BOURBON! • AN AMERICAN WHISKEY ADVENTURE

Born in Grain. Raised in Oak.

They used to call it brown liquor. We call it liquid gold.

Welcome to Bourbon!, a spirited tour of one of America’s greatest contributions to the drinking world. From the sweetness of corn and the spice of rye to the extraordinary transformation that happens inside a charred oak barrel, we’ll uncover what makes great bourbon truly great. Through a guided tasting of exceptional whiskeys, you’ll discover distinctive bourbon styles, explore the craft of barrel aging, and learn what separates an ordinary bottle from something extraordinary. We’ll even venture behind the bar to explore classic cocktails and the secrets of creating your own oak-aged spirits.

01 / TASTE

The Bourbon Spectrum

Discover how different grains, distilling decisions, and aging techniques create remarkably different whiskeys.

02 / EXPLORE

The Magic of Oak

Explore the science of barrel aging, from caramel and vanilla notes to the mysterious angel’s share.

03 / CREATE

Beyond the Bottle

Discover great bourbon cocktails and learn how oak aging can transform a clear spirit into something remarkable.

Four Faces of Bourbon

Bourbon isn’t one flavor. It’s an entire world of possibilities. From soft and sweet to bold and peppery, discover how differences in grain recipes and barrel treatments shape the whiskey in your glass.

THE CLASSIC

Traditional Bourbon

The familiar pleasures of corn sweetness, vanilla, caramel, and oak. A benchmark for understanding America’s signature whiskey.

THE SPICY CONTENDER

High-Rye Bourbon

A generous proportion of rye can bring peppery spice, aromatic intensity, and a lively edge to bourbon’s natural richness.

THE SMOOTH OPERATOR

Wheated Bourbon

Replace rye with wheat in the grain recipe, and the result can be softer, rounder, and beautifully mellow.

THE RULE BREAKER

Barrel-Finished Bourbon

Discover how additional maturation in carefully selected casks can introduce new dimensions of fruit, spice, and complexity.

These styles illustrate the range of bourbon explored in class. Specific whiskeys, distilleries, and expressions may vary.

Inside the Bourbon Barrel

What happens when a clear, freshly distilled spirit meets a new, charred oak barrel? Something extraordinary. Over time, the wood contributes flavor, color, and texture, while oxygen and evaporation help shape the whiskey’s character. The result can be a remarkable transformation from raw spirit to rich, aromatic bourbon.

THE ANGEL’S SHARE

Even the Angels Get a Taste.

As bourbon matures, a portion slowly evaporates through the barrel. Distillers call it the angel’s share. We’ll explore how time, temperature, and wood influence what remains, and why older whiskey isn’t necessarily better whiskey.

From the Barrel to the Cocktail Glass

Great bourbon deserves more than a dusty shelf. We’ll explore how to use different whiskey styles in cocktails, why the right ingredients matter, and how a simple drink can showcase the character of an exceptional spirit.

We’ll also introduce the fascinating world of small-scale oak aging. See how clear spirits interact with oak and learn the principles behind experimenting with your own personalized, oak-influenced whiskey at home.

THE FINAL POUR

Good Bourbon Is Made. Great Bourbon Is Understood.

Whether you’re a devoted bourbon enthusiast or just discovering what the fuss is about, this class will change how you experience America’s favorite whiskey. You’ll leave knowing what makes bourbon distinctive, how to recognize the styles you enjoy, and which characteristics to look for in your next great bottle. No whiskey snobbery required.

About the Wine School of Philadelphia

Founded in 2001 by winemaker and author Keith Wallace, the Wine School of Philadelphia offers public tasting classes and professional wine education in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse neighborhood. The school has earned two Best of Philly awards, including recognition for adult education, and a 2026 Philadelphia Inquirer Philly Favorites Silver award in the Trade School category. Classes take place at 109 S. 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.