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Lee Connor

Welcome to the world oF sPIRITS, curiosity and character

Lee "Connas" Connor is a freelance spirits professional with an unparalleled knowledge of
the spirits business, education and events.

I’m Lee "Connas" Connor – spirits professional, judge, writer, host and educator.

 

From international competition panels to intimate tastings, I bring people and flavour together, one dram at a time.


I've plenty of special things on the way as this site evolves - but for now its main purpose is to let you sign up for spirits tasting events and education courses. Read on...

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I’m Lee "Connas" Connor – spirits professional, judge, writer, host and educator.

From international competition panels to intimate tastings, I bring people and flavour together, one dram at a time.
I've plenty of special things on the way as this site evolves - but for now its main purpose is to let you sign up for spirits tasting events and education courses. Read on....

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NEXT EVENT

An Evening With...
Aladair Day

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Join me on our upcoming events and courses...

About Lee

My passion lies in connecting stories, spirits, and people.

Based in Gateshead and recognised around the globe, I judge at competitions such as the International Wines and Spirits Competition and Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial of Bruxelles, I write for publications including Scotch Malt Whisky Society Unfiltered, and regularly host tastings both in-person and virtually.

You might find me:
 

  • Hosting an evening of rare drams in a historic building

  • Interviewing industry luminaries and researching indepth articles for magazines and blogs.

  • Judging on spirits competitions.

  • Running educational courses for both trade and consumers

  • Consulting on spirit quality

  • Facilitating unique bottlings for special occasions

  • Generally trying to make our wonderful industry more accessible to everyone  

 

What ties it all together?
 

Curiosity, humour, and a serious respect for the liquid.

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TRUSTED EXPERTISE ACROSS AN ARRAY OF KNOWN BRANDS

EVENTS

Join my upcoming events, courses and tasting sessions

  • In Person Whisky Tasting - Taster Takeover!
    In Person Whisky Tasting - Taster Takeover!
    12 Dec 2025, 19:00 – 21:00
    Newcastle upon Tyne, The Common Room of the Great North Ltd, Neville Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SE, UK
    Final tasting of 2025, so we're bringing out the big guns! Regular attendees Phil Saint, John Hill, Malcolm Campbell and Steve Laidlaw have been given a budget of £100 each to buy, bring and present a bottle of their own choice! And I'll be adding two for fun!
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  • In Person Classroom Qualification - Certificate in Scotch Whisky (28.02.2026)
    In Person Classroom Qualification - Certificate in Scotch Whisky (28.02.2026)
    28 Feb 2026, 10:00 – 18:00
    Blackfriars Restaurant, Newcastle, Friars St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4XN, UK
    Turn your love of whisky into recognised expertise. Our Certificate in Scotch Whisky is designed for everyone - from curious newcomers and passionate enthusiasts to seasoned professionals, as well as those already working in customer-facing industry roles.
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  • In Person Classroom Qualification - Certificate in Scotch Whisky
    In Person Classroom Qualification - Certificate in Scotch Whisky
    Sat 08 Nov
    08 Nov 2025, 10:00 – 18:00
    Blackfriars Restaurant, Newcastle, Friars St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4XN, UK
    Share
  • In Person Whisky Tasting - An evening with...Dave Broom
    In Person Whisky Tasting - An evening with...Dave Broom
    01 Nov 2025, 19:00 – 21:00
    Newcastle upon Tyne, The Common Room of the Great North Ltd, Neville Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SE, UK
    Whisky Tasting An evening of Drams and Chat with World Renowned Spirits Author - Dave Broom
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  • In Person Whisky Tasting - An evening with...Oliver Chilton
    In Person Whisky Tasting - An evening with...Oliver Chilton
    24 Oct 2025, 19:00 – 21:00
    Newcastle upon Tyne, The Common Room of the Great North Ltd, Neville Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SE, UK
    Whisky Tasting An evening of Drams and Chat with Elixir lynch-pin Oliver Chilton.
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  • Online Whisky Tasting - Bruichladdich Whisky Tasting - Old & Rare With Whisky-Online
    Online Whisky Tasting - Bruichladdich Whisky Tasting - Old & Rare With Whisky-Online
    17 Oct 2025, 19:00 – 21:00
    Newcastle upon Tyne, The Common Room of the Great North Ltd, Neville Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SE, UK
    Whisky Tasting Join the Whisky-Online Auctions team and our special guest star Lee 'Connas' Connor on Zoom on Friday 17th October 2025 for a thrilling line-up of old Bruichladdich whiskies!
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  • Online Whisky Tasting - Cadenheads White Lable Old & Rare With Whisky-Online
    Online Whisky Tasting - Cadenheads White Lable Old & Rare With Whisky-Online
    26 Sept 2025, 19:00 – 21:00
    Newcastle upon Tyne, The Common Room of the Great North Ltd, Neville Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SE, UK
    Whisky Tasting Join the Whisky-Online Auctions team and our special guest star Lee 'Connas' Connor on Zoom on Friday 26th September 2025 for a fantastic flight of legendary single malt whiskies bottled by Cadenhead's!
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  • In Person Whisky Tasting - An evening with...Alasdair Day!
    In Person Whisky Tasting - An evening with...Alasdair Day!
    29 Aug 2025, 19:00 – 21:00
    Newcastle upon Tyne, The Common Room of the Great North Ltd, Neville Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SE, UK
    An evening of Drams and Chat with Raasay Distillery founder and Master Distiller Alasdair Day.
    Share

HEAR FROM THOSE WHO'VE ENJOYED MY WHISKY ADVENTURES

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