Crystal Coverdale Crystal has pursued a passion filled career over 18 years with a focus on whisky and wine. After finishing her Bachelor of Commerce degree (Major in Marketing) at UBC, she gained experience through marketing roles at wineries in both Australia and Canada. As the General Manger of Edgemont, Fine Wines, Spirits & Ales, a boutique private liquor store with 300+ whiskies, Crystal got her WSET up to Level 3 and her interest in whisky grew. While in this position, the Canadian branch of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) approached Crystal and Edgemont became the first SMWS retail partner in Vancouver. In her free time, Crystal was a member of four whisky clubs and also a founding partner of Tip A Wee Dram, a whisky tasting fundraiser for cancer charities that raised $500K over ten years. With Scottish roots and a growing passion for whisky, Crystal chose to move to Scotland on a two-year Travel Work Visa. After a work experience at Kilchoman Distillery and Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, a summer season as a Tour Guide at Edradour Distillery, Crystal accepted the Members Room Manager position for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society at The Vaults in Leith, Edinburgh. Since returning to Canada in late-2016, Crystal has continued developing her passion in wine and is currently the General Manager of Moon Curser Vineyards in Osoyoos. B.C. Crystal maintains a keen interest in the whisky industry as an enthusiast and VP of Borderline Whisky Enthusiasts, a South Okanagan whisky club.
Bryan Vanderkruk Bryan is a long-time lover and reviewer of whiskies from around the globe. After years of geeking out about whisky on Reddit, he co-founded the Toronto Whisky Society (@torontowhisky) and leads tasting events for its members, as well as other private tastings in the GTA. He has been a judge for the Canadian Whisky Awards for the past few years and is honoured to be a panelist for the Whisky Explorer Awards for 2024!
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the whisky explorer magazine
WINTER 2024
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