CPC Club Connections Winter Spring 2026_Final

WINTER/SPRING 2026

CALGARY PETROLEUM CLUB MEMBER NEWS AND EVENTS

CHARTING NEW FRONTIERS Kim Van Vliet on innovation, leadership, and ambition across generations.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A DISTINGUISHED CLUB

Inside CPC’s Elite recognition, and the experience that sets it apart.

THE BLENDED WHISKY HERESY Why it’s time to challenge everything you think you know about whisky.

Sunwest Empty Legs Private Flights. Exceptional Value.

Save on one-way private jet travel with exclusive empty leg offers.

SCAN TO JOIN

1 403 275 8121 / 1 888 291 4566 info@sunwestaviation.ca www.sunwestaviation.ca

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WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A DISTINGUISHED CLUB An inside look at CPC’s Elite designation and what sets the member experience apart.

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CHARTING NEW FRONTIERS Kim Van Vliet and Thaden Van Wong showcase ambition across generations.

MATT DOHERTY INVITES MEMBERS BEHIND THE BAR AND ONTO THE STAGE FOR COCKTAILS, CONVERSATION AND CONNECTION.

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REDEFINING PRIVATE GOLF IN THE FOOTHILLS The story of Mickelson National Golf Club and its member experience.

28. THE BLENDED WHISKY HERESY Why it’s time to challenge everything you think you know about whisky.

34. FUN AT THE CLUB Making memories at CPC member events..

WHY VINTAGE MATTERS AND HOW TIMING SHAPES WHAT’S IN YOUR GLASS.

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On the Cover: L to R, Kevin Wong, Thaden Van Wong, Kimberley Van Vliet

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WEBBER ACADEMY Preparing students to thrive in university and beyond

ACCOMPLISHED MUSIC TEACHERS Georgie Lyons is a passionate music educator who currently teaches Grades 4 to 6 at Webber Academy. She earned a Bachelor of Music from the University of Calgary with specializations in classical guitar and school music.

She then completed a Bachelor of Education from the after-degree program.

Georgie Lyons

With over twenty years of teaching experience at both the elementary and secondary levels, Ms. Lyons brings depth, creativity,

Kendra Martinussen teaches Junior High Band at Webber Academy. She believes that music education offers students more than just notes to play–it gives them a voice, a sense of belonging, and the confidence to express who they are. Ms. Martinussen holds a Bachelor of Music Education with a major in lnstrumental Music Education and Jazz Studies from Brandon University in Manitoba.

A versatile and passionate performer, she has played with a wide range of ensembles

and a student-centered approach to the classroom. She is dedicated to helping students build musical literacy, performance skills, and a lifelong appreciation for music through engaging and inclusive instruction.

In addition to her work in education, Ms. Lyons is a professional performing musician, singer-songwriter, and recording artist, bringing real-world musical experience into her teaching.

across Manitoba, including jazz ensembles, rock and blues bands, pit orchestras, and concert bands.

Her teaching experience spans Kindergarten through Grade 12 in both rural and urban school settings. She has led concert and jazz bands, general music, taught private lessons, and facilitated instrumental clinics and master classes. Ms. Martinussen is committed to creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments that foster creativity, confidence, and musical growth.

Kendra Martinussen

Learn more at webberacademy.ca

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Happy New Year to all CPC Members and your families.

It is an honour to serve as your Club President and I remain deeply grateful for the support of my fellow Board of Governors, who generously volunteer their time and expertise to guide our Club forward. As we turn the page to 2026, I want to extend my sincere thanks for your continued membership, enthusiasm and commitment to the CPC community. The past year seemed to fly by and I hope the year ahead allows you the chance to slow down, reconnect and enjoy the many special moments our Club has planned.

We have an exciting lineup of events in Q1, beginning with our Valentine’s Dinner and Dance. This year, February 14th falls on a Saturday, an ideal occasion to share a romantic evening featuring a beautifully crafted dinner, live music, a decadent death-by-chocolate dessert buffet and dancing well into the night.

I am especially looking forward to Winning Women, Whisky & Wine on March 5th, a remarkable afternoon of networking, learning and celebration in honour of International Women’s Day. Enjoy engaging conversations with four accomplished women and one male champion, take in whisky and wine tastings and savour a cocktail buffet as you hear from our distinguished guests.

Be sure to mark your calendars for our inaugural Fashion Friday – Style Your Happy on April 10th. This uplifting event features an inspiring presentation on happiness, a three-course lunch, a fashion show and a curated shopping experience exclusive to CPC Members and their guests.

To explore these events and many more, visit the Club website or pick up the newest Entertainment Guide at Reception.

I look forward to seeing you at the Club soon and wish you a joyful, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Kind regards, Alicia Quesnel Calgary Petroleum Club President

CALGARY PETROLEUM CLUB

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MEMBER NEWS

What It Means to be a Distinguished Club In the world of private clubs, few recognitions carry the prestige and influence of the Distinguished Club designation by BoardRoom Magazine.

More than an award, it is a testament to a club’s unwavering dedication to delivering an extraordinary member experience— one that is consistently exceptional, meticulously crafted and truly memorable. This year, Calgary Petroleum Club earned this rare honour, achieving Elite status—a distinction reserved for the top three percent of private clubs worldwide.

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Unlike titles that are simply bestowed, Distinguished Club status is earned. Clubs undergo a rigorous, merit-based evaluation that sets the highest standard within the industry. Through comprehensive in-person site visits, management interviews and direct member feedback, each club is thoroughly assessed.

This process measures the club’s proprietary Member Experience Quotient, a benchmark that identifies those select clubs that rise above the rest.

For those who achieve it, the designation is transformative.

It elevates a club’s reputation, enhances its brand value and serves as powerful validation that the club is delivering at the very top of its field. More importantly, it inspires leadership teams and staff to continue striving for excellence—raising the bar not only for themselves but for the entire private club industry.

A Commitment to Excellence Earning recognition as a Distinguished Club places an organization among an elite group of private clubs and communities that represent the gold standard in service,

hospitality and member engagement. It signals a commitment to unparalleled experiences and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The distinction strengthens a club’s positioning, adds undeniable credibility and sets it apart in a competitive landscape. It is a badge of honour—one that every private club aspires to achieve.

The Purpose Behind the Program At its core, the Distinguished Clubs program exists to celebrate private clubs that prioritize an exceptional member experience.

Recognition is not arbitrary; it is grounded in a proprietary, evidence-based system designed to evaluate performance with accuracy and fairness. By using best practices and a proven formula, the program ensures that clubs earn their distinction based on measurable merit.

The Mission & Vision The mission of Distinguished Clubs is clear: to elevate standards across the private club industry and to serve as the premier benchmark of excellence. The program honours clubs—and the leaders

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behind them—who consistently deliver outstanding member experiences, demonstrating exceptional service, innovation and commitment to quality.

Defining the Member Experience What sets Distinguished Clubs apart is its structured, formulaic approach to evaluating the member experience. Rather than relying on subjective impressions, the program defines Member Experience through five core qualities: • • • • •

These five pillars are further supported by 37 Distinguished Practices—specific criteria that guide and verify what excellence looks like within a private club environment. From governance and culture to service, amenities and products, these practices create a holistic framework that captures the full scope of what defines an exceptional member experience.

Intangible Quality (IQ) Service Quality (SQ) Governance Quality (GQ) Facility Quality (FQ) Product Quality (PQ)

ME = IQ + SQ + GQ + FQ + PQ

CALGARY PETROLEUM CLUB

To be named a Distinguished Club is to be recognized as one of the very best. It is a symbol of pride, a mark of quality, and a testament to a club’s enduring commitment to serving its members with excellence.

The Management, Board of Governors and all Club Members can take great pride in this award, as the first in Alberta to earn this distinction. You can count on the CPC Team to continually strive to improve each members experience at the Club and maintain the Distinguished Club status.

Together, these components form the equation:

Distinguished Clubs with EXCEPTIONAL status meet our baseline Distinguished Criteria, as they provide exceptional service, facilities, and amenities, while consistently achieving strong NPS and MEI metrics. This group will not exceed 4% of clubs globally.

The Essence of Distinction In the end, a Distinguished Club is far more than a beautiful facility or a well-run organization.

It is a place where members feel valued, connected and inspired—where every detail is thoughtfully crafted to enhance their enjoyment and satisfaction.

Distinguished Clubs with ELITE status exceed our Distinguished Criteria, as they provide the highest standards of top-tier service, facilities, and amenities, and are one of the most highly regarded private clubs with membership fees/ dues set accordingly. These clubs consistently achieve outstanding NPS and MEI metrics. This level will not exceed 3% of clubs globally.

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Distinguished Clubs with ICONIC status are 75+ year old clubs with membership by invitation only that have hosted a national or international championship sporting or political event and are widely considered as one of the most prestigious private clubs in the world. These clubs consistently achieve extraordinary NPS and MEI metrics. This level will not exceed 1% of clubs globally.

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Calgary Petroleum Club

PRIX FIXE $55 pp - 5:00 pm Friday January 9th Saturday January 10th Friday January 16th Saturday January 17th 319 5th Ave SW - Renfrew Lounge RSVP: 403-269-7981 or email frontdesk@calpeteclub.com

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CLUB CLOSURES Jan 1-3: Holiday Closure Feb 16: Family Day Closure CALL THE CLUB FOR RESERVATIONS Please Note: There is a fee for late cancellations

403-269-7981 or 403-260-6382

CALGARY PETROLEUM CLUB

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BACK TO BUSINESS

Charting New Frontiers: Innovation Meets Racing Passion

Kim Van Vliet And Thaden Van Wong Showcase Ambition Across Generations

Calgary’s business and cultural communities are full of stories that show our city’s innovative spirit and the drive of the next generation. One story that stands out is the journey of Kim Van Vliet, a respected Calgary Petroleum Club member and Governor and founder of ConvergX, and her 12-year-old son, racing standout Thaden Van Wong.

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Kim Van Vliet is a recognized force in the Canadian technology and defence ecosystem, having carved a path that bridges strategic industry partnerships, national security priorities, and innovation commercialization. As the owner and CEO of ConvergX, her firm has become a pivotal player in helping Alberta’s small and medium enterprises develop cutting-edge technologies with defence and dual-use applications.

ConvergX’s recent growth is thanks in part to a major investment from the Government of Canada, aimed at boosting Alberta’s role in the national defence industry.

This funding will help ConvergX expand its testing and support services, making it easier for local innovators to bring new technologies to market.

Federal support is just one part of the story. Showing strong industry confidence, Boeing Canada has invested $2 million USD in a joint project with ConvergX to boost aerospace innovation in Alberta.

These changes highlight how Calgary and Alberta are becoming known not just for energy, but also for leadership in defence, aerospace, and technology. As one industry expert said, the investment “positions Alberta as an aerospace and defence innovation leader,” showing how the region is moving into new high-tech areas.

Kim Van Vliet’s professional achievements are impressive, and those who know her equally praise her character.

“We’re building more than businesses, we’re building bridges

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between innovators, governments and global markets,” Van Vliet said recently about ConvergX’s growing role. She leads with vision and a strong commitment to Canada’s technological independence.

While Kim is making an impact in her field, her son Thaden Van Wong is showing what young Albertans can do in international sports. her son Thaden Van Wong is showing what young Albertans can do in international sports. At only 12, Thaden set his first world record as the youngest licensed open-wheel formula driver ever.

Thaden started out in karting and sim-racing, where he learned the skills and discipline needed for tougher competitions. Earlier in 2025, he made his debut in the Skip Barber Race Series at New Jersey Motorsports Park, racing against experienced drivers and strong competitors.

While this achievement is rare for someone his age, it shows Thaden’s hard work and real talent. Race coverage called him one of the “standout stories” of the event, showing his growing confidence and skill. Thaden set another world record by finishing

on the podium, becoming the youngest ever to so in a sanctioned, published, race series. This achievement broke records and showed he could be on his way to the top levels of motorsport.

Outside of racing, Thaden has trained in advance stunt driving and barrel roll escapes with top film industry instructors, adding a unique skill set to his development. His father wanted him to “learn how to get out of a car wreck before it happens.” This mix of careful preparation, creative training and family support has helped Thaden succeed.

For Calgary Petroleum Club members, Kim Van Vliet’s work at ConvergX reflects the kind of leadership increasingly shaping Alberta’s economy, where technical expertise, strategic partnerships and long-term thinking intersect. Her role in supporting defence and aerospace innovation underscores the province’s growing influence beyond traditional sectors.

and a clear sense of purpose, qualities familiar to anyone who has built a career through focus and perseverance. Together, their paths illustrate how commitment and opportunity can take many forms, often unfolding simultaneously across generations.

As ConvergX grows across multiple industries and Thaden moves up in racing, the Calgary Petroleum Club is proud to celebrate their achievements.

Their story shows perseverance, innovation and ambition across generations—qualities that define a community looking to both its past and its future.

Whether in business or on the racetrack, the Van Vliet and Wong names now stand for excellence, determination, and the endless possibilities that make Calgary unique.

Thaden Van Wong’s progress in competitive motorsport tells a different, but equally disciplined, story. His achievements are rooted in preparation, mentorship,

Kim Van Vliet is a technology entrepreneur, national security leader and the founder and CEO of ConvergX. She has extensive experience supporting aerospace, defence and dual-use innovation across Canada and the Nato Alliance, working at the intersection of industry, government and emerging technology.

CALGARY PETROLEUM CLUB

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MEMBER NEWS

Raising a Glass to the Year Ahead:

Three Signature Events to Start 2026 at the Calgary Petroleum Club

By Matt Doherty, CPC Bar Manager

urns Robbie b night

As we reflect on another memorable year at the Calgary Petroleum Club, one feeling stands above the rest: gratitude. Gratitude for the energy, camaraderie and curiosity our members bring to every corner of the Club—and for the shared meals, lively debates, laughter, and moments that make this community exceptional.

energy whisky showdown, to a glamorous 1920s-inspired evening with the award-winning Redline Trio—offering something for every palate and personality.

This New Year continues to welcome new traditions, strengthen beloved ones and spark meaningful connections.

Whether you join us for a speaker series, a Scotch-forward soirée, a fundraiser, a networking breakfast or a celebratory dinner, you are the reason these moments matter.

Thank you for being the heart of the Calgary Petroleum Club.

The evening features all the classic traditions—bagpipes, poetry, toasts and a few lively debates over Burns’ best verses.

Our culinary team is crafting a refined, tradition-inspired menu, while Slàinte Mhath guides guests through a curated whisky tasting filled with stories and regional insight.

The year ahead brings exciting opportunities to gather, explore and enjoy. In the coming months, the Club will host three signature events—from a celebration of Scotland’s national bard, to a high-

1. Robbie Burns Day — A Celebration of Poetry, Heritage and the Spirit of Scotland: January 30th Slàinte Mhath, our Scotch and Whisky Society, invites members to don their tartan and celebrate Robbie Burns Day on January 30th. This beloved event honours Scotland’s iconic poet with exceptional whisky, hearty culinary pairings and the warmth of great company.

A longtime winter favourite, this year’s celebration promises to be as spirited as ever. Whether you love whisky, poetry, Scottish culture or simply want to shake off the postholiday slump, Robbie Burns Day is the perfect way to start the season.

2. A Night at the Speakeasy — The Redline Trio Returns- 2nd Annual Event: March 20th Back by popular demand, A Night at the Speakeasy with the Redline Trio returns for its second year— promising an evening even more enchanting than the last. This event transports members into the polished brass, smooth rhythms and irresistible charm of 1920s nightlife.

The Redline Trio, one of Calgary’s most acclaimed jazz ensembles, will set the mood with their signature blend of swing, improvisation and storytelling. Their performance captures the essence of classic jazz with a fresh, modern touch.

Guests will enjoy a Prohibition-inspired menu and handcrafted cocktails, all set against dim lights, rich colours, and an atmosphere steeped in vintage glamour. It’s an ideal night for date nights, small groups or anyone seeking a truly transporting experience. Last year’s event sold out quickly—and it’s easy to see why.

3. Whisky Smackdown — A Spirited Head-to-Head Showdown: March 27th If Robbie Burns Day celebrates tradition, the Whisky Smackdown happily breaks from it. Hosted

by Slàinte Mhath, this playful wrestling-themed tasting pits whiskies against each other in a lively, head-to-head showdown. Throughout the evening,

members move through a tasting bracket where different regions and styles compete for top honours.

Will a smoky Islay win? A smooth Lowland surprise?

Or an unexpected international underdog?

A night at the sp eakeasy

With friendly rivalry, spirited debate and plenty of humour, Whisky Smackdown is a standout for both connoisseurs and curious newcomers. If you want to learn about whisky in a fun, unpretentious setting, this is your night. Get ready to cheer, compare, and cast your vote for the ultimate whisky champion.

whisky smackdown

Here’s to new memories waiting to be made, to friendship, discovery, celebration and to a year ahead filled with good health, good fortune and good company.

Cheers!

MEMBER MIXER NETWORKING CASH BAR COMPLIMENTARY TASTING 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

UPCOMING DATES JANUARY 15TH FEBRUARY 12TH MARCH 12TH APRIL 9TH

ONE GUEST PER MEMBER CALGARY PETROLEUM CLUB

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FROM THE CELLAR

The Importance of Vintages

By CPC’s Sommelier, Luis Elias Obregon

A vintage refers to the year in which the grapes were harvested, encapsulating the climatic conditions that shaped the vineyard. The concept of a “vintage” originally referred simply to the wine harvest.

It comes from the Old French, “vendage,” which means wine harvest or the yield that comes from a vineyard. The word “vintage” was first recorded to be used in connection with wine in the 15th century.

But the modern appreciation for and intentional aging of vintage wines as a mark of quality and complexity only became widespread with specific technological advancements in the 17th and 18th centuries. The vintage, became significant, as different years produced different quality outcomes, leading to the modern appreciation of vintage wines.

The critical shift towards producing wines specifically for long-term aging was driven by innovations in storage and packaging such as: • Glass Bottles: Advances in glassmaking during the 18th century made strong, reliable glass bottles practical, combined with the increase of production following the Industrial Revolution.

• Cork Stoppers: The adoption of cork stoppers and corkscrews allowed bottles to be sealed effectively, preventing excessive oxidation while using a renewable resource for it.

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• Horizontal Storage: Around the 1740s, bottles were redesigned to be laid on their side, which kept the cork moist and airtight; an essential practice for long-term aging.

The practice of publishing wine vintage charts originated in France in the mid-20th century by Alexis Lichine. These early charts were generally compact cards listing the quality of vintages for major French wine regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Rhône.

Formal published vintage charts for American wines began appearing in major wine publications and books in the mid-to-late 1970s and early 1980s, following the increased recognition of quality American wines after the Judgement of Paris (details in our next article).

People often get confused with the term “weak vintage” and tend to shift their focus only on “great vintages”. This practice creates an increase in demand for such particular vintage, thus elevating the price and diminishing the supply. Unfortunately, we lack the culture in the Anglo-Saxon world to patiently wait for our wines to mature and be ready to drink. Many times I have been saddened when I look at some of the top restaurants wine lists in London, New York, San Francisco, Vancouver and needless to say, Calgary,

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and be awed at current vintages of wines that are certainly not ready to drink.

If you are not sure what makes a vintage great, let me shed some light on the matter. First of all, this is Mother Nature at its best with little to be done by even the most skilled vignerons in the world. Grapes, like any other crops are dependant on weather conditions. A great vintage will have the right things happening at the right time of the year. For instance, a cold but not extreme winter is needed for the plant to be dormant long enough to start again its life cycle in the spring when temperatures warm up. A mild winter might prompt the vine to release sap and start the fruit production. This is dangerous as a frost in spring will most likely kill this process and affect the final harvest.

A sunny and warm summer is needed with some rain to moisture the ground. Too much of it and the grapes will have a hard time turning colour and maturing, let alone mildew and other water related diseases. Not enough and then the plant might

risk not finding enough nutrients to produce high quality fruit.

During harvest, everyone is “On Call” meaning the vineyard managers taste and analyze the grapes multiple times during the day to select the perfect time for picking. Because different grapes varietals mature at different times, combined with different vineyards also maturing unevenly, the pickers have to be ready to assemble with the dial of the phone.

Rain during harvest can ruin the whole year of work with water diluting the juice during the winemaking process. Let alone other hazards that include driving through the steep vineyards and roads of a wine country. With temperatures rising over the past couple of decades, most wineries have adopted night picking or at dawn to avoid heat exhaustion and preserve the cold temperature of the grapes.

If the juice starts to warm up, fermentation starts to take place before the winemaker has extracted all of the flavours they waited patiently for over the course of the year.

If everything went right, then we have a “great vintage” underway.

However, the more obstacles and missed steps, the vintage might be not so great or even “weak”.

Obviously, the winery’s interest is to sell the wine at the highest possible price to avoid profit loss. I’ve been told it’s very easy to make great wine in a great vintage. However, we differentiate the masters of the craft in weak vintages, when the human factor has to play a role in putting the best possible product out in the market with what Mother Nature provided.

Naturally we all want exceptional wines from great vintages in our cellars, at our dinner parties or just at home enjoying a glass on a weekday watching a show. The “bread & butter” of us Sommeliers is to find a place for the not-sogreat vintages and decide when it’s time to drink them! This is where the true value is found and the hidden gems are to be shared among the aficionados.

One of my jobs as the CPC’s Sommelier is to determine which vintages are ready to be listed, in comparison to those that I feel could greatly benefit from

cellaring for several years. What I’ve been doing during my time at the Club is to purchase as much as I can get my hands on “great vintages” to be placed in a cellaring mode for many years to come. In the meantime, I search for the “weaker vintages” that I can use to populate our Wine List and have our members enjoy in the coming years, while we wait for those diamonds in the rough to shine. Here is where the true craft is because all of this is done by tasting, studying, reading, hearing gossip, etc. If there is no value in a wine or I don’t see the potential benefit from it, regardless or the vintage, such wine will simply have no place in our wine program. The next year, the same wine might actually be outstanding.

So how do you know when to open a particular bottle of wine?

It’s a complex answer that I will try to simplify for you. If we are talking about everyday wine that is less than $50 on the shelf with a “great vintage”, wait at least a couple of years before opening it. Same wine in a “lesser vintage” should be good to drink within the year of purchase, knowing it’s meant to be a simple, everyday wine.

When we talk about collectible wines on a “great vintage,” add one decade to that number and your wine will start to be ready to drink. If it’s a “lesser vintage” then the waiting is much less with only three to six years of waiting. If the wine is not ready to be drunk, I hate to tell you, but you probably won’t have a good experience with it and you might have missed out on its true potential. This is the reason why we pay the big bucks for the big wines! They will become

a true testament to history with their longevity, complexity and intricate flavours that develop with extensive cellaring.

Every January I release certain vintages to our Wine List that I have put away to mature. This year, the 2016 Italian reds will make the awaited appearance.

Deemed as the vintage of the century so far, I have been patiently waiting for 2026 to come! Riservas and single vineyards will need to wait for another couple of years before they are released. 2021 in France was a challenging vintage with many reds mature enough to be enjoyed in their youth. In terms of our beloved New World Wines, some 2020 and 2021 will start to populate our Wine List as well.

Cheers!

CPC

ECONOMIC BREAKFAST CIRCLE

Join leading economists and financial experts for timely insights on market trends, the direction of the economy, and smart investment strategies—paired with breakfast and meaningful networking.

8:00 am Tuesday January 27th, 2026 Tuesday February 24th, 2026 Tuesday March 24th, 2026 $40 per person/per event

RSVP: cpcevent@calpeteclub.com

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CALGARY PETROLEUM CLUB

MEMBER BENEFITS

Redefining Private Golf in the Foothills: The Story of Mickelson National Golf Club Nestled in the rolling foothills just west of Calgary where the prairies rise to meet the Rockies, Mickelson National Golf Club is redefining the private golf landscape in Canada. Since opening, the club has gained a reputation for pairing worldclass golf with an atmosphere that feels modern, approachable and deeply connected to its natural surroundings.

The experience at Mickelson National is intentionally designed to feel both chic, inviting and upscale without the formality that often defines traditional private clubs. It is a place where families gather, friendships grow and every visit feels like coming home.

At the heart of the property lies the course itself: an 18-hole, par-72 championship layout crafted by Phil Mickelson. Stretching from 4,700 yards to more than 7,400

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yards, the course offers a rare blend of playability and elite challenge, with the added option of new short-course tees inviting golfers of all levels. Its rolling fairways, dramatic elevation changes and sweeping mountain vistas have earned Mickelson National a spot among Canada’s top 20 courses and the highest rating in Calgary.

It’s a layout that rewards creativity, demands strategy and promises golfers a new experience every time they step onto the tee.

Supporting the championship course is a suite of practice facilities that rivals the best in North America. The Crater, Canada’s largest 18-hole putting course has quickly become a favourite among members of all ages. Its custom lighting, drink holders at every hole and panoramic views turn casual putting into an immersive, entertaining experience.

Adjacent to the first tee, a 7,000 sq. ft. putting green offers ample space for warm-ups and focused practice. Beyond it stretches a 350-yard driving range designed with seven target greens, two fairway bunkers and a large grass teeing area.

The range is stocked with premium “Full Flight” TaylorMade golf balls and includes 28 Inrangepowered turf stalls, allowing golfers access to tour-caliber shot data and precision training. The current short-game area supports chipping and pitching from up to 75 yards, with a new expanded facility coming soon, designed with input inspired by Phil Mickelson’s finesse set to elevate short-game practice even further.

While the golf is impressive, it is the Clubhouse that brings the soul of Mickelson National to life.

With vaulted ceilings, floor-to-

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ceiling windows and an elevated mountain-lodge design, the space blends rustic warmth with modern luxury. The expansive patios, overlooking holes 1, 9 and 18, offer some of the property’s most striking views and serve as a gathering place for post-round conversations, family dinners and celebrations that stretch long after the sun dips behind the Rockies.

What truly distinguishes Mickelson National is its community. The club has embraced a culture that is energetic, youthful and familyfocused far from the traditional image of private golf. Members often describe it as a place where they feel not only welcomed, but genuinely connected.

For those seeking a club that combines exceptional golf, thoughtful design and an engaging community

CALGARY PETROLEUM CLUB

atmosphere, Mickelson National offers an experience unlike any other. The club extends a warm invitation for you to explore what makes this destination so special.

Membership opportunities, facility details, and booking information can be found at mickelsonnational.com or by contacting Membership Director Jag Sahota at jag@mickelsonnational.com or 403-620-0086.

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o u S t f h o e s r r n e I d taly n o W Sept 29 - Oct 8, 2026

Escape to the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets

An extraordinary 10-day journey through Southern Italy's most captivating destinations.

From the volcanic drama of the Aeolian Islands to the cultural richness of Sicily and the authentic charm of Calabria, this exclusive tour offers unparalleled access to Italy's hidden gems.

Your CPC Membership Advantages

�� Complimentary Room Upgrades* �� Exclusive Discounts: 5-10% off all FTD tours �� 48h Priority Booking Early Access �� Exclusive VIP Welcome Reception ✈ Complimentary Travel Planning Consultation *subject to availability

What’s Included 9 nights in a 4-star hotel All meals at selected restaurants with wine or beer Wine tastings at premium volcanic wineries

All private ground transportation

Behind the scenes visits to local producers

Airport transfers to and from the Airport

Members Price - $7,950 Regular Price: $8790

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Guided hike / volcano island bus tour Full day on private boat with excursions included

Booking & Info: Giovanni Varano 403-383-6197 ftdagency.com

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BY CHOCOL ATE DESSERT BUFFET AND ENJOY A WA R M , E L EG A N T ATMOSPHERE PERFECT FOR TWO. $

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INDULGE IN THE EXTRAORDINARY Culinary excellence meets breathtaking views at The Wilde on 27.

www.thewilderooftop.com

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ECONOMIC BREAKFAST CIRCLE

SLAINTE MHATH

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EASTER BRUNCH

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ADMIN LUNCHEON

CLUB CLOSURES Friday April 3: Good Friday Monday, April 6: Easter Monday CALL THE CLUB FOR RESERVATIONS Please Note: There is a fee for late cancellations

403-269-7981 or 403-260-6382

Club Connections / Winter-Spring 2026

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WINNING Women

WHISKY & WINE

MARCH 5TH, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM $45 PER PERSON

Join us for a special afternoon of networking, education, and celebration in honour of International Women’s Day.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Cocktail Buffet Whisky & Wine Tastings from local industry agents Inspiring Conversations with four accomplished women and 1 male champion in business - TBA Rotating Small-Group Discussions for meaningful connections

Kim’s journey—from summer student to Ovintiv’s first female Vice President & General Manager of an operating area—highlights her dedication, strategic mindset, and exceptional leadership. With more than 20 years of experience in development, corporate strategy, and EH&S, Kim has shaped major initiatives across Ovintiv and the broader energy sector. Her contributions have earned her national recognition, and she continues to support the community through board roles with CEEA, Hull Services, the Calgary Petroleum Club, and the Business Council of British Columbia.

KIM WILLIAMS EVENT HOST

RSVP ONLINE OR EMAIL CPCEVENT@CALPETECLUB.COM

CALGARY PETROLEUM CLUB

Club Connections / Winter-Spring 2026

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Slainte Mhath Presents

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SMACKDOWN P PT T .. 5 5 FRIDAY MARCH 27TH 6:30 PM

JOIN US AS OUR COMPETITORS GO HEAD TO HEAD WITH THEIR STRONGEST CONTENDERS IN THE ULTIMATE WHISKY SMACKDOWN! AS A PARTICIPANT THEIR FATE IS IN YOUR HANDS AND YOU WILL BE THE JUDGE ‘CASKING’ YOUR VOTE FOR THE BEST WHISKY! $75 PER PERSON | $65 SM MEMBER RSVP ONLINE OR EMAIL CPCEVENT@CALPETECLUB.COM

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Club Connections / Winter-Spring 2026

CALGARY PETROLEUM CLUB

Easter Hop into spring with our Annual Easter Brunch Buffet! Enjoy greast food, holiday treats and time with family & friends.

5th SUNDAY

APRIL

10:30 am - 1:00 pm Last Seating is at 12:00 pm Adult (13+) - $75.

Child (6-12) - $45.

Toddler Under 5 - FREE

The Kids will Enjoy the Mini Farm Experience with Bunnies, Lambs, Goats and a Piglet

MEMBER NEWS

The Blended Whisky Heresy: Why It’s Time to Burn the Malt Snobbery to the Ground An opinion piece by Kai Thomas

Whisky is religion. Scratch that, it’s cult. The faithful gather around their bottles, whispering prayers to long-dead distillers, polishing their Glencairn’s like holy chalices. And in every whisky bar, tasting room, and armchair forum, the same catechism is repeated like scripture: “Single malt is king. Blended whisky is crap.”

And there it is. The great lie. The smug gospel of the whisky snob. A marketing-born dogma that has warped palates, stunted curiosity, and turned otherwise intelligent people into parrots. It’s time to set fire to this nonsense.

How We Got Duped Once upon a time, the world drank blends. Not sometimes, not occasionally, always. From Tokyo to Toronto, the bottles being cracked open were blends. Johnnie Walker marched across continents.

Dewar’s, Ballantine’s, Chivas; they built whisky’s global empire. Soldiers carried blends into trenches. Politicians toasted treaties with blends.

Blends weren’t “cheap alternatives.” They were the backbone of the category.

Then, around the 1960s and ’70s, distilleries realized they had a problem. The boom times were wobbling. Markets were fickle. They needed a new story to sell. And here it was: single malt.

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Take one distillery, slap its name on the bottle, sell “purity” and “heritage” like it’s liquid gold. Make it scarce. Make it precious. Position it as the real whisky. And suddenly, blends, the very thing that built the empire, were painted as the ugly stepchild.

It worked. Brilliantly. Prices climbed. Status soared.

And a generation of drinkers learned to sneer at the very liquid their grandfathers swore by.

The Myth of Purity Let’s get something straight: there’s nothing “pure” about a single malt. Its just whisky made at one distillery. That’s it. No sacred rites. No divine intervention. Sometimes it’s brilliant. Sometimes it tastes like a wet sock dipped in smoke.

A single malt is limited by its geography, its stills, its house style. That can be beautiful, when lightning strikes, you get Springbank, or a 19-year-old Bladnoch, or a Yamazaki that makes you weep. But it can also mean mediocrity in a tartan label.

Blending, on the other hand, is chaos and genius.

It’s taking thirty, forty, fifty different whiskies: grain, malt, young, old; and making them dance together without tripping over themselves. It’s architecture.

It’s jazz. It’s alchemy with a hangover.

To sneer at blends is to sneer at one of the most demanding crafts in spirits.

Club Connections / Winter-Spring 2026

CALGARY PETROLEUM CLUB

Blenders as Mad Scientists Picture a master blender.

She’s got casks from half a dozen regions; smoky Islay, honeyed Speyside, grassy Lowlands, a punch of Highland heat. Each one is loud, unruly, raw. Her job? To weave them into something coherent. To make a whisky that sings consistently, bottle after bottle, year after year, despite the fact that every cask is its own unpredictable beast.That’s not compromise.

That’s wizardry.

This isn’t about flavour; it’s about status games. And if you’re drinking whisky to win status points, you’re already doing it wrong.

Hibiki isn’t a happy accident, it’s a symphony. Compass Box isn’t filler; it’s rebellion in a bottle. Even so-called “basic” blends, when made with care, deliver balance and drinkability most single malts could never touch. We don’t sneer at an orchestra because it’s not a soloist.

Meanwhile, some blends are extraordinary. Rich, complex, layered. A good blend can beat a mediocre single malt ten times out of ten. The line isn’t single vs. blend. The line is good vs. bad whisky. Period.

We don’t dismiss a chef because they layer flavours instead of serving us a single raw ingredient. Why, then, do we trash blends?

The Economics of Snobbery Here’s the dirty secret: the stigma against blends isn’t about taste. It’s about money.

Single malt is easy to market.

One distillery. One origin story.

Slap a photo of a foggy glen on the label, charge double, and call it prestige. Meanwhile, blends often have corporate names, faceless branding, and the whiff of mass production.

They became “cheap” by association, not by reality.

And because drinkers bought into the myth, distilleries leaned harder into it. The result? A two-tier system where blends are written off before the cork is even popped.

CALGARY PETROLEUM CLUB

Quality Isn’t Binary The worst kept secret in whisky? Some single malts are garbage. Thin, sharp, one-note, overpriced. You’ve probably had them. You’ve probably smiled politely through them, too, because God forbid you insult the sacred “single malt.”

Why the Stigma Hurts Whisky This snobbery has consequences. It scares off new drinkers who find blends more approachable but are told they’re “lesser.” It diminishes the work of master blenders who are performing miracles behind the scenes.

And it narrows the palate of enthusiasts who could be exploring a world of flavor but instead cling to the same three distillery names like security blankets.

Worse, it creates a culture where drinking whisky becomes about flexing knowledge instead of enjoying the drink.

Abolish the Bias So, here’s the call: stop treating blends like the cheap seats. Abolish the idea that blended whisky is crap.

Because it isn’t. It never was.

The next time you’re at a bar,

Club Connections / Winter-Spring 2026

Join the CPC Scotch & Other Whiskies Society AKA Slàinte Mhath

Love whisky, scotch, and fine spirits?

Join fellow CPC members for exclusive tastings, education, and special events—including opportunities to meet distillers and producers.

Membership: $75/year Enjoy these benefits: • Discounts on all Slàinte Mhath events • 10% off single whisky drinks (20% off doubles) at the Club • 10% off at Co-op World of Whisky • 10% off at Kensington Wine Market • 10% off at Vine Arts • 15% off at Craft Cellars • Cost + 18% at Rocky Mountain Wine & Spirits • 10%–20% off cigars at Tobacco Outlet / TO Cigar Boutique • 10% off cigars at Zigarren • Kent of Inglewood Discount Points Program • First access & discounts on CPC Exclusive Cask Bottlings • Invitations to exclusive whisky events around Calgary Slàinte Mhath!

Cheers to great spirits and good company.

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don’t puff up your chest and say “single malt only.”

That’s not sophistication, that’s insecurity. Ask the bartender for their favorite blend. Order it. Drink it.

Think about the chaos that went into creating it.

Whisky isn’t about purity. It’s about stories, about craft, about reckless joy shared over a bottle. And sometimes, the blend is the better story. So let the single malt snobs clutch their tartan blankets. The rest of us will be over here, raising a glass to the blenders, the unsung lunatics, the alchemists, the true rock ‘n’ roll stars of whisky. Because the truth is simple: blended whisky isn’t crap. The only crap is the myth we built around it.

Join us for two of the most beloved Slainte Mhath Club events: • Robbie Burns Night on Friday, January 30th • Whiskey Smackdown on Friday, March 27th Slàinte Mhath!

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Club Connections / Winter-Spring 2026

CALGARY PETROLEUM CLUB

CALGARY PETROLEUM CLUB

Club Connections / Winter-Spring 2026

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Calgary Petroleum Club

NIGHT | Put your poker face on and join us for an exciting evening of cards, cocktails, and camaraderie! Whether you’re a seasoned player or trying your luck for the first time, the night is full of fun, competition, and community spirit.

Fri. Apr. 17th

NOVICE LESSON - 3:00 PM TOURNAMENT - 4:00 PM Enjoy delicious appetizer specials as you play and compete with fellow members.

Re-buys will be available by donation to CPC/CEEA 75 Charity, adding a philanthropic twist to the fun.

$100 PER PERSON RSVP ONLINE OR EMAIL CPCEVENT@CALPETECLUB.COM

MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS. Membership at the Calgary Petroleum Club extends far beyond our doors, offering significant savings and exclusive offers through our preferred partner network.

Enjoy discounts on hotels, fitness, grooming services, travel packages and more.

CALGARY PETROLEUM CLUB

Club Connections / Winter-Spring 2026

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Fun at lub the C

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You don’t have to leave home for world-class care.

Our personalized in-home care services empower your family to live life with peace of mind.

(403) 984-9225

homeinstead.com/Calgary

Each Home Instead® office is an independently owned and operated franchise of Home Instead, Inc., an Honor company. © 2024 Home Instead, Inc.

Club Hours Monday-Friday: 7am-close Saturday: 5pm-close Club Closures: January 1 - 3: Holiday Closure February 16: Family Day April 3: Good Friday April 6: Easter Monday 319 5th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 0L5 contactus@calpeteclub.com 403-269-7981 calpeteclub.com

MNP^