Molecules of Maturity: The Chemistry of Flavor in Aged Spirits ($5,300)

To sponsor this seminar, choose one of our Annual Education Underwriting levels and add it to your cart. For more information about the different Annual Education Underwriting levels, click the link or continue to the bottom of the page.

Aging isn’t magic, it’s chemistry. Inside every barrel, a molecular process creates flavors when spirit, wood, oxygen, and time come together. Molecules of Maturity breaks down this invisible process, showing bartenders and enthusiasts how compounds like vanillin, lactones, eugenol, and tannins form, interact, and define the flavor and texture of bourbon, cognac, and aged tequilas. Through guided tasting and hands-on experimentation, attendees will explore how the same core molecules appear across categories yet express differently based on raw material, barrel treatment, and climate. A live dilution experiment will reveal the hidden world of polar and non-polar molecules, demonstrating how lignin holds them in delicate suspension, and how adding water breaks apart micelles, releasing trapped aromas and altering mouthfeel in real time. This seminar blends chemistry with craft to explain why aged spirits taste the way they do. Attendees leave with practical insight into flavor development and descriptive language to communicate flavor to their colleagues and guests on a scientific level.

Speakers:
Benny Hurwitz
Sullivah Doh
David Morrison

Logistics & Details

Seminars will be hosted at the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans and will range from 60-90 minutes. Brands will receive logo placement on the TOTC2025 agenda and signage and have the opportunity to have their product served during their sponsored seminar.

Seminar sponsorships are responsible for the underwriting of the spirits served and will be ordered through the Foundation.

Following May 18th, 2026, all confirmed partnerships will incur a 5% late fee (included in total at checkout) and payment is required in full by credit card.

Seminar Sponsorships - Annual Education Underwriting

The new Annual Education Underwriting model invites brands to support the TOTCF Education program year-round through a holistic lens, opening up opportunities beyond sponsoring seminars during the week of Tales of the Cocktail.

To sponsor this seminar, choose one of our Annual Education Underwriting levels and add it to your cart. To sponsor just 1 seminar, we recommend the Builder Level. To sponsor 2+ seminars and receive even more benefits, you can take advantage of our Mentor Level, Innovator Level, or Leader Level opportunities.