What’s it all about?
Many of us enjoy a good drink, but have you ever wondered how your favourite alcohol is made? How are the flavours created, what makes the alcohol and why do bad spirits taste like hairspray? And what happens in your body when you start getting tipsy?
In this class, we’ll learn about the different tipples, the processes behind them and why we end up getting drunk! From beer and wine, to gin and whisky; from fermentation to distillation – all the science of alcohol will be revealed. You might even be tempted to have a go at making and tasting some after the class!
What will we cover?
In this interactive beginner’s workshop we will be discovering what goes on behind the scenes in the world of alcohol.
No prior knowledge or science skills required! This fun introduction will look at the major processes in the production of different drinks and some of the basic science that goes on. You’ll learn about the different ways that the flavours are created or extracted in different drinks, how the actual alcohol part (i.e. the bit that gets you drunk, rather than the different flavours) is made and how brewers and distillers add their unique flair into the mix to create the signature taste. Oh, and while we are at it, we will talk about what alcohol does once it is in your body and why it makes you drunk!
You’ll leave knowing the difference between distilling and fermenting, barrel-aged and bottled, tipsy and dry. So the next time you are at the bar you can tell all your mates about how the stuff in their glasses was made, and maybe even start experimenting at home.
Who will be teaching?
Mark is a connoisseur of alcohol and homebrews his own beers – experimenting with pilsners, porters and everything in between. He also has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Melbourne to back it up. When he is not mixing chemicals in the lab or in the kitchen, he is involved in Laneway Learning, playing rugby and looking for new craft beer bars around Melbourne. Delicious!