Spirits Scholars

The Next Pour: How Spirits Scholars Came to Be

Wine Scholars started with a simple goal: bring together people who love wine and want to learn more—without the pressure or the pretense. Over time, it grew into something bigger: a place to connect, explore new wines, and deepen our appreciation for what’s in the glass.

Wine Scholars continues to go strong, and it will always be the heart of what we do, but at some point during a tasting—or maybe during cleanup, or over that one last glass—someone said, “You know what would be fun? Learning about mezcal.” Then someone else chimed in: “Or Scotch!”And just like that, the idea was planted.

It kept coming up. Casual comments turned into real interest. We realized that the same people who love discovering the difference between a Chablis and a Chardonnay also want to know how bourbon gets its caramel notes—or what makes a gin “botanical.”

So here we are.

Spirits Scholars is a new side project. A relaxed, curious, and welcoming group—just like Wine Scholars—but this time focused on spirits. It’s not a replacement. It’s not a spin-off. It’s just an extra pour for the same community.

We’ll host separate, occasional gatherings focused on a specific spirit—Scotch, mezcal, gin, Cognac, and everything in between. We’ll taste blind when we can, learn a little, and have a lot of fun in the process. No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity.

It started with a passing comment. Now it’s our next chapter.

We hope you’ll join us.

– Alex, Founder of Wine Scholar and Spirits Scholars

P.S. Part of what inspired this new group is personal, too. As I continue my journey toward becoming a Master Sommelier, I’ve learned that spirits are just as important to study as wine. A well-rounded sommelier doesn’t just know Burgundy and Barolo—they also need to understand the difference between Cognac and Armagnac, how mezcal is made, and why some vodkas taste like nothing while others taste like something. Spirits play a major role on restaurant menus and in pairing experiences, and knowing them deeply is essential.

Spirits Scholars is a way to bring that learning to life—not just for me, but for all of us who love expanding our palate and diving deeper into the stories behind what we drink.