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About the Experience
American whiskey is often reduced to Bourbon — yet its landscape is far broader. This workshop explores the evolution of American whiskey styles and the forces that shaped them.
From classic Bourbon to high-rye expressions, Tennessee whiskey, and modern interpretations of traditional styles, participants discover how mash bill composition, barrel char, climate, and production philosophy influence flavor and texture.
Rather than focusing on labels alone, the session reveals how American distillers balance heritage with experimentation — creating whiskies that range from sweet and structured to bold and spice-driven.
Through guided tasting, guests explore how oak, grain choice, and regional conditions create a spectrum of expression within a single national tradition.
The result is a structured yet dynamic experience that highlights both continuity and reinvention.
Packages / Pricing
1-6 participants
$499
7-10 participants
$599
11-15 participants
$699
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Corporate/Custom configurations and larger group formats available upon request.
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Alcoholic beverages are not included in the session fee.
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All whiskies are selected and provided by the host, in coordination with the TasteIST trainer prior to the event.
Workshop Flow & Guided Tasting Format
(Standard format: 2.5 hours · 5 expressions)
Foundations of American Whiskey (15–20 minutes)
A concise overview of how American whiskey styles emerged and diverged:
• Mash bill structures and grain balance
• New charred oak and barrel influence
• Climate and warehouse aging
• Legal distinctions between Bourbon, Rye, and TennesseeParticipants are introduced to the TasteIST tasting flow:
Observe · Breathe · Settle · Release · Trace
Guided Tasting Flight — Five Expressions (90–100 minutes)
The tasting typically includes five expressions representing:
• Bourbon (classic profile)
• High-Rye or Wheated Bourbon
• Rye Whiskey
• Tennessee Whiskey
• Bottled-in-Bond or Craft / Regional ExpressionParticipants explore how sweetness, spice, oak structure, mouthfeel, and finish vary across styles.
The tasting emphasizes grain architecture and oak influence — revealing how sweetness, spice, structure, and finish evolve across styles that share similar regulatory foundations but express themselves differently in the glass.
Sensory Mapping & Structural Comparison (25–30 minutes)
Using a structured Flavor Card, participants map each expression across key dimensions:
• Sweetness & grain character
• Spice intensity
• Oak structure
• Texture & weight
• Finish profileRather than focusing on international comparison, the session highlights internal diversity within American whiskey — showing how variations in grain ratios, aging environments, and production choices create distinct stylistic outcomes.
Focus Segment — Style Deep Dive (Optional Customization)
Depending on audience interest, one style may receive extended exploration.
This deeper segment can focus on production nuances, mash bill variation, maturation differences, or historical context. (For example: Bourbon mash bill structure, Rye spice evolution, Tennessee charcoal mellowing, or the rise of American Single Malt.)
Flavor Trace & Closing Reflection (15–20 minutes)
Each guest selects the expression that resonated most and completes a Flavor Trace:
• First impression
• Mid-palate development
• Finish & aftertasteThe session concludes with guided reflection and practical suggestions for future exploration within American whiskey.
Workshop Flow & Guided Tasting Format
This workshop is typically delivered as a five-style exploration over approximately 2.5 hours, focusing on the structural diversity within American whiskey traditions.
For groups seeking deeper engagement, the session may be customized to include extended focus on one selected style — such as Bourbon mash bill variation, Rye spice structure, Tennessee charcoal mellowing, or Bottled-in-Bond standards and historical context.
Depending on the audience, the deeper segment may lean more technical (production methods, regulatory frameworks, maturation science) or more sensory (texture, sweetness balance, oak integration, and finish evolution).
The number of expressions, depth of exploration, and pacing are adjustable based on group experience and desired atmosphere.
Final bottle selection and session structure are confirmed in consultation with the host prior to the event.
Session Guidelines
This workshop is ideal for those seeking to understand the breadth of American whiskey beyond a single category.
Bourbon enthusiasts curious about the wider American landscape
Rye drinkers wanting to explore structural differences
Hosts seeking a bold, high-energy tasting experience
Corporate groups looking for interactive comparison
Collectors interested in style evolution and mash bill diversity
Guided tasting of five American whiskey styles
Structured tasting framework (TasteIST Flow)
Comparative flavor mapping
Educational insights into mash bill, oak, and climate influence
Pre-session consultation regarding bottle selection
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Session Guidelines
This workshop emphasizes tasting and education rather than consumption. Participants are encouraged to engage mindfully and at their own pace.
Alcoholic beverages are not included in the session fee and are provided by the host unless otherwise agreed in advance. TasteIST does not sell or supply alcohol.
Food is not included unless arranged separately. For private venues, appropriate glassware and a suitable tasting environment are recommended.
Please inform the host in advance of any accessibility considerations, dietary restrictions (where applicable), or special requirements.
Booking. Participation & Cancellation Policy
Workshops are available by advance booking and subject to availability. Confirmation, cancellation, and rescheduling terms are provided during the booking process.
Participants must be of legal drinking age in the workshop location and are responsible for consuming alcohol responsibly. By attending, participants acknowledge that alcohol consumption carries inherent risks and agree to participate at their own discretion.
TasteIST, its trainers, and affiliates assume no liability for injury, loss, or damages arising from alcohol consumption or participant actions before, during, or after the session.
All bookings and participation are subject to the TasteIST Privacy Policy and Website Terms of Use.
Workshop Policy & Alcohol Disclaimer
TasteIST workshops are educational tasting experiences. TasteIST does not sell, supply, or serve alcoholic beverages.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all alcoholic beverages are selected and provided by the host, in coordination with the TasteIST trainer prior to the session. Session fees cover the guided experience and educational content only.
Participants must be of legal drinking age in the workshop location and are responsible for consuming alcohol responsibly. TasteIST does not monitor or enforce consumption levels.
By attending a workshop, participants acknowledge that alcohol consumption carries inherent risks and agree to participate at their own discretion and responsibility. TasteIST, its trainers, and affiliates assume no liability for injury, loss, or damages arising from alcohol consumption or from participant actions before, during, or after the workshop.
Workshop bookings and participation are subject to the TasteIST Privacy Policy, Website Terms of Use, and applicable booking terms.
Proof & Strength Consideration
Certain American whiskies may be bottled at higher proof. Participants are encouraged to taste responsibly and may dilute with water as guided during the session.
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Whiskies of America
American Whiskies
American whiskey is often reduced to Bourbon — yet its landscape is far broader. This workshop explores the evolution of American whiskey styles and the forces that shaped them.
From classic Bourbon to high-rye expressions, Tennessee whiskey, and modern interpretations of traditional styles, participants discover how mash bill composition, barrel char, climate, and production philosophy influence flavor and texture.
Rather than focusing on labels alone, the session reveals how American distillers balance heritage with experimentation — creating whiskies that range from sweet and structured to bold and spice-driven.
Through guided tasting, guests explore how oak, grain choice, and regional conditions create a spectrum of expression within a single national tradition.
The result is a structured yet dynamic experience that highlights both continuity and reinvention.