring designing and distilling your own gin. Join them at East London Liquor Company with distiller Tom Hills where, as well as instruction on the practical aspects of gin, the workshop will allow attendees to discuss the more nuanced aspects of bringing a spirit to market.
Topics covered include: recipe formulation, production methods, “making the cuts”, working with botanicals, proofing and filtration.
10:00-15:30, East London Liquor Company, Unit GF1, 221 Grove Road, Bow Wharf, London E3 5SN
£240 (lunch & cocktail included).
[...]
17th September 2016Blog / Event Archive / Past EventsJoin the team for a Pre-Expo Event at London’s finest example of a Destination Distillery to learn about the process of making whisky.
The East London Liquor Co. will be joined by Independent Whisky Consultant, writer, and expert, Julia Nourney from Germany.
The session will cover the theory and techniques used in fermentation, mashing, and distillation, which attendees can witness first-hand at the distillery. The workshop will also cover maturation and casks, with discussion on the theory and blending of casks. [...]
17th September 2016Blog / Event Archive / Past EventsJoin Master Distiller Stephen Gould as he provides a guide to the ins and outs of apple brandy production; in particular, the raw materials and methods needed to make Calvados: from apple selection and fermentation, to distillation and maturation.
Includes instruction and tasting. [...]
17th September 2016Blog / Event Archive / Past EventsIan Smiley, noted distilling consultant, author, and distillery equipment division manager for Allied Beverage Tanks, explains why and how it takes more than just a still to make different types of whiskies and other spirits in the same distillery. Ian explains the equipment and procedural choices that have to be made upfront in order to be able to make various types of spirits. [...]
17th September 2016Blog / Event Archive / Past EventsA chance to hear from and put your questions to a range of representatives from some of Europe’s top importers of spirits. The session will be chaired by Michael Vachon of Maverick Drinks. [...]
17th September 2016Blog / Event Archive / Past EventsJoin rum expert Peter Holland of theFloatingRumShack.com for some insight into the art of blending. This is a hands-on session and each attendee will be able to craft their own blend of rum and take a small sample home with them. Includes instruction, supplies, and a small bottle of attendee’s own blended rum to take home. [...]
17th September 2016Blog / Event Archive / Past EventsWith Ivan Bell, Group Managing Director, Stranger & Stranger and Greg Dillon, spirits industry brand strategy consultant & writer, GreatDrams Consulting. Why and how to achieve great shelf standout from the start – thoughts on making your super exciting new brand’s packaging work hard for you so you can focus on the liquid creation. [...]
17th September 2016Blog / Event Archive / Past EventsPeter Holland, rum expert and educator from theFloatingRumShack.com, guides an audience through the olfactory analysis of rum. Utilising the new Aroma Academy Rum Nosing Kit, which Peter helped to develop, attendees will be introduced to the skills need to identify various characters and traits in the spirit. [...]
17th September 2016Blog / Event Archive / Past EventsMichael Vachon of Maverick Drinks will discuss some of the advantages that small brands have over larger ones and how to utilise those advantages to greatest effect in the modern drinks market. [...]
17th September 2016Blog / Event Archive / Past EventsSince releasing its first gin in 2012, Warner Edwards has become a well-known and respected brand in the gin industry and is achieving growing recognition on both national and international scales. In 2016, they won the HSBC Elevator Pitch final and have opened their on-site botanical garden. Join founder Tom Warner as he shares his insights as one of the more experienced and established Craft Distillers in the UK. [...]