The Spirit School at Brandy Library

"Scotch": Scouting the world of Scotch whisky

A spirited evening as we climb every peak and descend the Glens of Scotland to discover the power of some of the biggest names, such as Glenmorangie, and Laphroaig, but as we also uncover the warmth and complexity in the hidden gem distilleries.  Learn what to look for in a quality malt, how to buy, and most importantly the style  of malt that suits you best. Learn some technical points on whisky-making and speak like a stillman as you get familiar with terms like ppm, foreshots, reduction, chill-filtration, etc

Precious and Rare Scotch

Warning!  This class is not for the weak of heart.  Here we will take a close look at some of the most exclusive bottles coming from Scotland, the innovation that has them turning heads, and the true beauty that over a century of practice can bring to your glass.  Expect such delights as a not to be missed bottling of The Glenlivet, a rare vintage Macallan, and a few older malts. This is an advanced class, and fundamental Scotch knowledge is encouraged.

"Bourbon": our national pride

Travel with us as we go through American history in a glass, just make sure the glass is big enough, because our ancestors liked to drink more than a bit.  We will sample a variety of American whiskies, ryes, wheat and classic bourbons in many shapes.  Learn how to see through the current trends and navigate amongst the ocean of labels available in the stores. 

Precious and Rare Bourbon

You obviously like your bourbon very much, but you really want to know why and, let's face it, you can't just miss you father-in-law's coming birthday gift! In this class, we go through older whiskies, rare and hard-to-find ones. This is an advanced class, and fundamental Bourbon knowledge is encouraged.

18 year-old and Gorgeous...

A flight through an amazing age in Scotch Whisky: playful, firm, assertive but willing, experience the 18 year old paradise. For $120/seat, hit the Whisky sweet spot without the guilt. These are 18 year olds you can keep up with! Light passed hors d’oeuvres, cheese buffet, beer and shandy.

Glenmorangie 18 single malt Scotch, Dalmore 18 single malt Scotch, Laphroaig 18 single malt Scotch, Highland Park 18 single malt Scotch, Buchanan’s 18 blended Scotch, and more...

200 years of Single Malt Scotch

Well-known and obscure whiskies here, all sharing malted barley as the raw material, copper pot still distillation and oak-made barrels. But this is where similarities end: maturation, with its various faces of oak species, its climatic conditions and newly applied science of wood management, can lead to great contrasts. What is your favorite age for Scotch? 10, 20, 30 or 40? Here is the chance to make an opinion for yourself.  8 pours, $120/seat. Light passed hors d’oeuvres, cheese buffet, beer and shandy.

Private Tastings

Experience the depth of the seminar without the lecture!  Our spirit sommelier will guide you through a tasting of your spirit of choice, and will explain the art of distilling, the history, and other technicalities. About two and a half hours of entertaining lecture and tasting with light hors d'oeuvres, for $130/person all inclusive; 6 students minimum.

Tasting Express

The class lasts 1 hour and starts promptly at 5:00 p.m. Cost: $55/seat all inclusive of the lecture, 5 pours (totaling 4 ounces) and a cheese buffet.

Friday, April 12 Scotch and “Sherry Wood”

Friday, April 26 Armagnac

Thursday, May 23 Bourbon

Friday, May 24 Japanese Whisky

Friday, June 7 Rum