lcbo

George Soleas is the President and CEO of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), one of the world’s most influential forces in the world of spirits.

In this special live recording of Mission Critical Live: The Bold Conversations (presented by Veuve Clicquot), George chats with Lance and shares his extraordinary journey from a refugee in Cyprus to the C-suite.

Starting as a chef in Ontario, he leveraged his passion for customer service into a diverse career, including steel manufacturing and winemaking, accumulating a diverse set of skills that would prepare him for an incredible career ahead. Driven by a commitment to continuous learning, he earned degrees in chemistry, metallurgy, and a Master's in Logistics.

In this live episode, Lance and George discuss his entrepreneurial journey, the immense power of allyship, the LCBO's commitment to inclusivity, and the enduring value of lifelong learning.

Join us for a great conversation with George Soleas, President and CEO of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, one of the world's most extensive leading wine and spirits retailers.  

Learn how George's passion has led him from being a refugee to leading the way for the LCBO!

Meet Crispin Cain, the mastermind behind the exquisite spirits of 'Prosperous & Penniless.' With a rich history that began in the vineyards of California, Crispin's journey in winemaking evolved into a distinguished career in distillation. Under the tutelage of cognac virtuoso Hubert Germain-Robin, Crispin mastered ancient techniques that now define his artistry in creating exceptional spirits.

🥃 Prosperous & Penniless Barrel-Aged Gin

Masterfully crafted by Crispin Cain, this gin undergoes a transformative journey. Distilled in a traditional Cognac pot still with a rich tapestry of botanicals, it ages gracefully in Bourbon and Limousin oak barrels, finishing in Chardonnay casks. The result is a golden-hued spirit, redolent with coriander, honey, and lemon, and a palate that weaves juniper with caramel and spiced oak. A true embodiment of complexity and elegance.

🥃 Prosperous & Penniless Bourbon Whiskey

Crispin Cain's Bourbon is a study of balance and refinement. It matures in Missouri Bourbon barrels with a mash bill rich in corn and malted grains before finishing in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. The whiskey greets you with aromas of sweet corn and vanilla, unfolding into a palate of toasted oak, butterscotch, and spiced plums. It's a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.

🥃 Prosperous & Penniless Rye Malt Whiskey

This Rye Malt Whiskey showcases Crispin Cain's mastery of distillation and aging. Starting with a robust rye and wheat malt base, it ages in new Bourbon barrels, then Cognac and Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. The result is a golden, aromatic spirit with notes of toasted grain and hazelnuts, leading to a rich palate of melon, vanilla, and leather. It's a luxurious expression of time-honored distilling techniques.

Crispin's creations are not just spirits; they are stories of heritage, skill, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Experience the culmination of centuries-old distillation methods and modern flair with 'Prosperous & Penniless.

Be the first to taste: https://shopspirits.calistogadepot.com/collections/prosperous-penniless

In this week's episode of Marketing Spark, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jarlath Watson, the principal at the Echlinville Distillery in Northern Ireland. 

We discussed how a product, specifically Irish whiskey, can expand its market and attract new customers across the ocean.

Echlinville has become a renowned brand in the Irish whiskey market, with its high-quality and award-winning products expanding to 27 countries worldwide. 

But how does it differentiate itself from other Irish whiskeys and break into new markets with limited marketing and sales dollars? Let's dive into the marketing strategies of Echlinville and learn from their success.

One of the key strategies of Echlinville is building brand loyalty through its heritage, tradition, history, and craft, as well as having really good liquid. 

They rely on influencers, bloggers, and writers to promote their brand online, but they also emphasize the importance of face-to-face marketing in breaking through the noise of digital marketing. 

For the first time since March, Ontario recorded less than 200 new COVID-19 cases. Stage 2 of reopening the province rolls out today, but not here in Toronto. However, it was just announced that social circles of up to ten people can start mixing without adhering to physical distancing rules. Brampton is now one of Canada's top coronavirus hotspots. Plus, everything you need to know about testing right now, including when the best time to go is, and asymptomatic versus presymptomatic.

An angry red-winged blackbird named Dave is terrorizing people in Liberty Village. According to a new report, Toronto is the fastest-growing city in North America. Ontario's Health Minister had to explain why there was a photo of her shopping at the LCBO while awaiting COVID-19 test results, and the province recorded its lowest increase rate in new cases since February. Plus, why two city councillors are putting forth a motion to defund the police, and reallocate over $1.2 million to community resources.