The History of Bourbon
The Spirit of America
Wednesday, January 13th, 2027. 6:30-8:30pm.
Trace the liquid history of America's Native Spirit from its rebellious origins to its modern-day global revival. Join master storyteller James Whittaker as he explores how bourbon whiskey is deeply intertwined with the social, economic, and political evolution of the United States.
Together, we'll experience the early frontier distillers, the impact of the Whiskey Rebellion, the industrialization of the Gilded Age, and the devastating blow of Prohibition. We will also analyze the marketing triumphs that led to Congress declaring bourbon a "distinctive product of the United States" in 1964, right up to the current 21st-century craft distilling boom. We will understand how geography, legislation, and innovation shaped the bottle on the shelf today.
Included in the price is a bourbon flight along with accompanying beer backs.
For ages 21+. Please enjoy responsibly.
BUY TICKETS
Trace the liquid history of America's Native Spirit from its rebellious origins to its modern-day global revival. Join master storyteller James Whittaker as he explores how bourbon whiskey is deeply intertwined with the social, economic, and political evolution of the United States.
Together, we'll experience the early frontier distillers, the impact of the Whiskey Rebellion, the industrialization of the Gilded Age, and the devastating blow of Prohibition. We will also analyze the marketing triumphs that led to Congress declaring bourbon a "distinctive product of the United States" in 1964, right up to the current 21st-century craft distilling boom. We will understand how geography, legislation, and innovation shaped the bottle on the shelf today.
Included in the price is a bourbon flight along with accompanying beer backs.
For ages 21+. Please enjoy responsibly.
FAQ’S
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The History of Bourbon is a two-hour guided bourbon history talk and tasting at Side Hustle Local in downtown Bothell, Washington, hosted by storyteller James Whittaker. It runs Wednesday, January 13, 2027, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM in the Speakeasy. Tickets are $50 and include a flight of small-batch and rare bourbons with accompanying beer backs. Capacity is 30 people. Ages 21 and up.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2027, 6:30 to 8:30 PM, in the Speakeasy at Side Hustle Local, 18129 Bothell Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011. Doors to the Speakeasy open shortly before 6:30.
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$50 per person, which covers the full two-hour session, a flight of small-batch and rare bourbons, and accompanying beer backs. Additional drinks and food are available from the bar and kitchen at regular prices. No separate tasting fee, no minimum purchase.
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Yes. The full kitchen is open during the event and you can order from your seat. Several people eat dinner through the session. Ordering food is not required and is not included in the ticket.
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Thirty seats, total. The Speakeasy is a small room and we are not adding chairs. Tickets are sold online only and the page stops selling when the last seat goes, so if the purchase button is still live, seats remain.
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No. The whole point is that you leave knowing more than you arrived with. There is no quiz and no tasting vocabulary required.
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Yes. A bourbon flight is built into the ticket, so this session is 21+. IDs are checked at the door.
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Most guests park across the street in the free lot at the park. Parking Map.
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In addition to being the owner of Side Hustle Local and epic storyteller, James Whittaker is a former Microsoft and Google engineer.