Nine Sips to Understanding American Whiskey

Presented by ELIXIR — one of Whisky Advocate’s “Top Whisky Bars in America” and The Bourbon Review’s “99 Best Bourbon Bars in America.”

Like America itself, our whiskey is a blend of cultures, traditions, and bold innovation. In this fun, interactive class, you’ll taste your way through nine distinct styles that define the modern American whiskey landscape—from classic bourbons and spicy ryes to smooth corn whiskey and rich single malts.

Whether you’re brand new to whiskey or already a devoted fan, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of what’s in your glass and which styles speak to you.

• A guided tasting of nine American whiskeys, including brands like Mellow Corn, Four Roses, Maker’s Mark, Jack Daniel’s, and Westward
• Flavor exploration: how grains, yeast, barrels, and aging all shape aroma, taste, and texture
• History & storytelling: the origins, myths, and modern innovations of America’s whiskey culture
• Tasting techniques: how to nose, sip, and appreciate whiskey
• Confidence at the bar & bottle shop: know what you like and how to order it

• What defines American whiskies and how they are both similar to and different from Scotch, Irish, & other styles
• The distinctions between Bourbon, Rye, Tennessee, Blended, Corn, and American Single Malt
• What a “mash bill” is—and its role in flavor development
• Why some spell it whiskey and others whisky

1. Corn – Mellow Corn
2. American Blended – Tin Cup
3. Bourbon (Traditional) – Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond
4. Bourbon (High Rye) – Four Roses Small Batch
5. Bourbon (Wheated) – Maker’s Mark
6. Tennessee Whiskey – Jack Daniel’s
7. Rye (High Rye) – Bulleit Rye
8. Rye (Traditional) – Old Forester Bottled-in-Bond
9. American Single Malt – Westward

Come sip, learn, and laugh with fellow whiskey lovers at Elixir, San Francisco’s historic second-oldest saloon. By the end of the night, you’ll not only understand how American whiskey is made—but also which ones you’ll be pouring next.

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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 [email protected] 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

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Elixir, 3200 16th Street, San Francisco, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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