Maria came to Canada when she was just 19 to learn English and French but she fell in love with the country and decided to stay looking for a better future. She has over 16 years’ experience working in the food, travel and wholesale liquor industries, has a Degree in Advertising and Marketing, a BA in Travel and Tourism and has a Culinary Arts Diploma from Dubrulle International Culinary & Hotel Institute of Canada. Her Spanish heritage has given her a passion for wine but she is developing a taste for various whiskeys specially Peated Whisky even though wine will always be her passion.

It’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle choice. With 16-plus years in the industry, staying current with trends and consumer insight is more than a full-time occupation. Between print, electronic media and an increasingly diverse community of devoted consumers, J. Wheelock has devoted many hours to learning about the ever-evolving world of cask-aged brown spirit.

Based in Calgary, Alberta, J.’s role is to connect with like-minded individuals, groups and establishments, espousing the virtues of the whiskeys he’s been charged to represent. His first foray into the Whisky-sphere was with the famed family of brands held by The Edrington Group, four-plus years with Whyte and Mackay Brands, BenRiach Brands, Compass Box and Michter’s, and now with Fountana Beverage.