The History of Beer
from the Stone Age to the Craft Beer Revolution
Wednesday, October 14th, 2026 - 6-8pm
Join master storyteller James Whittaker for a boozy jaunt through the history of the world's most popular alcoholic beverage.
"He was a wise man who invented beer"
— Plato
Imagine the first beer. The first beer buzz. It must've been a magical experience given our ancestors' single-minded pursuit to build civilization around this malty slice of heaven.
Well, you won't have to imagine it any longer. James tells the full story from before recorded history to the very beer you'll be drinking as you learn about the history of the world's most popular alcoholic beverage.
Tastings of historically important beer styles included in the price.
For ages 21+. Please enjoy responsibly.
BUY TICKETS
Join master storyteller James Whittaker for a boozy jaunt through the history of the world's most popular alcoholic beverage.
The History of Beer from the Stone Age to the Craft Beer Revolution
"He was a wise man who invented beer" — Plato
Imagine the first beer. The first beer buzz. It must've been a magical experience given our ancestors' single-minded pursuit to build civilization around this malty slice of heaven.
Well, you won't have to imagine it any longer. James tells the full story from before recorded history to the very beer you'll be drinking as you learn about the history of the world's most popular alcoholic beverage.
Tastings of historically important beer styles included in the price.
FAQ’S
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The History of Beer is a two-hour guided beer history talk and tasting at Side Hustle Local in Bothell, Washington, hosted by storyteller James Whittaker. It runs Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the Speakeasy. Tickets are $25 and include tastings of historically significant beer styles poured alongside the story. Capacity is 30 people. Ages 21 and up. Max ABV of tasting beer is 7.2%
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Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 6:00 to 8:00 PM, in the Speakeasy at Side Hustle Local, 18129 Bothell Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011. Doors to the Speakeasy open shortly before 6:00.
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$25 per person, which covers the full two-hour session and all tastings of historically important beer styles. Additional full pours and food are available from the bar and kitchen at regular prices. No separate tasting fee, no minimum purchase.
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Yes. The full scratch kitchen is open during the event and you can order from your seat. Several people eat dinner through the session. Ordering food is not required and is not included in the ticket.
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We typically hold a “History of Beer” tasting 2-3 times a year. This will be the last chance in 2026.
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Thirty seats, total. The Speakeasy is a small room and we are not adding chairs. Tickets are sold online only and the page stops selling when the last seat goes, so if the purchase button is still live, seats remain.
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No. The whole point is that you leave knowing more than you arrived with. There is no quiz, no tasting vocabulary required, and nobody will ask you to identify hop varieties. People who already know beer well tend to enjoy the pre-1800s material most, because almost nobody knows it.
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Yes. Beer tastings are built into the ticket, so this session is 21+.
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Most guest park across the street in the free lot at the park. Parking Map.
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In addition to being the owner of Side Hustle Local and epic storyteller, James Whittaker is a former Microsoft and Google engineer.