A new category of whiskey has been ratified, and it’s taken hard work and determination to get there. Join us for a 2-day immersive educational experience, where you’ll learn straight from the brands that helped build the category from the ground up, as well as some emerging brands that are helping it grow. 

Dandelion BevEd has partnered with the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission and Edinburgh Whisky Academy to bring you the full EWA Certificate in American Single Malt, panel discussions, and one-on-one interactions with leading distillers and producers, in-depth tasting and sensory experiences, a distillery tour, interactive games, and more! You’ll leave Portland Cocktail Week with a deeper understanding of this exciting new category and ready to earn top marks in the certification exam the following week!

Featuring:
Gina Fossitt, Founder, Dandelion BevEd
Kyle McHugh, North America Market Director, Edinburgh Whisky Academy

Two-Day Educational Workshop for pre-assigned Student Pass holders.
Location: The Evergreen, 618 SE Alder St, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Dandelion BevEd, Edinburgh Whisky Academy, American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey, Balcones Distilling, Bird Creek Whiskey, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Westland Whiskey, McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt Whiskey

Gina Fossitt, Founder, Dandelion BevEd
In her beverage industry adventures, Gina has spread the whisky gospel in many roles. After being behind the stick and managing beverage programs in NYC, she became a member of the esteemed Diageo Masters of Whisky program and started earning several spirits certifications. She led the team hosting ambassador internships at The George Dickel Distillery and developed a 6-month mentorship to prepare ambassadors for the revered IBD General Certificate of Distillation. She went on to become the U.S. National Ambassador of Lot No. 40 for Corby Spirits and Wine, where she eventually took the role of Trade and Education Manager, leading the trade and educational programming globally and developing all trade and sales assets for the Canadian Whisky brands. Gina spearheaded the creation of the first-ever certification in Canadian whisky, providing a deep-dive on the category. Her newest endeavor, Dandelion BevEd, now leads production and business development of the four-week course independently, as well as with partners such as WSET, Lush Life Productions, and Bourbon Women. She is the founder of this new agency, creating custom educational programming and engagement pieces for suppliers, distributors, enthusiasts and consumers, as well as being an Educator for the Edinburgh Whisky Academy.

Beverage Industry Certifications and Education:
- Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey, Edinburgh Whisky Academy
- Spirits Level 3 Certification, WSET
- Spirits Level 2 Certification, WSET 
- 6 Day Distillers Course, Moonshine U 
- North American Blending Certification, Diageo 
- General Certificate in Distilling, IBD 
- Executive Bourbon Steward, Stave and Thief Bourbon Society 
- History of Bourbon Certification, Filson Bourbon Academy 
- Malt Advocate Certification, Diageo 
- Advanced Level Wine Certification, WSET 
- Intermediate Level Wine Certification, WSET

Kyle McHugh, North America Market Director, Edinburgh Whisky Academy
After 10 years running restaurant bars in cities across the United States, Kyle has been consulting in the beer, wine, and spirits industry as “The Boozehound” since 2007 with current clients such as CVH Spirits, the Edinburgh Whisky Academy, and Tequila Curado. Other career roles include the Global Director of Advocacy and Education for the craft spirits collective Samson and Surrey, where he oversaw all aspects of education and ambassadorship for FEW Spirits, Bluecoat Gin, Brenne Single Malt, Widow Jane, Mezcal Vago, and Tequila Ocho. Kyle also worked as a Diageo Master of Whisky and is a former Professor of Wine and Beverage at Le Cordon Bleu – Chicago. He regularly serves as a spirits judge for the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, World Whisky Awards, TAG Global Spirits Awards, and the Beverage Testing Institute.

Kyle served as National President of the USBG from 2018 to 2020 and Chairman of the Board from 2017 to 2021. He then joined the Board of Directors of the USBG National Charity Foundation, where he currently serves as President and Chairman.

Beverage Industry Certifications:
• General Certificate in Distillation, Institute of Brewing and Distilling
• Certified Spirits Professional with the U.S. Bartender’s Guild
• Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers
• Cicerone Certified Beer Seller
• Trained BJCP beer judge
• Executive Bourbon Steward
• Graduate of the IBA Bartender Training Center Europe
• Graduate of the BAR 5 Day program