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LEARNING LAB: Prohibition's Wholesome Rumrunners: The Olmsteads

  • Carnival of Cocktails 600 Pine Street - Floor 2 Seattle, WA, 98101 United States (map)

Seattle's Prohibition story isn't about gangsters -- it's about a baby-faced lieutenant, his British bombshell wife, and the most charming bootlegging operation you've never heard of.

While Prohibition on the East Coast produced figures like Al Capone who prioritized money over human life, Seattle's relationship with illegal alcohol was something else entirely -- stranger, funnier, and a whole lot more human. In this session, you'll hear the remarkable true story of Roy and Elsie Olmstead, whose bootlegging operation became the stuff of local legend, and walk away with a collection of bar stories your guests will absolutely love.

Why You Should Attend

  • Discover how Seattle's Prohibition era set the city apart from the rest of the country's bootlegging history

  • Hear the incredible true story of Roy and Elsie Olmstead -- the Baby-faced Lieutenant and the British Bombshell

  • Walk away with a handful of incredible stories that will keep you talking long after last call

PRESENTED BY

Rebecca A. Demarest

Author | Poet | Playwright | Book Designer | Writing Instructor

 

Rebecca A. Demarest (she/her) is an award-winning author, poet, playwright, book designer, and writing instructor living in Seattle, WA with her husband and three muppets. Over the pandemic she accidentally became a local expert on certain figures from Seattle's history during Prohibition, as one does. For more information on her writing, please visit rebeccademarest.com or follow on BlueSky @writerlybliss.

 

CARNIVAL OF COCKTAILS: LEARNING LAB Session

This session is part of the Carnival of Cocktails and attendees must have a Carnival of Cocktails pass to attend. Because these sessions are intimate and high-demand, registration is handled on-site and day-of. * Claim Your Spot: Head to the Learning Lab Desk (Level 2) as soon as you arrive at the event to reserve your seat for that day's schedule.

  • The Tasting Experience: To participate in guided tastings and flight samples, attendees will apply drink tickets toward their session entry.

  • "Dry Seats" Available: Just here for the knowledge? We offer "Dry Seats" for those who want to audit the seminar and soak up the expertise without sampling the product (no tickets required!).

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LEARNING LAB: You're Already a Sake Tasting Expert (You Just Didn't Know It Yet)