Meet The Makers
sixth Annual
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TICKETS AVAILABLE
This year we will be hosting our 6th annual "Meet The Maker" event on both Saturday and Sunday. Listen to their story, taste their whiskey, and ask the questions you've always wanted to ask your favorite whiskey brands.
This year's Makers are:
Saturday, September 5th
Phil Olson, Maker's Mark Diplomat, 2 PM Saturday
Cassy Crandall, Angel's Envy Brand Ambassador, 3 PM Saturday
Rich Varga, Laphroaig Ambassador, 3 PM Saturday
Brandon Cummins, Master Blender, High N' Wicked Fine Whiskeys, 4 PM Saturday
Sunday, September 6th
(SOLD OUT) Mitch Mahar, Distiller & Blender for Whistle Pig Whiskey, 2 PM Sunday
Cassy Crandall, Angel's Envy Brand Ambassador, 3 PM Sunday
Edwin Cruz, American Whiskey Ambassador for James B. Beam Distilling Co, 3 PM Sunday
Johnathan Armstrong, Brand Ambassador for House of Suntory, 4 PM Sunday
There will be a limited number of seats available for each tasting, and they are expected to go FAST, so make your reservations quickly before they're all spoken for. Meet them and purchase your tickets below!
Location: Meet the Makers takes place in the Rock N Rye Lounge, located in the Village picnic area
$25 Per Session
Note: These tickets are NOT interchangeable. Purchase the "Meet the Maker" session you wish to attend separately in order to be permitted to join. This event is 21+. Sorry, no refunds. The event is rain or shine!
Phil Olson, Maker's Mark Diplomat, 2 PM Saturday, September 5th
Phil Olson has spent nearly two decades immersed in the hospitality and spirits industry, cultivating a deep passion for bourbon along the way. As a Maker’s Mark Diplomat, Phil shares his enthusiasm and expertise with whiskey lovers across the country, bringing the story of Maker’s Mark to life through education, tastings, and immersive brand experiences.
Phil began his journey behind the bar at downtown Irish pub Poag Mahone’s before joining the team at the renowned Longman & Eagle in 2011. Rising through the ranks from brunch bartender to bar manager, and eventually to General Manager, he played a pivotal role in shaping Longman’s extensive cocktail and whiskey program. Under his leadership, Longman & Eagle solidified its reputation as one of the country’s premier bourbon destinations, curating a world-class collection of over 100 rare and vintage spirits.
Cassy Crandall, Angel's Envy Brand Ambassador, 3 PM Saturday & SUNDAY
Based in Los Angeles for the past decade, Cassy brings a passion for whiskey that’s been years in the making. Over the last year, she’s proudly represented Angel’s Envy, sharing her love of bourbon through unforgettable events and thoughtful pours across the city. Cassy has a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, a soft spot for a well-balanced Old Fashioned, and a knack for turning casual sips into meaningful connections. Whether she’s behind the bar or out in the crowd, she’s all about good whiskey, great conversations, and making sure everyone leaves with a story to tell.
Rich Varga, Laphroaig Ambassador, 3 PM Saturday
Rich has over 20 years of experience in marketing and advocacy across a wide range of high-end spirits. He has previously served as the Senior Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal in the United States, Prestige Master of Scotch for The Glenlivet and Royal Salute, and, most recently, the West Coast Brand Curator for Suntory's newest blended Scotch, Ardray. Specializing in luxury portfolios, he is an engaging public speaker and has presented or activated at the Cannes Film Festival, Greenwich Polo Club, The Grammys, Emmys, Oscars, and the World Leader Series, where he personally hosted a tasting for former President of Mexico Vicente Fox and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. Additional career highlights include debuting The Glenlivet Winchester 50 to the national media at its launch in New York City. He has a B.S. in Business from Miami University of Ohio and is WSet Level 2 Award in Wine and Spirits.
Brandon Cummins, Master Blender High N' Wicked Fine Whiskeys, 4 PM Saturday
For Brandon Cummins, whiskey is a rich tapestry of flavor and aroma, an obsession born in his family's restaurant. Growing up immersed in the business, his excitement for exploring the olfactory was undeniable.
His palate broadened through extensive involvement in the craft cocktail and global spirits industries. He further honed his perspective by observing and studying alongside top distillers and blenders through Altamar Brands, complemented by his Certificate of Distillation from the UK's Institute of Brewing & Distilling.
As Master Blender for High n' Wicked American Whiskeys, Brandon brings this unique perspective and insatiable curiosity to every blend. He thoughtfully crafts innovative, award-winning expressions, always exploring new combinations for discerning palates.
Mitch Mahar, Distiller & Blender for Whistle Pig Whiskey, 2 PM Sunday
Mitch got his start in the industry working at his local liquor store while finishing his degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Driven by this thirst for knowledge, he ended up leaving his planned career behind and started working in a local wine cellar doing laboratory and quality assurance work, before joining an old friend in Vermont to work at a brewery. After a number of years as a brewer and cellarman, Mitch joined Whistle Pig, where he splits his time between running the stills and helping the distillery team with special projects and R&D.
Edwin Cruz, American Whiskey Ambassador for James B. Beam Distilling Co, 3 PM Sunday
Edwin Cruz is a Los Angeles native and first-generation Mexican American who grew up in the restaurant industry surrounded by its sights, sounds, and flavors and has been active in the bar & restaurant scene for the past 20 years.
After pursuing a degree in Clinical Psychology, he returned to his family business & found his passion behind the bar, creating cocktails in the early days of the Los Angeles cocktail scene, eventually running bar and restaurant programs across the West Coast and entering the international cocktail competition circuit.
His love for food & drinks, the feelings they create, the memories attached to them & the people involved eventually led him to join Suntory Global Spirits in 2017 as their Luxury Specialist. His love for hospitality, the mentorship he's had over the years & the desire to return the favor to a new generation of whiskey-loving industry professionals led him to join the JBBDCo.( Beam Distilling Co.) team as their West Coast Ambassador in late 2020.
Jonathan Armstrong, Brand Ambassador for House of Suntory, 4 PM Sunday
Jonathan Armstrong is the West Coast Brand Ambassador for House of Suntory. With over 15 years of knowledge and experience in the spirits industry, he has an extensive background in craft bartending, artisanal spirits, and hospitality on both the East and West coasts. Based in Los Angeles, he represents House of Suntory's Next-Generation and Luxury portfolios: Haku, Roku, Toki, Hibiki, Yamazaki, Hakushu, Ao, Legent, and Kanade. His mission is to bring the House of Suntory portfolio to life and build brand awareness and education on Japanese spirits for the hospitality industry and consumers.