Beer 101
Samuel Merritt

Friday, February 26, 7-9 PM

Samuel Merritt, one of 31 Certified Cicerone Beer Sommeliers in the US, spent a decade selling and teaching great beer with the Craft Brewers Guild and the Brooklyn Brewery in New York. He now runs his own company, Civilization of Beer, a beer education consulting company founded in 2006 whose first goal is to close the gap between beer studies and wine studies and return beer to its proper place at the American table. In Beer 101, you will gain an understanding of the basics of beer ingredients, brewing processes, the difference between ales and lagers, and much more. He will also discuss the role craft beers are playing in today’s changing culinary landscape, taste some great beer and, above all, show you a great time! This is a perfect course for people who have an interest in beer, but need the tools to begin fully experiencing the affordable luxury that is craft beer

Guinness is Good for You! [New!]
Sam Merritt

Wednesday, March 17, 7-9 PM

The Guinness is the most famous stout on earth. In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, come explore the storied life of Ireland's famous brewery, learn about how the style emerged and spread around the globe, and taste a wide array of stouts, including two beer cocktails made with it. This class is hosted by Samuel Merritt, New York's first Certified Cicerone Beer Sommelier.

New and Old World Beer Styles [New!]
Sam Merritt

Friday, April 16, 7-9 PM

American brewers have been interpreting European beer styles ever since the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock and found their ale supply running low. In this class, you will compare the American versions next to their Old World inspirations and explore what motivated American brewers to change those, allowing you to decide for yourselves whether these changes were necessary or not. You will also learn the proper beer tasting method and discuss ingredients and more from New York City's first Certified Cicerone Beer Sommelier, Samuel Merritt.

Introduction to Mixology
Michael Cecconi

Saturday, January 16, 6:30-9:30 PM

or Saturday, March 20, 6:30-9:30 PM

With more than a decade of New York bartending experience, Michael Cecconi, bar manager at Soho favorite Savoy and Back Forty, has shaken it up and served most of Manhattan. With a deep love for a well mixed drink, he has mastered classic cocktails as well as nouveau drinks and is constantly creating new libations. He now steps out from behind the bar in order to pass on some hard-earned mixology skills. Join him for an informative and fun evening as he shows you the pleasure and ease of mixing it up for yourself. Here are some of the many cocktails you'll shake up in class: Martini; Mojito; Sidecar; Strappy Sandal; and French 75.

Obscure Mixology [NEW!]
Michael Cecconi

Saturday, February 20, 6:30-9:30 PM

With the endless selection of spirits available at the liquor store and the expanse of bottles behind most bars, deciding what to drink can be dizzying. Let Michael Cecconi, who has more than 12 years bartending in New York, weed through the choices and share with you some of the best of the rest, which go much beyond gin, rum, and whiskey. The cocktails you’ll make include Perfect Orchard Manhattan, Little Italy, Dueling Monks, and mescal- and applejack-based cocktails.

Advanced Mixology
Michael Cecconi

Saturday, April 17, 6:30-9:30 PM

Michael Cecconi, bar manager at Savoy and Back Forty, works with a DIY mentality, coupled with a love of great tasting cocktails, to teach you new ways to spice up the classics and make unique concoctions, using homemade tonics, reductions, flavored ice, and coconuts.