Upcoming Classes
Upcoming Classes
Cocktails 101
THE ART OF MIXING COCKTAILS
Cocktails 101
THE ART OF MIXING COCKTAILS
Over the past decade the world of mixed drinks has changed immensely. At Bourbon and Branch we are constantly staying on the cusp of this changing industry, and we want to share our wealth of knowledge with you.
In this hands-on class we will cover the history and the evolution of the cocktail, and all the basics for their preparation. You will have the opportunity to make (and drink) a variety of 'spiritous' and 'sour' classic cocktails, exploring their base structural nature and how to apply that to making your own creative cocktails at home.
Do you know the difference between a hawthorn strainer and a julep strainer? You soon will. In this class we cover:
- A Brief History of Cocktails ~ from as far back as 1800 up to the present day
-How to make the essential cocktails that every bartender or bartending aficionado should know based on their template models
- The tools of the trade, and how to use them properly
-Technique: Stirring, shaking, straining, prep ~ the drink is so much more than the sum of its ingredients shoved together, it requires the nuances of preparation that we know
- Ingredients: Spirits, Syrups, Bitters, etc
- And Beyond: What questions do you have for us? All of our instructors have been bartending for a long time at the highest level. Now is your chance to ask them in an open format any questions that you may not have the ability to ask in a busy bar.
Stay thirsty, Stay educated
American Whiskey
RYE, BOURBON AND BEYOND
American Whiskey
RYE, BOURBON AND BEYOND
Bourbon is the official spirit of the United States and, along with the rest of the American Whiskey category is experiencing a huge resurgence in artesian production and styles. In this class we'll be focusing on Rye, Bourbon, Tennessee and other American whiskies. We'll cover the history of whiskey making in America, from The Revolution to its current renaissance. Through that lens we will see how history has changed American Whiskey and vice versa.
We aim to improve your understanding of the category by answering certain questions like:
~ What defines bourbon vs rye vs the larger spectrum of Whisk(e)y.
~ Who makes it and where?
~ What is the mashbill, and how does it effect the final product?
~ What do terms like 'sour mash', 'small batch' and 'single barrel' actually mean?
~ How do I read a whiskey bottle?
Throughout the class we will be sipping through a flight of whiskey intended to expand your palate.
Agave Spirits
MEZCAL AND TEQUILA
Agave Spirits
MEZCAL AND TEQUILA
Agave based spirits are possibly the most mysterious and misunderstood of all the spirits on any back bar. On one hand, tequila it is the main component of what is arguably THE most popular cocktail in history, the Margarita. On the other hand, when served neat, or as the more popular 'shot', it is often the most feared of all the spirits.
Furthermore, the rapid expansion of available Tequila brands and the increased presence of the Mezcal category in the American market has only fueled misconceptions about both types of spirit.
This class serves to clear up many of the misunderstandings regarding these beautiful spirits. To do so we'll explain:
~ The defining differences between the agave spirit categories
~ How the categories have evolved over time
~ The whole process of how tequila has been made for over two centuries
~ What is Mexican government's Tequila Regulatory Council and the rules they enforce
~ We will discuss the subtle differences between tequilas and mezcal's from different parts of Mexico and explore the life of agave as it grows from rhizome to pina; and is distilled and aged from blanco to reposado, anejo and even extra anejo.
Your instructors have been to dozens of distilleries throughout Mexico, and have a great passion for all agave spirits. They have spent time in Oaxaca, and now have a much deeper perspective and appreciation for fine Mezcals. They would love to share the wealth of knowledge with you.
Rum
TRADITIONS, TASTE AND TERROIR
Rum
TRADITIONS, TASTE AND TERROIR
During the 16th and 17th centuries, two very important things were happening throughout the Caribbean. Extensive sugar cultivation reigned supreme in the New World economy and the knowledge of distillation was making its way through the islands. Then, one sultry tropical day, the two came together and rum was born.
During its 400 year history rum has been reinvented generation after generation through triumph and tragedy, revolutions and rebellions, by pirates, limeys and prohibition era bartenders and is now experiencing an exciting renaissance in the world of craft cocktails.
Rum is one of the most romantic of all spirits and also the most diverse. It is made all over the world through a variety of techniques and aging processes. It serves as an exciting base spirit for classic cocktails and the wide array of rums available today inspire modern mixologists to push the boundaries of cocktail culture.
Scotch Whisky
THE WATER OF LIFE
Scotch Whisky
THE WATER OF LIFE
The world of Scotch Whisky is entering a renaissance of production and selection. This class will give you both the occasion and the skills to expand your palate to different unique Scotches to identify what really speaks to your taste.
We will be reaching into our deep selection of Scotches to explore well beyond the standards that you know and love. From our experienced instructors you will be guided through samples of the water of life (Uisce Beatha) from each of the various regions of Scotland that all produce whisky in uniquely different ways.
The knowledge gained from this course will allow you to explore deeper into the ever expanding Scotch Whisky world. Equipped with these tasting techniques and requisite cognition you will better enjoy and understand the complexities that make Scotch Whisky one of the most intricate and nuanced spirit categories in the world.
Gin
FROM MADAME GENEVER TO MODERN AMERICAN STYLES
Gin
FROM MADAME GENEVER TO MODERN AMERICAN STYLES
Gin is one of the most dynamic, versatile, and misunderstood spirits of all. Due to the resurgence of classic cocktails and the new wave of bartenders using this distinguished spirit, Gin is currently undergoing a global renaissance. Ten years ago there were only three to four bottling's to be found on any backbar, now there are over a hundred available worldwide.
So what are the origins of gin? How has it evolved over the ages? How is it produced? What are the different styles of gin? What are the botanicals used in it's production? These questions and many more will be answered.
In this seminar we will also cover the mixing of classic and contemporary gin cocktails. By tasting every style of this spirit from different distillers around the world, you will be able to develop your palette and find your personally preferred taste. If you want to learn how to make drinks like the Classic Martini, Martinez, French 75, Corpse Reviver #2 or White Lady; then this is the class for you.