The Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA) and cocktail pro Scott Beattie are looking forward to hosting a hands-on class focusing on vodka’s classy cousin, gin! Davorin Kuchan, third generation distiller and proprietor of Belmont's Old World Spirits, will be on hand to talk about his Blade gin and several other soon-to-be-released brands. Kuchan will also have... [read more]

The Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA) and cocktail pro Scott Beattie are looking forward to hosting a hands-on class focusing on vodka’s classy cousin, gin! Davorin Kuchan, third generation distiller and proprietor of Belmont's Old World Spirits, will be on hand to talk about his Blade gin and several other soon-to-be-released brands. Kuchan will also have Old World's exceptional absinthe, eau de vie, and brandy available for tasting.    The class will include a brief history of gin distillation, a discussion of current gin making methods, gin tasting, and hands-on cocktail instruction. Students will make these classic drinks: The Last Word, The Aviation, a Corpse Reviver, and of course, a Martini. There will also be time for experimentation.   Date and time: Saturday, May 28, 2011, 2:00-4:00 pm  Location: CUESA Kitchen at the Ferry Building  Cost: $50 (includes tasting, hands-on cocktail instruction, take-home booklet)    Scott Beattie is the bar manager of Healdsburg’s Spoonbar and the author of Artisanal Cocktails (Ten Speed Press, 2008). Davorin Kuchan is a third generation winemaker and distiller born in Zagreb, Croatia, who grew up running through vineyards and orchards (much faster after sneaking sips of slivovitz and grappa from the 200 year old family still). Kuchan continues his family tradition with intention to gather friends, family and neighbors around good food, terrific spirits and loud, occasional off key singing with accordion accompaniment.    This class is part of a six-part series taught by Scott Beattie. All classes include a short “Cocktails 101” demo that will include proper shaking and stirring techniques (and the reasons why you would do either), precise measurement, ice, glassware selection, and several other helpful tips that will insure better home bartending. In addition to hearing from the guest speaker, all attendees will also receive excellent printed information about additional spirits. Classes sizes are small, limited to 40 students, and are mostly DIY. Get ready for lots of hands-on experience with the shakers and strainers!  Time permitting, Scott will present and sign copies of his book “Artisanal Cocktails,” available for $28, (cash/check only). All classes are held on Saturdays and cost $50.