Whisky Experts

Born to a big Irish Catholic family, I lived most of my life one short hour’s drive north of the heart of bourbon production, Kentucky, and weekend trips to distilleries are some of my favorite memories. While I was in college I got a part time job with a local spirits retailer and never looked back. After I met my wife and moved to Canada, Calgary Co-op Wine Spirits Beer was the perfect place for me to continue exploring my passion for all that whisky has to offer.

My favourite thing about being a Whisky Expert

Sharing the endless variety of new and distinct whiskies with customers is incredibly rewarding.  I love having the opportunity to introduce fellow enthusiasts and newcomers alike to diverse flavor profiles and unique expressions they might not find on the own.

The next big thing in whisky

World Whiskies! From New Zealand to Iceland no fewer than 32 countries have active malt distilleries pumping out everyone’s  favorite liquid gold. The unique geography and climates of whiskies produced outside of Scotland, Ireland and the United States of America have led to innovations resulting in absolutely delicious whisky.

In 2010 I transferred to the liquor side of the company. When we opened our Shawnessy Tasting Center I showed a passion for the spirits department and the store manager encouraged my passion by having me oversee the spirits department. Over the next 10 years I developed my product knowledge. In 2023 the position I hold became available. With encouragement from my manager, fellow staff, friends and family I applied for the position and now I am here at the World of Whisky.

My favourite thing about being a Whisky Expert:

What I truly enjoy is when I have worked with a customer to find that special bottle and they return to the store and tell me how much they enjoyed it. Helping others brings great satisfaction to my work day.

The next big thing in whisky

With the recent changes in regards to tariffs, people are more interested in Canadian made Whisky. This is good for Canadian Whisky producers who have been making quality whisky for years. People are willing to try something new and are finding Canadian Whiskies that can hold their own against other countries whiskies..