The Art of the Palate: Tasting Spirits with Intention

This is not a “sip and smile” tasting, and it’s definitely not a lecture. This class is a hands-on, sensory deep dive into understanding and appreciating spirits in a way that’s personal, approachable, and actually fun.

Together, we’ll taste with intention, slow things down, and learn how to taste. You’ll explore what a palate really is, how it develops, and most importantly, what your unique palate looks like. Just like cilantro tastes fresh and vibrant to some and like soap to others (we won’t judge), the same principle applies to spirits. What one person experiences as crisp and clean in vodka, another might find more expressive and botanical in gin. Neither is wrong; your palate is simply telling its own story.

We’ll build from what you already know and enjoy, layering in structure, vocabulary, and context so you can move from “I like this” to why you like it. You’ll learn how to identify flavours, aromas, textures, and balance, and how raw materials like grains, fruits, and botanicals translate into what ends up in your glass.

Along the way, we’ll explore fermentation and distillation not just in theory, but through tasting and smelling. You’ll be encouraged to sit with your spirit, nose it, sip it, reflect on it, and yes, bask in its presence. We’ll also snack intentionally, pairing small bites with spirits to show how food can highlight, soften, or completely transform what you’re tasting.

A key part of the experience will be diving into bitters - what they are, why they matter, and how they can completely change a drink with just a few drops. You’ll learn how bitters are made in-house at Nickel 9, taste a variety of styles, and understand how different botanicals, roots, barks, and spices shape flavour and balance. We’ll talk about how to use bitters with intention- when to enhance, when to contrast, and when to let them quietly do their thing.

Then, you’ll put that knowledge into practice by creating your own beverage, using bitters to build flavour, balance, and personality. Think of it as seasoning your drink the way a chef seasons a dish: thoughtfully, creatively, and very much to taste.

Whether you’re brand new to spirits, someone who prefers to drown vodka in cranberry juice, or someone who happily drinks whisky neat, this class is for you. No prior knowledge required- just curiosity and a willingness to trust your senses.

This is a highly interactive class, and conversation is encouraged. Personal stories, questions, comments, strong opinions, and “wait, is it just me?” moments are all welcome. Spirits are meant to be shared, discussed, and enjoyed - not taken too seriously.

Come sip with us, learn to treat spirits like fine wine, play with bitters like a pro, and leave with a deeper appreciation, a more confident palate, and a whole new way of experiencing what’s in your glass.