Bourbon! The Whiskey Tasting Class
Born in Grain. Raised in Oak.
They used to call it brown liquor. We call it liquid gold.
Welcome to Bourbon!, a spirited tour of one of America’s greatest contributions to the drinking world. From the sweetness of corn and the spice of rye to the extraordinary transformation that happens inside a charred oak barrel, we’ll uncover what makes great bourbon truly great. Through a guided tasting of exceptional whiskeys, you’ll discover distinctive bourbon styles, explore the craft of barrel aging, and learn what separates an ordinary bottle from something extraordinary. We’ll even venture behind the bar to explore classic cocktails and the secrets of creating your own oak-aged spirits.
The Bourbon Spectrum
Discover how different grains, distilling decisions, and aging techniques create remarkably different whiskeys.
The Magic of Oak
Explore the science of barrel aging, from caramel and vanilla notes to the mysterious angel’s share.
Beyond the Bottle
Discover great bourbon cocktails and learn how oak aging can transform a clear spirit into something remarkable.
Four Faces of Bourbon
Bourbon isn’t one flavor. It’s an entire world of possibilities. From soft and sweet to bold and peppery, discover how differences in grain recipes and barrel treatments shape the whiskey in your glass.
These styles illustrate the range of bourbon explored in class. Specific whiskeys, distilleries, and expressions may vary.
Inside the Bourbon Barrel
What happens when a clear, freshly distilled spirit meets a new, charred oak barrel? Something extraordinary. Over time, the wood contributes flavor, color, and texture, while oxygen and evaporation help shape the whiskey’s character. The result can be a remarkable transformation from raw spirit to rich, aromatic bourbon.
As bourbon matures, a portion slowly evaporates through the barrel. Distillers call it the angel’s share. We’ll explore how time, temperature, and wood influence what remains, and why older whiskey isn’t necessarily better whiskey.
From the Barrel to the Cocktail Glass
Great bourbon deserves more than a dusty shelf. We’ll explore how to use different whiskey styles in cocktails, why the right ingredients matter, and how a simple drink can showcase the character of an exceptional spirit.
We’ll also introduce the fascinating world of small-scale oak aging. See how clear spirits interact with oak and learn the principles behind experimenting with your own personalized, oak-influenced whiskey at home.
Whether you’re a devoted bourbon enthusiast or just discovering what the fuss is about, this class will change how you experience America’s favorite whiskey. You’ll leave knowing what makes bourbon distinctive, how to recognize the styles you enjoy, and which characteristics to look for in your next great bottle. No whiskey snobbery required.
Guided Bourbon Tasting •
Barrel Aging & Cocktails •
Small Classes •
Award-Winning Wine School