How to Be a Rum Expert

Sipping rum may conjure balmy beach scenes, but the history of this sugar-based spirit has been anything but tranquil. In this survey class, wine and spirits journalist Chris Hallowell will discuss how rum was once used as currency (the British Royal Navy paid half a pint a day up until the American Revolution). He'll also talk about the role it played in the "Triangle Trade," in which molasses, rum and slaves were shipped among the Caribbean, America and Africa. You'll then get to taste five samples of varying styles, origins and ages, and try your hand at mixing a classic rum drink: the daiquiri. Reservations required.