Step back in time with a specialty guided tasting led by Flavors of History instructor and local historian Tony Shahan. Discover the evolution of colonial era punch, from early arrack recipes to rum, brandy, and whiskey favored by American patriots, while exploring historic drinking traditions through stories, trivia, and hands-on tasting. Participants will sample historic flavors and try their hand at recreating traditional punches during this interactive program.
Join us for a specialty guided tasting of colonial-era beverages with Flavors of History instructor (and local history expert!) Tony Shahan. Trace the fascinating evolution of punch, from its 17th-century origins featuring arrack, through the rise of brandy and rum, and finally to whiskey—the spirit embraced by American patriots. Along the way, enjoy engaging stories, trivia, and insights into historic drinking traditions and trends. It’s a lively and flavorful way to experience American heritage—one glass at a time! After sampling a variety of historic flavors through a guided tasting exercise, participants will apply their new knowledge to craft a personalized version of an early cocktail. From there, you’ll work to recreate three traditional punches, diving deeper into the techniques and creativity behind colonial mixology—whether reviving flavors of the past or inspiring your own modern twist.