Your Guide to USBG National Education Month

Tiffany Soles

August 12, 2025

September is the first-ever USBG National Education Month! From September 1–30, chapters nationwide will host a variety of in-person learning events—and all members can join the action online too. Whether you’re attending your local chapter or tuning in virtually, you can take part in as many educational opportunities as you like. Led by the USBG Education Committee, this month-long initiative celebrates the Guild’s commitment to growth and learning—tagged across social media with #USBGEdMonth.

Get ready to dive into some of this year’s most exciting offerings, including...

USBG MEMBER-AT-LARGE & VIRTUAL ED MONTH

Second Monday Social: September 8 at 1 PM (PT) – Join the Member-At-Large community for their Second Monday Social for a CLINK Networking Work event and to hear more about the upcoming Ed Month programming. Click here to register.
“Tasting Tuesday” – Elevate Your Tasting Notes: September 9 at 11 AM (PT) - Join Liz Pirnat, Napa Valley Wine Academy Instructor, to learn more about why writing a complete tasting note is important and how to move beyond just noting aromas and flavors. Click here to register.
“Wellness Wednesday”- Get Your Shift Together!: September 10 at 11 AM (PT) – Do you want to feel like you've got your sh*t together? How do you show up and live a stable, fulfilling life when your career is unstable and unpredictable by nature? And also encourages tequila shots on the regular? If THIS is finally going to be your year (especially if you said that last year, and the year before), this seminar led by Alison Anne of Restaurant Revolution, will jumpstart your path to success! Click here to register.
“Thirsty Thursday” – ABSINTHE: History, Mystery, & Mastering Its Mixology: September 11 at 11 AM (PT) – Absinthe Master T. A. Breaux and Spirits Storyteller Darian Everding take you on a deep dive into the maligned spirit, exploring its history, and rise to popularity, its legal status, and its relevance in cocktail culture. Most importantly, insight will be provided into its crafting, how to judge its quality, and key strategies in using it in both classic and modern cocktail mixology. Click here to register.
“Fun Day Friday” – Cocktales: The Greatest Stories Ever Told: September 12 at 11 AM (PT) – Why on earth did James Bond ruin a good martini by asking for it shaken, not stirred? Well, there's a story behind that. The history of spirits is filled with characters and drinks that are larger than life. In this entertaining seminar, Matt Ray will share a collection of some the world's best myths, legends, and even a few TRUE tales of the cocktail. Click here to register.
Recognizing and Reversing Overdose: September 22 at 11 AM (PT) – Join the SAFE Bar Network and Ellen Wirshup, Project Red, for a session on how to recognize and reverse an overdose. Participants will learn how to identify the signs of an opioid overdose and how to distinguish it from other drug reactions or alcohol overconsumption. This session will also cover how to safely and effectively respond using proven tools like naloxone. You’ll walk away with the knowledge and confidence to take action in an emergency. Click here to register.

USBG Education Month Perk! Free Online Wine of Bordeaux Course! As part of USBG Education month, Napa Valley Wine Academy is offering all USBG members access to their online Wines of Bordeaux course for free. Sign up here by October 1st.

USBG NASHVILLE

Mindfulness & Movement: A guided wellness session led by Rachelle Graber, Lead Bartender at Pushing Daisies and Yoga Instructor at CorePower Yoga. The experience includes a community discussion on mental clarity in high-stress work, followed by an all-levels yoga class. Focus: mental health, emotional regulation, movement, accessible wellness
Circle Back: part of an on-going Monday discussion, Circle Back is designed for hospitality professionals to pause, reflect, and build mental resilience in community because “those who give their weekend away” deserve space to reset. Focus: mindfulness, peer support, culture shift, continuity
Rare Breed Blending Lab: An RSVP-only blending session hosted by JoAnn Street (Wild Turkey). Participants will use exclusive 200ml samples to create their own Rare Breed Blend in a hands-on format, with storytelling, and education woven throughout. Focus: whiskey education, craftsmanship, brand engagement
Amaro Deep Dive & Blending Lab with Liba Spirits: This full-spectrum educational experience starts with an in-depth seminar on the amaro category, including regional distinctions and production methods. Breakout sessions will allow for small group exploration of styles before guests create their own personalized amaro to take home. Lunch will be provided by Turkey and the Wolf on behalf of USBG Nashville. Focus: spirits education, collaboration, DIY formulation, sensory exploration
Safe Bar Roundtable – Responsibility in Real Time: A facilitated conversation on harm reduction, intervention skills, and the ethics of care in bar environments. This event fulfills USBG compliance while also addressing deeply needed cultural norms in our industry. Focus: workplace safety, community responsibility, practical tools
Mental Health & The Hospitality Brain: The seminar explores the neuroscience of service industry stress and burnout. Co-facilitated with licensed therapists, the event helps attendees understand cognitive strain, trauma cycles, and emotional recovery techniques specific to hospitality life. Focus: brain science, identity behind the bar, survival tools
Meal Prep for Hospitality Pros – Nashville State CC Meal Prep Workshop: In partnership with Nashville State Community College’s Culinary Program, this hands-on workshop empowers participants to prepare five take-home meals while learning how to structure prep habits around tight schedules and budgets. Open to both USBG members and NSCC culinary students, this event bridges mentorship with real-life tools for wellness. Focus: nutrition, time management, financial resilience, student outreach

USBG PHOENIX

Coffee & Cocktails Masterclass: Led by certified coffee professional, Maxwell Berlin, this immersive masterclass invites curious minds and seasoned bartenders alike to deepen their understanding of coffee’s global impact, cultural roots, and creative potential behind the bar.
Tucson Takeover – Where Can My Career Go? Panel: Wondering what’s next in your career? Hear from industry leaders who’ve moved beyond the bar while staying in the field they love. Get inspired by their journeys and gather actionable advice.
Tucson Takeover – Speed Rounds: Bite-Sized Bar Skills in 15 minutes. Think speed dating – but instead of awkward small talk, you’ll pick-up useful bar skills. Rotate through quick-hit stations focused on technique demos, bar skills, and more. Short, sharp, and packed with value.

USBG AUSTIN

From Grit to Grain: A Canadian Whisky Journey: Hit the road with us for a day of whisky, BBQ, and good company! We’re traveling from Austin to Old Pal in Lockhart with Dave Mitton, Global Ambassador for J.P. Wiser’s and Ben Carrington of Sazerac. Expect a legendary guided Canadian whisky tasting, and a look inside at one of the world’s great spirit traditions from the man who knows it best
SpeedRailz Competition: Come cheer on the Top 8 Finalists (including one of our own members) before and during their craft cocktail competition and spirits education. Food and drinks will be provided
Synesthesia Seminar: Experience flavor like never before! Join Mike Groener for a sensory workshop exploring the overlap of taste, sound, color, and texture – and how it can spark creativity behind the bar. Open to USBG members ready to see (and taste) things differently
Pathfinder Plunge: Join Kelly Casey from Pathfinder for an early morning cold plunge at Barton Springs with stretching, coffee, and snacks
Rising Tides Texas Whiskey Brawl – Education and Competition featuring Milam & Greene, Balcones, Garrison Brothers, and Still Austin
Delamaine Cognac – Enjoy a tasting and education session with Darren Makowsky of RNDC
Patron Additive Free Seminar – with Lacey Roop of Patron/Illegal
400 Conejos Salt Making Workshop – with Heather Rumphol of Proximo

USBG CENTRAL JERSEY

Finances for the Times: Financial stability tools and planning

USBG CHARLESTON

Wellness Exercise: 45 minutes of water aerobics
Narcan Training: Wakeup Carolina will host a one-hour Narcan training demonstration
Natural Soda Making: Charleston’s Park Conservancy will teach us how to make natural soda using a ginger bug

USBG CHARLOTTE

Trade Olympics: This trade-focused gathering will bring together vendors and industry professionals for a day of knowledge-sharing, networking, and a few friendly competitions. Enjoy lunch, join an interactive panel discussion, and take part in open conversations designed to spark new ideas. Test your skills with quizzes and trivia, then celebrate the champions in a lighthearted awards ceremony
A Bar Focus on Sustainability and Collaboration: This event will focus on education pertaining to effectively manipulating and modulating ingredients. We will kick-off the day giving back to our community by recycling bottles and donating the sand to the city for use in our natural agriculture. Several local farms will join us to showcase their produce and ways to use it to support a zero-waste environment
Emerging Whiskey Brands: Join us as we dive into all things whiskey, with a focus on the Brown Forman portfolio. Topics include a sensory approach to the faces of Old Forester and Glendronach, including a refresher on flavor profiles
Pairing with Spirits: Join us for a flavorful educational seminar where we’ll explore the art of pairing foods with Kill Devil Rum. Together, we’ll taste sweet, salty, sour, and bitter elements, expanding our flavor “rolodex” with creative new ways to pair foods and desserts with — and even into — cocktails. Get ready to spark fresh ideas, refine your palate, and elevate your pairing game

USBG CHICAGO

Know Your Shift, Know Your Rights: The Hospitality Workers’ Rights Town Hall is a worker-centered, community-powered forum designed to educate, empower, and mobilize hospitality professionals around their legal rights and workplace protections. Hosted by CHAAD (Chicago Hospitality Accountability & Advocacy Database) in partnership with USBG Chicago, this town hall brings together frontline workers, organizers, legal experts, and industry leaders for a day of learning and dialogue
Turning Tables: An immersive cocktail creation and breakdown session led by Ariel Neal of Turning Tables NOLA. This hands-on class will explore the building blocks of balanced cocktails, covering technique, flavor architecture, and storytelling, while highlighting how intentionality and cultural context can elevate drink design
Pouring Equity – Representation in Chicago’s Beverage Industry: Chicago is home to one of the most vibrant and diverse hospitality communities in the country – but that diversity isn’t always reflected behind the bar, in leadership roles, or across beverage programming. This seminar brings together voices from across Chicago’s hospitality scene for a candid conversation about representation, access, and agency in the beverage industry
Laverstoke Calling: In this hands-on educational workshop, you will experience a guided spirits tasting, a live bar technique demo, and a practical workshop to apply what you’ve learned

USBG CLEVELAND

Bordeaux Education: Kick-off Education Month with a Bordeaux Tasting and learn more about the free online Bordeaux class being offered by Napa Valley Wine Academy
Hopping into Beer!: Beer education and hop rubbing!
Education-a-rama!: Join us for a full day of education featuring discussions on Amaro, Personal Finance, Harm Reduction/Narcan training, Safe Movements, and more!

USBG DALLAS

Understanding Fernet/Amaro: Deep dive into the culture, history, and applications of Fernet and amaro
Undo the Batter: Through the lens of a clinical counselor and bartender, this seminar guides participants through a discussion and provides education on the topic of psychological safety and conflict mediation within the workplace of food and beverage professionals. Attendees will be equipped with valuable tools and insight to enhance staff well-being and welfare
Vibe Shift – Redefining Hospitality Spaces: With Gen X turning the page into the next chapter of hospitality and the Millennials following quickly behind, the models of hospitality & communal spaces are evolving. In this panel, we’ll discuss how to best plan and equip our present and future spaces, and how they will help Gen Z and Alpha utilize and experience them
Fem Leadership – Empowering Women to Own Their Authentic Leadership Styles: Aren’t you tired of being labeled as “too bossy”? Frustrated by the lack of mentorship and training for the C-suite? Exhausted from always being the only one who looks like you in the room? You’re not alone – and you’re not the problem. It’s time for change. Let’s lead with Power & Grace

USBG DENVER

Sazerac Single Barrel Class & Rockies Game: Single Barrel Release & Training with Sazerac, followed by a free Rockies baseball game for current COBG members
Colorado Whiskey Panel & Tour: Producers behind our favorite Colorado whiskey brands (Leopold Bros., Laws, Spirit Hound, and Talnua) will open up a panel discussion about the unique opportunities and challenges behind producing spirits in the state. The goal is to instill a sense of pride in our local spirits and show solidarity between brands. Followed by a tour of Talnua Distillery, the only Irish Style Whiskey producer in the country
History of Liqueurs with Julian Arreola: An exploration into the history of liqueurs and how they allow us to explore a wide range of ingredients, flavors, and traditions. St-Germain Senior Ambassador Julian Arreola will guide us through the journey of liqueurs, the impact this category has had on the modern cocktail world, and the cultural shifts that inspired the creation of St-Germain

USBG HAWAII

Tito’s Espresso Martini Competition & Membership Drive: Kick off USBG Hawaii’s Education Month with a jolt of caffeine and creativity! This high-energy event is more than just a competition – it’s a chance to connect with fellow industry pros, learn a few tips, and celebrate the art of the modern classic
Lunch & Learn with Maison Ferrand: Join us for an exclusive afternoon of education, conversation, and cuisine as Michael Goldman of Maison Ferrand takes us on a spirited journey through their iconic portfolio. From classic Cognacs to boundary-pushing craft spirits, this session offers a deep dive into what makes Maison Ferrand a global standout
Scandal – The Dark & Stormy Underbelly of Cocktails: Every cocktail has a story – but not all of them are pretty. Join us for an irreverent romp through the lesser-known (and sometimes totally fabricated) tales of cocktail history. From mistaken identities to marketing schemes and historical whoopsies, we’re peeling back the citrus twist to reveal the messy, murky, and marvelous myths behind some of your favorite drinks
All Suds, No Duds – Brews Clues: Hop into an afternoon of beer education with Certified Cicerone and beer specialist Bill Carl as your guide. Whether you’re a lager lover, IPA enthusiast, or just beer-curious, this seminar will break down key styles, tasting techniques, and proper service standards that every bartender should have on tap
Creative Proof – From Art to Inspiration to Imbibing: Explore the intersection of artistry and mixology in this unique USBG Hawaii event designed to stir your creative spirit. Bring your palate. Bring your perspective. Leave with a concept – and maybe your next signature drink

USBG HOUSTON

Blind Blanco: a deep-dive into tequila
Knives Out: Sharpen your knife skills and learn how to up your garnish game
Texas Whiskey Panel: What is Texas Whiskey & what makes it special? We invite Balcones, Ironroot, Garrison Brothers, and Still Austin for a moderated panel and inside look of all things Texas Whiskey
Swing Shift: Learn to stretch and work those bartender muscles
Out of Retirement: Ambassador Cocktail Competition

USBG INDIANAPOLIS

Yoga + Beer: Beginners yoga class and beer tasting with Taxman Brewing Co.
Wine 101: An intro seminar discussing regions, varietals, and flavors
Financial Literacy: A seminar about saving and investing as a tipped employee
Top Serve: seminar led by Max Boots, DIAGEO
Techniques – From Basic to Advanced: led by the USBG Indy Board

USBG JACKSONVILLE

Zero-Proof Innovation: This hands-on session will feature a tasting of spirit-free creations flight, while learning about fermentation, layered flavor, and house-made syrup techniques that translate into profitable NA offerings
Health & Wellness Day: Kick off the day with a Campari Day of Service community service shift, followed by a wellness fair featuring a stretch and mobility workshop, mindful mixology demonstrations, and hydration stations – all designed to reinforce sustainable self-care habits for hospitality professionals
Monday Matters – Financial Planning for the Service Industry: A certified financial planner who specializes in tipped wages will demystify budgeting, taxes, insurance, and retirement options
Clarification & Carbonation Workshop: This seminar will provide a deep-dive into milk punch clarification, force-carbonation, and draft cocktail quality assurance. Participants will work with CO2 rigs, filtration tools, and base spirits, and will leave with recipes and best practices to elevate their bar programs

USBG LAS VEGAS

Introduction to Cigars & Cocktail Pairing: An overview/introduction into the world of cigars with Master Cigar Sommelier and Weber Ranch Brand Ambassador Cristian Cepero. Cristian will discuss cigar basics and a few cocktail pairings to go along with the selected cigars
Nice Ice: Nice Ice Las Vegas will take us through a class on what it’s like to run an ice operation, what it takes, the equipment, and of course, how to chip your own sphere
Branching Out From Behind the Bar: We are bringing together the industry’s best (Bar Directors, Brand Ambassadors, Distillers, and more) for an open panel and discussion so bartenders can learn some tips and tricks if they’ve been wanting to branch out from behind the bar
Lowland and Highlands: In this seminar, you’ll learn the difference between Lowland and Highland agave and have a chance to taste some of what is used to blend Volcan Blanco and Tahona Blanco tequilas to help better understand what these various elevations and climate do for agave

USBG LOS ANGELES

Ergonomics Behind the Bar: Minimizing the physical impact of repetitive motion for bartenders behind the stick and best practices of movement
History of Jamaican Rum: A survey of the history of rum distillation from colonial roots to modern practices and the laws regarding labeling
Sake Ono Education: Happy Hour featuring Sake and cocktail education with Tobin Shea
Masterclass on French Liqueur: A look at the history of French liqueurs, the founding houses, laws surrounding labeling, and tasting flights
Mobile Cocktail Photography with Harper Kennington: A class for those without a camera setups and equipment to learn how to take great photos with just their cell phones
Sustainability in Programming: Long time sustainability practitioner and Black Lagoon co-founder Kelsey Ramage will be teaching best practices to reduce footprints for bar programs
Advocacy and Hospitality with Rob Martinez: From behind the stick to behind the podium, securing a seat at the table for voices in hospitality

USBG LOUISVILLE

Whiskey Tasting and Education: Bardstown Bourbon Company Origins series tasting and education
Ponyboy Storytelling: During this Happy Hour event, the founders of Ponyboy slings will share their story of going from bartender to owning an RTD brand. Learn more about personal branding and career paths outside the bar, but still in the industry
Homemade Vinaigrettes and Balancing Flavor: James Beard nominated chef Noam Blitzer will walk us through creating your own homemade vinaigrette and then we will sample each other’s creations and practice the art of balancing flavors

USBG MIAMI

Resources at Hand: A seminar based on how to find reliable resources and often free resources that can help us with processes behind the bar. Highlighting shared spreadsheets, apps, websites/blogs, and even social media accounts to help with cocktail ideas, menu development, day-to-day operations, and managing your bar
Build Your Own Vermouth: This hands-on lab will provide botanicals and a fortified wine base for attendees to make their own vermouth
Local Legal Hour: Join Rey from Ram Law & Title for a Q&A session on the many common legal questions we may face in the industry. Highlighting issues with liability, music licensing, and local employment laws
Tripping Animals Brewery Tour: The team at Tripping Animals will lead us through a tour of their facilities, explaining the process of brewing and the history of different beer styles

USBG MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL

Story Telling: Local food writer/restaurant consultant Stephanie March will give an overview on how to best tell your story. Learn the ins and outs of effective communication to help others understand what you do, why you do it, and why they should care
Cocktail Confections: Kate Mikkelson will lead a hands-on seminar of using potent potables to make tasty treats. Tequila Sunrise gummy worms, absinthe marshmallows, and a variety of tips and tricks to incorporate your favorite spirits into fancy candies
Two-Wheel Tune-up: Angry Catfish Bicycle will walk everyone through a front to back tune-up of a bicycle. Squeaky brakes, wobbly wheels, sticky chains. . .no more!
Mental Health: Brenna McHugh will lead a seminar about mental health. How to recognize symptoms, methods to help your health, places you can reach out to for assistance

USBG NEW ORLEANS

Foams and Agar: Learn more about various foam techniques and applications of Agar
Beer Seminar and Brewery Tour: Learn more about the beer production process, various styles of beer, and enjoy a tour of a local brewery
IBA Competition Rules and Standards: Introducing IBA standards and how competitions are scored

USBG OKLAHOMA CITY

Leadership & Hospitality: Charlie Alvarado of Good for a Few discusses what Hospitality means, and how it transfers to positive leadership in the service industry, as well as outside of it
Pairing: In this hands-on session, Michael O’Hara from Black Walnut will teach his approach to pairing food and drinks, with an emphasis on identifying flavors
Italian Wine Deep Dive: Madi Franklin of Monopole Wine Co. shares her passion for the wines of Italy
Narcan Training: Education on how and when to use Narcan properly

USBG OREGON

Behind the Bar, Beyond the Bank: Led by a financial advisor who specializes in working with industry folks, this educational seminar will focus on fiscal health and planning for retirement
Happy Hour Hustle: Led by a professional fitness trainer and ex-bartender who’s specialty is preventing burnout, this event will feature fitness with an N/A Happy Hour sponsored by Wilderton to follow
Scotch Training with Cutty Sark
Mezcal Training with Bahnez

USBG PALM BEACH

IBA Cocktail Judging: In this in-depth seminar, IBA-certified judge Felipe Castro pulls back the curtain on the official scoring criteria used in International Bartenders Association (IBA) cocktail competitions
The FUNdamentals of Functional Flair: Bring the fun back to functionality with this high-energy seminar led by the Flair Ambassador Rob Husted, Josh Gates, and Carlos Cardoso. The FUNdamentals of Functional Flair breaks down how to seamlessly integrate flair into real-world bartending – without slowing down service or sacrificing professionalism
FBA Judges Certification: Ready to take your passion for flair bartending to the next level? Join FBA President Rob Husted for the official Flair Bartenders’ Association (FBA) Judges Certification seminar and become a recognized authority in the world of flair competition
Becoming a Faster Bartender: Speed behind the bar isn’t just about moving faster – it’s about working smarter. In this session, industry pros Ron Husted, Josh Gates, and Carlos Cardoso team up to teach you how to boost your speed and efficiency without cutting corners

USBG PHILADELPHIA

The Art of Service Bar: Learn more about round-building, well mapping, and consolidating steps for success
Bar Managing Basics: Learn more about how to price cocktails, menu anchoring, cost saving, and brand negotiating
Trouble Shooting the Bar: a mechanical tutorial before you call an expert – fixing dishwashers, drains, lowboys, and more
Transitioning to Brand Work: a panel discussion of Brand Ambassadors and Sales Reps to answer your questions
Foraging: Join Danny Childs and the Bluecoat Team to forage for ingredients and learn about how to use local materials in safe, thoughtful, and efficient ways. Bluecoat will also be doing a distillation lab where we will do single passes of individual botanicals
Beyond the Bar: This panel discussion will explore ways to get involved in a variety of activities in and outside of the Guild, like competitions and other industry opportunities
Demystifying Wine for Spirit-Focused Bartenders: The legendary Eti of Skurnik Wine will be hosting a lecture and tasting aimed at taking some of the intimidation out of wine for bar professionals whose knowledge is based more on distilled spirits. We will cover wine production basics to how to choose by-the-glass offers for a spirit-focused program

USBG PITTSBURGH

Unique Terroir of Pittsburgh Honey: Certified Honey Sommelier (1 of only 4 in the US), Christina "CJ" Neumann of CoNectar and Apoidea Apiary will lead attendees in a sensory class and tasting of Pittsburgh area sourced honeys. Learn to recognize Pittsburgh area plants that influence the flavors of honeys harvested within a certain radius of the City of Pittsburgh. Attendees will experience these flavor profiles in sample and leave with knowledge that honey is a reflection of the area terroir.
Clase Azul Mexico x USBG PGH: Join us for an immersive Clase Azul México educational tasting exclusively for members of the USBG Pittsburgh! As part of the USBG National Education Month, we’ll explore the rich history of Clase Azul, our artisanal production process, and the vibrant Mexican culture that inspires our work — all while tasting all nine Icons from our tequila and mezcal portfolio. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to deepen your agave spirits knowledge, immerse yourself in Mexican tradition, and connect with fellow industry professionals
Dive into water types & effects on spirits with Big Spring Spirits: As part of USBG's National Education Month, special guest and Big Springs Founder Kevin Lloyd will guide participants in a sensory comparison of water types and how they affect spirits. This visit will include a tour of the Distillery Complex

USBG RALEIGH/DURHAM

A Look Into Whiskey Barrel Secondary Finishing: An exploration and discussion of styles, flavors, and techniques in using various barrel types to finish Rye and Bourbon Whiskey. Presented by Jack Shute of Oaklore Distilling
Negroni Conversation and Competition: A discussion of the variations on the Negroni and the use of the cocktail not just as a recipe, but as a format for a range of recipes. Followed by a Negroni Cocktail Competition. Hosted by Justin Hampton and the Bend Bar
Introduction to the World of Wine: An intro to the world of wine lead by experts with a tasting component. Introductory enough for beginners, interesting for intermediate and advanced. Hosted by Johnson Brothers Mutual and Gallo Wines
Running a Great Wine Program: A look into what makes a great wine program special and a tasting of some interesting styles featuring Matt Weiss of The Wine Centric Show

USBG RICHMOND

Yoga + Handlebars Group Ride: A yoga class for bartenders led by Jordan Reid, followed by a group ride with our chapter’s health and wellness initiative, Handlebars (our monthly+ cycling group for bartenders)
Vermouth Workshop #3: The final session in a series of monthly classes on vermouth (and other fortified wines). This class will focus on the cocktail-focused application of the fortified wines covered in the previous classes
Juices, Alternatives, and Non-Alcoholic Cocktails: A seminar covering alternatives to citrus for the acidic component in cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, including super-juices, acid-adjusted fruit juices, and Supasawa
Laird’s Distillery Tour: A field trip to the Laird’s “secret” distillery in Albemarle County, Virginia. The tour will follow the production of their apple brandy from fruit to final product, and will be led by their Master Distiller

USBG SEATTLE

Event Organization & American Northwest: This event will feature a discussion on Event Organization by Seattle Cocktail Week, an American Northwest seminar with the Master Distiller, and a round of golf provided by Gilly Wagon
Bastyr Garden Herbalists: Enjoy a tour of Bastyr Gardens to learn more about local native and non-native medicinal plants with the guides of some spiritual herbalists
Insurance – What Is It? How Do We Get It?: An insurance broker will help prepare us for open enrollment in November, provide tips and tricks, and inform us of potential changes that may be coming for Medicade

USBG TAMPA BAY

Ice Carving 101: This hands-on seminar will cover the ins and outs of ice carving tools and techniques. Learn how to shave ice diamonds
Batched 2: An overview of what makes small batch whiskey a category and what differentiates it from the regular stock, as well as an overview of batch cocktails – the good, bad, and uglies
The Science of Mixology: An overview of crafted syrups, oleo saccharum, infusions, fat washes, and clarification. A hands-on lab will also provide an opportunity to build your own vermouth.