Bartenders receive plenty of brand education, but surprisingly few ever learn the fundamentals of how spirits are actually made.
In this session, Brett Adams breaks down the core building blocks of spirit production, from fermentation and distillation to aging and cask influence. Using examples across categories like whiskey, rum, agave spirits, and gin, we’ll explore how decisions made at each stage of production shape the final liquid in the glass—and why understanding these variables makes you a better bartender.
Why You Should Attend
Understand what fermentation, distillation, and aging actually do to a spirit
Learn how production choices influence flavor, texture, and aroma
Build the foundational knowledge to confidently explain spirits to guests
Track: Spirits + Knowledge
PRESENTED BY
Brett Adams
Education Manager and Spirits Curator
Multnomah Whiskey Library
Co-Author
"Raising The Bar" and "The Bartender's Library"
Brett Adams is a cocktail and spirits professional with over two decades of experience in restaurants and bars. He currently serves as Education Manager and Spirits Curator at the famed Multnomah Whiskey Library in Portland, Oregon.
Brett co-authored Raising the Bar with fellow MWL bartender Jacob Grier. This primer is built around the idea that almost every cocktail is a variation on one of three basic formulas, designed to help home bartenders build a bar one well-chosen bottle at a time. His second book, The Bartender's Library," coming October 2025, is a deep dive into spirits production from whiskey to rum to agave and more, guiding the reader to better curated collections and more intentional cocktails.
Bartender’s Circle Summit: Industry Session
This session is part of the Bartender’s Circle Summit and is strictly intended for members of the global hospitality industry. To attend this masterclass, you must have a BCS Class Pass. Our summit programming at Pacific Place is a dedicated space for professionals to sharpen their craft, delve into spirit categories like Cognac and Pisco, and learn from the industry’s most respected leaders.
Want to see the full curriculum? Find out more here.
Ready to level up? Get your Class Pass below.