At the J.P. Wiser’s Experience Centre, Livermore created many of the whisky flavors on display. CTV
A major achievement has arrived in Windsor, Ontario. Don Livermore, the master blender at Hiram Walker and Sons, has won the “Master Blender/Master Distiller of the Year – Rest of World” award at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards. This award marks a historic moment as Livermore becomes the first Canadian to receive such recognition.
After working at the distillery for nearly 30 years, Livermore’s award brings significant pride to Canada. He shared how the award gives Canada recognition as a top whisky producer. “It puts Canada on the map,” he said. “It’s great timing with all that’s happening in the community and across Canada to have our country recognized for producing good whiskey.”
Livermore’s award now has a permanent place at the J.P. Wiser’s Experience Centre in Windsor, where visitors can see it alongside bottles he helped create. He credits the talented team at Hiram Walker for his success, saying, “They make me look good, and I can design those whiskeys and put them forward.”
At the J.P. Wiser’s Experience Centre, Livermore created many of the whisky flavors on display. CTV
Livermore’s job is not just about making whisky but also predicting what whisky drinkers will want in the future. Whisky’s long aging process makes this task tricky. “What do people want to drink three years, five years, 10 or 15 years down the road?” Livermore explained. To understand future tastes, he connects with whisky lovers around the world. He regularly travels across Canada, the United States, and Europe to gather feedback.
Through these interactions, Livermore gathers ideas to shape his blends. “I’ll ask them, ‘What are the tastes you’re looking for in whisky? What do you find interesting?’” he said. This approach helps him stay ahead of trends in the whisky world.
When creating a new whisky, Livermore focuses on three key elements: fermentation, grain, and the cask. He explains how each of these elements contributes to the final product. “The yeast and fermentation bring out fruity and floral notes,” he said. “I rely on the farmers here in Essex and Kent County to bring out spicy notes in our rye whisky.” He also emphasizes the importance of the cask, calling it a “sponge” that shapes the whisky’s flavor.
For Livermore, Canadian whisky stands out for its creativity and adaptability. “Canadian whisky is the most innovative, creative, and adaptable style of whisky there is,” he stated. The country’s whisky-making process is flexible, allowing for a wide range of flavours and styles.
Livermore’s career began in Windsor, when he arrived nearly three decades ago to interview for a job as a microbiologist. Since then, he has earned a Master’s degree and PhD in Brewing and Distilling from Edinburgh, Scotland. Livermore worked in various roles at Hiram Walker before becoming a master blender in 2012. “Making whisky is complicated, and it’s such a team effort,” he said.
Livermore also draws inspiration from the distillery’s founders, including J.P. Wiser and Hiram Walker, who laid the foundation for the whisky’s distinctive taste. “I represent J.P. Wiser’s and the Hiram Walker distillery,” he said proudly.
The J.P. Wiser’s Experience Centre continues to showcase Livermore’s creations, including limited-edition bottles with Stanley Cup branding, a nod to the connection between hockey and whisky. “Hockey and whisky certainly go hand in hand,” Livermore said.
