Bottled Empire: How Booze Built the World with Bronwyn (Online)

This class uncorks the rich, intoxicating history of alcohol—not just as a beverage, but as a cultural force. We’ll explore the drinkers who shaped rituals and rebellion, the makers who brewed identity into every barrel, the taxers who turned booze into bureaucracy, and the travellers who carried spirits across oceans and borders. From Mesopotamian beer goddesses to Prohibition-era smugglers, we will trace how alcohol has lubricated diplomacy, sparked revolutions, and funded empires.

What will we cover?

We  will examine how drinking traditions evolved across continents and centuries - from Peter the Great’s Boozy Buffoonery to the Ladies of Turin & Vermouth Bianco. We’ll dive into the logistics of maritime rum rations, the gendered politics of brewing, and the tangled web of taxation that turned taverns into battlegrounds. Whether you’re a budding historian, a curious connoisseur, or just thirsty for knowledge, this class offers a spirited education in the liquid threads that bind our past.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair Accessible Venue

• Gender Neutral Bathrooms

• Free Tickets to First Nation Attendees

Who will be Teaching?

Bronwyn (she/her) a self-proclaimed trivia nerd, with an undeniable love for the obscure, and a big brass mug to prove it, found herself drawn into the enticing world of spirits and cocktails. With endless time on her hands in lockdown and an insatiable curiosity, she dove into the rich history of drinks, unraveling stories of the oddball characters who created and sipped them. She created an instagram account @serve_stories, and loves sharing the amusing, bizarre and illuminating tales which enrich every sip.

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Photo by Edgar Chaparro on Unsplash

Any other questions or ways we can assist with accessibility? Just shoot an email to Megan (she/her) at melbourne@lanewaylearning.com.