While a master distiller is involved in shaping the flavor of all spirits, gin is unique. The artisan making whiskey or brandy makes decisions whose effect will be clear only after years of aging. The gin distiller, by contrast, uses a wide range of herbs and spices to craft scents and flavors with the kind of detail that can be compared to a watchmaker or miniaturist.

Join culinary historian Richard Foss and cocktail expert Jason Horn for a flavor-focused journey through the history of gin. You’ll sip and smell through four gins and nine of the herbs and spices used in them as we take you through the fascinating story of this spirit. This begins in the Middle Ages when spirits and herbs were concocted as mystical medicine, through the birth of the cocktail, James Bond’s famous Martini order and on to the craft cocktails of today. We’ll cover everything from why beer was much classier than gin in Charles Dickens’ day to the flavor chemicals shared between gin and marijuana.

Your ticket includes all the materials you’ll need for the class shipped right to your door (an adult signature will be required, as they include alcohol), as well as a one-hour Zoom class and casual hangout/Q&A afterward. The box with beverages and herbs wil be sent about a week before the class, and will we will send the tracking number on the day it goes out.

This program is for California residents only, and has been arranged with the assistance of the Institute for Art and Olfaction. A portion of revenue from each ticket will be donated to that organization.

For further information, send an email to info@ThoughtfulFeastEvents.com.