From rowdy Scottish stills to the smoky bars of Prohibition-era America, whisky has a history as rich and complex as its flavors. In this
spirited class, we'll trace whisky’s evolution from medieval monks' medicinal drams to the billion-dollar industry it is today.

Along the way we'll uncover the scandals, smuggling, and surprising innovations that shaped the water of life.

So whether you're a casual sipper or a seasoned dram drinker, come raise a glass to whisky’s wild past!

What will we cover?

In this class we’ll take a jaunty ride through key moments in whisky history, including:

Irish monks who distilled uisce beatha
Kings granting monopolies to Barber Surgeons
Underground distillers who perfected poitín, an illicit Irish spirit
See how waves of immigration to the Americas influenced whisky
Meet Alexander Hamilton, who tried to tax America’s frontier distillers, sparking the Whisky Rebellion.
Find out who was the most hated man in Scotland
Drop in on enterprising Scottish grocers
Take to the early skies to find out about Irish Coffee
Explore the age-old debate over who spells whisky with an ‘e’
Some tasting and smelling samples – educational of course. You must be over 18.

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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More about accessibility

Photo by HEWERDINE, Matthew B. "The Whisky of his Forefathers", Dewars Perth Whisky, 1894.

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

Monks, Monarchs and Moonshine: A History of Whisky with Bronwyn

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General Admission ticket