The Category Chairmen
Steve Hoyles - Rum and Other Cane Spirits
Steve started at Seagram in Liverpool in 1969, working mainly in the laboratory on brands including Captain Morgan. In 1990 he moved to United Rum Merchants and took over responsibility for Lamb's Navy and Tia Maria. He joined Allied Domecq in 1993. In 2005 Steve joined Chivas as technical lab & sensory manager.
Neil Mathieson - Brandy, Armagnac, Cognac
Neil joined the wine trade at 20, setting up Eaux de Vie in 1985 to specialise in Cognac and Armagnac. Eaux de Vie now distributes a range of spirits and Neil is currently a buyer and blender for the company.
John Ramsay - Whiskies
John started at the Strathclyde Distillery in 1966, joining William Lawson Distillers in 1971 and moving to Highland Distillers in 1990. He recently retired from The Edrington Group where he was master blender for 18 years.
Ian Wisniewski - White Spirits
Ian is a freelance drinks writer and broadcaster specialising in spirits. He has written for various newspapers and magazines and is the author of ten books including Classic Malt, Classic Vodka and Classic Tequila. He regularly visits distilleries and takes part in various spirits tastings and presentations.
Patrick van Zuidam - Liqueurs and Specialities
In 1975, Patrick's father set up his own distillery in the Netherlands, where Patrick started working in his school holidays. Following years of training he is now master distiller and managing director of Zuidam Distillers BV.
Paul Foulkes-Arellano - Design & Packaging
Since becoming Managing Director of Wren & Rowe Brand Consultants in 2000, Paul has worked with a cross section of national brands and large international brand owners across Europe. His particular expertise is in retail branding in the beers, wines and spirits sector. Paul works with huge spirits companies, as well as small family wineries.
