Tasting American Whiskey – Styles, Production, History, and More

As with all things American, our domestic whiskey production blends the world’s cultures, histories, and traditions and both honors them with precision and improves upon them with innovation. That complexity makes American whiskey a microcosm of all whiskey, where you can explore the multitude of production approaches in nine glasses and walk away with a broad understanding of all whiskey. This class will have something for everyone, from beginners to connoisseurs!

The experts at ELIXIR, named one of Whisky Advocate magazine’s “Top Whisky Bars in America” and The Bourbon Review’s “99 Best Bourbon Bars in America,” will answer these questions and more:

• What is whiskey?
• What is “American whiskey,” and how does it differ from whiskies from other places?
• Bourbon, Rye, Single Malt, etc….What’s the difference?
• What’s the difference between “whiskey” and “whisky”?
• What is a “mash bill”?

In this fun and interactive class, you’ll hear the fascinating histories behind the brands, learn how each part of the production process affects the flavor, aroma, texture, and appearance, and get all of your questions answered.  When it’s all over, you’ll understand the intricate world of American whiskey and, most importantly, which ones are for you, which ones aren’t, and how to buy them in a store or a bar.

We will taste you through these NINE different whiskies:

1. Corn – Mellow Corn
2. American Blended – Tin Cup
3. Bourbon 1: Traditional  – Evan Williams Bottled in Bond
4. Bourbon 2: High Rye – Four Roses Small Batch
5. Bourbon 3: Wheated – Maker’s Mark
6. Tennessee – Jack Daniels
7. Rye 1: High Rye – Bulleit Rye
8. Rye 2: Traditional Mash Bill – Old Forrester Bottled-In-Bond
9. American Single Malt – Westward

Topics include:

• definitions and laws surrounding each category
• the steps of distillation
• the “Sour Mash” process
• source material and its contribution to flavor
• mash bills, yeast strains, and maturation –  the impact each step has on the final product
• history and debunking common myths

Come see for yourself and learn why American whiskey is one of the most popular spirits categories in the world.

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ELIXIR classes are available for private bookings in the bar, at your home, or at any venue of your choice. For more information on private group or individual classes, email nick@elixirtogo.com or visit www.ElixirToGo.com

PLEASE NOTE: If fewer than five (5) people register for a class date, ticketholders will be rescheduled to the next available date. They will be informed of the change one week before the class, and the class on that date will be canceled. Please help us fill classes by sharing this ticketing link with friends, family, and work colleagues!

About ELIXIR Whiskey Geeks

Whiskey Geeks are what we lovingly call our fans and customers at ELIXIR. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, genders, and other descriptors, and they are all welcome here. We think “geek” is an affectionate term for someone who really loves a topic, and our topic is drinks, with whiskies of all sorts being our favorites.

ELIXIR Whiskey Geeks is just a weekly email list (for now). It is designed to give our friends and neighbors access to reputable thought leaders in the world of all spirits (not just whisk(e)y) and updates on everything ELIXIR. By providing “edutainment events” at ELIXIR, we give the geek in everyone a chance to ask questions, taste new things, and meet the people who bring them to us.

By purchasing a ticket to our events, you’ll be enrolled in Elixir Whiskey Geeks, so keep an eye out for our newsletters! www.ElixirSF.com/whiskey-geeks