The Whiskey Snug at the Celtic Ranch embarks on a Whiskey Education program for all of you Whiskey Geeks out there. Doug and Mike, our whiskey ambassadors, will conduct monthly classes on the details of what makes whiskey into the spirit we all love. The classes will cost $30, and will be held on the first Thursday of the month in the Upper Snug, with special sessions and series throughout the year. Samples will be offered as part of the training, and additional samples may be available for purchase.

• All sessions are 7 - 9 PM.

• All dates are in 2024.

• Sign up now, as class size will be limited!

• You are not required to purchase each session to join.

• Dates, times, and topics are subject to change.

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SESSION 5 / MAY 2 - HOW WHISKEY IS MADE: DISTILLATION

As Homer Simpson said on many occasions “Mmmmmm, Beer”. That’s where we ended the last session on fermentation – with beer. That is what goes into the still. Whether it is a copper pot still or a column still, we can’t have whiskey until that beer is distilled, often more than once. Come and learn about the various methods used in distillation, the types of the stills, how the shape of the still can affect the flavor, and the chemistry involved.

Samples of four whiskies produced in different types of stills.

SESSION 6 / JUNE 6 - HOW WHISKEY IS MADE: MATURATION & FINISHING

We’ll learn the anatomy of a barrel, the types of barrels used and how they are charred. We’ll talk about the legends and myths of the origin of the charred barrel. Filtration, storage and the Angel’s Share will be covered. We’ll end the session on Finishing, the types of casks used, the flavors they impart, and blending.

Samples of four whiskies that typify the flavors from different wood.

SESSION 7 / JULY 11 - IRISH WHISKEY

The Irish Monks invented whiskey, so the first region specific session will honor them. The history of Irish whiskey, the designations and types , and the distilleries and brands will be covered. Four samples representing the four styles of Irish Whiskey from different distilleries.

LEGENDS SERIES: SESSION 2 / JULY 18 - DAVE PICKERELL

The great Dave Pickerell touched more than 100 distilleries, influencing how each one made their whiskey. He's an iconic distiller and unfortunately, no longer with us. He passed away in October 2018. We’ll explore his life and work and sample four of the whiskies he helped create.

SESSION 8 / AUGUST 1 - SCOTCH WHISKY

Explore the history of Scotch Whisky, the regions, and the types of the most popular whisky variety in the world. We’ll also look at the distilleries and brands that they produce. Four samples of Single Malts, Grains, and Blends.

SESSION 9 / SEPTEMBER 5 - BOURBON & OTHER CORN BASED WHISKEY

The history of Bourbon, the legal definition, the mashbills, production processes and types of Bourbon will be discussed. The difference between a sweet mash and a sour mash will be demonstrated as part of the tasting. The distilleries and brands will also be explored, as well as sourced distillate and allocation issues.

Four samples representing different styles of Bourbon – High Rye, Wheated, Sweet Mash, Corn Whiskey.

SESSION 10 / OCTOBER 3 - RYE & OTHER AMERICAN WHISKEYS

Discover the plethora of other whiskies distilled in the USA besides Bourbon. Rye came first in the colonies, log before bourbon. We’ll look at it’s history and production. There are also wheat whiskies and American Single Malts, so we will discuss their rise in the market place and sample some of them as well.

Sample four from Rye, Malted Rye, Wheat, and Single Malt.

LEGENDS SERIES: SESSION 3 / OCTOBER 17 - DR. JIM SWAN

In a career that spanned more than 40 years, Dr. Jim Swan conducted ground-breaking scientific research and helped countless distilleries take their first steps towards making whisky. Described as ‘the Einstein of whisky’ and ‘the ultimate whisky troubleshooter’, his roots lay in Scotch, but he shared his expertise and encouragement with distilleries all over the world.

Four samples from distilleries that Dr. Jim helped get off the ground.

SESSION 11 / NOVEMBER 7 - WORLD WHISKEYS

Explore the rest of the world in whiskey as we journey through Canada, across to Europe and into Asia and Australia. We’ll look at the definitions of Whiskies in these countries and sample four from around the world.

SESSION 12 / DECEMBER 5 - FOOD PAIRINGS & HOW TO CONDUCT A TASTING

Choosing the right foods to highlight the whiskey you are serving. How to prepare and conduct a tasting event.

Four samples with food pairings.