Whiskey with an E – How Bourbon was Born with Whisky Pete

Join us on a spirited journey tracing whiskey’s roots from Ireland’s ancient monasteries to America’s untamed frontier. This class is crafted for anyone keen to dive deep – whether you’re a whiskey newbie looking to fast-track your knowledge, a seasoned sipper, or somewhere in between.

We’ll kick things off with the original, poitín, an Irish medicinal “potion” perfected by monks. Next up, Irish pot still whiskey, approachable, yet flavourful. Irish immigrants took their whiskey production across the Atlantic during the potato famine, bringing their whiskey tradition to New England, America.

From there, we’ll venture south (as the settlers did, avoiding tax) to the Appalachians for a taste of moonshine, the unfiltered spirit of American rebellion, kept alive by backwoods ingenuity. Then bourbon whiskey – the liquid gold of Kentucky, made from maize so sugar-rich that settlers struck whiskey fortune – and rye whiskey, America’s spicy, rugged answer to tradition.

What you’ll taste:

• Poitín – Ireland’s monk medicine.

• Irish pot still whiskey – Easy to appreciate, yet packed with depth.

• Moonshine – Bold, rustic, and crafted in the spirit of rebellion.

• Bourbon whiskey – The dawn of corn: where the frontier found its fortune in three types of gold – grain, liquid, and stone.

• Rye whiskey – Whiskey’s bold side, all smooth heat, rich grain, and a dash of spice.

This masterclass ties it all together, taking you from ancient monasteries to American mountains, with a whiskey in hand every step of the way.

What you’ll learn:

Learn how to taste and savour spirits like a pro. Understanding the distillation process to picking out subtle flavour notes, you'll leave with a deeper knowledge of what’s in your glass.

We’ll explore how Scotch whisky is created, the differences between blended, single malt & single cask whiskies and the history that has crafted what we sip today.

By the end, you’ll have the confidence to spot quality whiskies (and avoid the duds), plus some great stories to share at your next holiday gathering.

About your host:

With over two decades in the liquor industry, Whisky Pete has worked across beer, wine, champagne, and spirits – though whisky has always been his true passion.

Having worked with over 100 whisky brands, Pete’s career blends hands-on expertise with spirit-fuelled storytelling.

Known for his lively and engaging presentations, Pete makes every masterclass an unforgettable mix of history, humour, and straight talk. It’s not just about what’s in the glass – it’s about the moments the liquor creates.

With infectious energy and Aussie flair, Whisky Pete ensures every session leaves you with the skills to appreciate spirits and never buy a dud again!

The venue – from pole dance to North Pole:

In Waverley, Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, we’re taking over a pole dance studio to celebrate all things North Pole (rough joke, smoother spirits.) We’ll be transforming it into Santa’s Secret Lair.

With plush Chesterfields, wing-back chairs, a stunning wooden bar, and the fakest fireplace we can find, it’s the ultimate cosy escape to relax, sip, and feel like you’ve secured a permanent spot on Santa’s nice list.