Shirley Lum has been opening the eyes, awakening palates, and all the senses as founder of A Taste of the World food tours since 1993, and is a true professional chocolate taster!

She has a Professional Chocolatier Certification from George Brown College (GBC) and she has been on the judging panel and Grand Jury for the Canadian leg of the International Chocolate Awards since 2017.

A love of craft chocolates led Shirley to the inaugural Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Tasting & Making course co-hosted by GBC & Soul Chocolate and to her completion of the Level I certificate by International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting (IICCT) in 2018. She is now working towards Level II, which includes plenty of fun homework, tasting plenty of craft chocolate bars from across Canada and around the world!

Spencer Gooderham is the seventh generation, direct descendent of the Gooderham Family who built Canada’s first and largest distillery dating back to 1832.

With a Bachelors of Science and a Masters of Science in Public Health, he decided to return to the family roots and completed a certification at the Artisan Craft Distilling Institute.

He has served as the Canadian Whisky Ambassador for one of the largest spirit companies in the world, enjoying several years of traveling Canada and spreading his knowledge and passion for whisky coast-to-coast hosting over 300 tastings and whisky masterclasses.

As well as visiting and training at some of the world’s most notable distilleries.

Billy Killin was one our first virtual cocktail mixologists. Having worked with Billy on in-person cocktail workshops, we just knew he’d be a great virtual cocktail guide.

Personable and knowledgable with a passion for all things cocktails, especially Rum, don’t get him started on rum unless you’re looking to learn about esters and leave with a new curiosity to try everything he recommends.

Billy has a WSET 1 for Spirits and Wine, was Canadian brand Ambassador for Flor de Cana Rum, is an International Cocktail Consultant and is definitely a Rum Connoisseur.

Looking for a change in scenery, currently he can be found mixing up cocktails and running the Food & Beverage program at The Outfitter Bar in Temagami, Ontario. And his cocktail creations can be found on menus around Toronto and beyond.

Michael Fortier is the Senior Advocacy and Engagement Manager for PMA Canada representing the Brown-Forman premium spirits portfolio.

A long time Toronto based cocktail bartender, Michael has worked on and ran cocktail programs for Richmond Station, The Drake Properties, El Rey, and Bar Raval.

He is a multi-time national cocktail competition winner and has represented Canada at global cocktail competitions in both London and Havana.

Michael loves sharing his passion for quality spirits in a way that makes it fun and approachable to enthusiasts of all levels.

Claire Freel grew up in Niagara, Ontario and found her passion for beverage while travelling the world.

She has worked in all facets of the hospitality industry from restaurants, bars, and hotels, as well as breweries, wineries, and distilleries on multiple continents.

With a diploma in beverage and business from George Brown, Claire has worked in marketing as well as represented national and international spirit brands.

Born in Quebec City, Julie aka “Jukie” was raised in the hospitality industry with restauranteur parents and learned the word “workaholic” at a very young age.

After 17 years in the service industry, obtaining 6 wine and spirit certifications, and living in Australia, Montreal, and NYC, she refocussed her hospitality experience to pursue her career as a Brand Ambassador.

Now living in Toronto, Jukie is rocking her dream job as National Brand Development Manager for Tequila Tromba, developing unique cocktails, and running tequila masterclasses for industry and enthusiasts, and taking life by story every day!

Paul Tseng is a designer with a serious love for coffee and years of experience as a professional barista.

He has competed in latte art and brewing competitions, and has been on an ever evolving journey of coffee.

Now a coder, game designer, and coffee educator on Youtube with @BrewingHabits, Paul combines his love of design and coffee with educational videos on everything from mastering the perfect everyday coffee to the testing and comparing the latest coffee trends and techniques. All in the name of science and discovery!

Graeme Sutherland comes from a dual background of both tourism and beer.

In addition to years of experience as a tour guide in both France and Italy, Graeme also worked as a brewer in London (UK) following formal training at Siebel Institute.

Now back in Canada, he is revelling in Ontario's booming beer and wines scenes and is sharing his enthusiasm through his tastings.

Fun fact, an avid ultimate frisbee player, he recently learned an upturned competition-standard frisbee contains the same volume as a pitcher of beer.