The Roosevelt Room's Master Class Series - Vodka, Gin, Genever & Aquavit

Crystal clear, deceptively smooth, and responsible for some of history’s best and worst decisions. Welcome to the fascinating world of unaged grain spirits. Before whiskey gets tucked away in expensive barrels and before tequila starts collecting celebrity endorsements, every spirit begins as a raw, clear distillate. No oak. No smoke and mirrors. Just pure flavor, craftsmanship, and nowhere to hide. Which is exactly why these spirits have to be flawless. Join us for a guided tasting through the crisp, botanical, and beautifully nuanced world of Vodka, Gin, Genever, and Aquavit. Together, we’ll explore the surprisingly dramatic history of grain spirits, how they’re produced around the world, and why these clear spirits continue to dominate cocktail culture from dive bars to luxury hotel lounges. Throughout the class, guests will enjoy a curated flight of twelve spirits alongside two classic cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while learning the fundamentals of nosing, tasting, identifying quality, and recognizing the subtle characteristics that separate a good spirit from one that makes you immediately text your ex. Because yes, vodka can absolutely have personality. And gin drinkers? We already know they do. Topics Covered: The gritty rise of grain spirits from rough-and-rowdy origins to refined cocktail royalty The production methods behind the world’s most beloved clear spirits The major styles and subcategories of Vodka, Gin, Genever, and Aquavit How ingredients, distillation, and botanicals influence flavor and texture Fundamentals of nosing, tasting, and identifying quality in unaged spirits The subtle nuances that make each category beautifully distinct Spirits Featured in the Tasting: Grain Vodka Potato Vodka Żubrówka Bison Grass Vodka D.O. Protected Gin Old Tom Gin Plymouth Gin London Dry Gin New Western Gin New World Gin Genever Unaged Aquavit Aged Aquavit Details: Must be 21+ to attend Class runs from 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM (please arrive on time) Hors d’oeuvres served at the start Stay after and enjoy Sunday Happy Hour beginning at 3 PM