The annual Distillers’ City Debate, now in its fifth year, has become a firm fixture in the calendar of the industry and its analysts. Ian Buxton, Liveryman, commentator and author of the 101 Whiskies & Gins series, returns to chair the discussion on this year’s topic, the impact of craft spirits.

John McCarthy, head distiller of Adnams, and David T. Smith, writer and a founder of the Craft Distilling Expo, will champion the position of craft brands.

Views from major international companies will be presented by Laurent Lacassagne, CEO of Chivas Brothers (the Scotch Whisky and gin business of Pernod Ricard) and Lawson Whiting, executive vice president, chief brands and strategy officer at Brown-Forman Corporation.

Ian Shackleton, MD Equity Research at Nomura International plc, will bring the City perspective.

Join the floor of 200 guests – spirits industry, the City, media, Distillers’ Livery and Masters of other Livery Companies - for a lively exchange and vote on the motion, followed by an opportunity to taste spirits by the participating brands at the Distillers’ Bar.

Tickets are available at £45 per head for a 2-course supper with wine following the debate, served in The Auditorium adjacent to King Edward Hall.

Tickets for the debate and Distillers’ Bar (both free of charge) and post-debate supper (£45) must be booked in advance. Contact Kim Lyons at distillerscitydebate@lbmw.com or +44 (0) 20 7960 7173.

Doors open: 6pm
Debate: 6.30pm–8pm
Distillers’ Bar: 8pm-8.45pm
Supper (£45): 8.30pm-10pm