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Science and Technology
Source : (remove) : The Oklahoman
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Science and Technology
Source : (remove) : The Oklahoman
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Scientific sipping: Science Museum Oklahoma to host spirit infused fundraisers for fall

Science Museum Oklahoma Unveils 2025 Spirit Labs Tasting Series: A Fusion of Science, Spirits, and Fundraising

Science Museum Oklahoma (SMO) is gearing up for an exciting year of innovative fundraising events with the announcement of its 2025 Spirit Labs Tasting Series. This popular program, which cleverly blends the worlds of scientific exploration and artisanal beverages, promises to deliver a unique blend of education, entertainment, and philanthropy. Designed to support the museum's mission of inspiring curiosity and lifelong learning through hands-on science experiences, the series features a lineup of themed tasting events that highlight local distillers, brewers, and winemakers while incorporating interactive science demonstrations. Each event not only raises crucial funds for SMO's educational programs but also offers attendees an unforgettable evening of discovery and delight.

The Spirit Labs Tasting Series has become a staple in Oklahoma City's cultural calendar since its inception, drawing crowds eager to explore the chemistry behind their favorite drinks. In 2025, the series expands with five distinct events, each held at the museum's iconic facility in Oklahoma City. These gatherings transform the museum's exhibit spaces into vibrant tasting labs, where participants can sample premium spirits, wines, beers, and cocktails while learning about the scientific principles that make them possible—from fermentation processes to molecular mixology. Proceeds from ticket sales directly benefit SMO's initiatives, including STEM education for underserved communities, exhibit maintenance, and outreach programs that reach thousands of students annually.

Kicking off the year on February 15, 2025, is "Distilled Discoveries: Whiskey and Wonders." This event focuses on the art and science of whiskey production, featuring tastings from renowned Oklahoma distilleries such as High West and local favorites like Prairie Wolf Spirits. Guests will embark on a guided journey through the distillation process, complete with live demonstrations of evaporation, condensation, and aging techniques. Museum educators will explain how factors like barrel composition and temperature influence flavor profiles, turning the tasting into an interactive chemistry lesson. Attendees can expect small-batch samples paired with gourmet appetizers, all while mingling in the museum's planetarium for a starry backdrop. Tickets for this event start at $75, with VIP options offering exclusive access to rare pours and behind-the-scenes tours.

Following closely on March 22, 2025, "Brewed Brilliance: Craft Beer and Scientific Suds" shifts the spotlight to the booming craft beer scene. Partnering with breweries like Stonecloud Brewing and Anthem Brewing, this installment delves into the biology of brewing, exploring yeast fermentation, hop chemistry, and water quality's role in creating diverse beer styles. Interactive stations will allow participants to experiment with flavor infusions, perhaps even brewing mini-batches under expert guidance. The event promises a lively atmosphere with food trucks offering beer-friendly bites, live music, and opportunities to chat with brewmasters about sustainable practices in the industry. As with all Spirit Labs events, a portion of the proceeds supports SMO's environmental science exhibits, emphasizing the real-world applications of the science on display.

Spring brings "Vino Visions: Wine Tasting Through a Scientific Lens" on April 19, 2025. This elegant affair celebrates the viticulture and enology behind fine wines, with selections from Oklahoma vineyards and international imports. Attendees will learn about terroir—the environmental factors influencing grape growth—and the biochemistry of wine aging. Sommeliers and scientists will lead tastings, demonstrating techniques like chromatography to analyze wine components. Paired with charcuterie boards and cheese platters, the event transforms the museum's galleries into a sophisticated vineyard lab. Special highlights include a virtual reality tour of global wine regions, tying into SMO's technology-focused exhibits.

As summer approaches, "Cocktail Chemistry: Mixology Meets Molecules" takes center stage on June 14, 2025. This high-energy event explores the science of cocktails, from emulsification in shaken drinks to the physics of carbonation. Mixologists from top Oklahoma bars will craft innovative concoctions using liquid nitrogen for dramatic effects or infusions inspired by museum experiments. Guests can participate in hands-on workshops, creating their own science-themed drinks while understanding concepts like pH balance and solubility. The evening will feature themed decor, such as glowing beakers and periodic table-inspired garnishes, making it a feast for the senses.

Wrapping up the series on September 20, 2025, is "Global Spirits Expedition: Tastings from Around the World." This grand finale broadens the horizon with spirits like tequila, rum, sake, and gin from international producers, paired with cultural insights and scientific breakdowns. Attendees will discover how geography and botany shape these beverages, with demos on extraction methods and flavor compound analysis. The event culminates in a festive auction of rare bottles, further boosting funds for SMO's global science education efforts.

Beyond the tastings, each Spirit Labs event includes access to select museum exhibits, encouraging guests to explore SMO's vast collection of over 350 hands-on activities. From the Tinkerfest maker space to the planetarium shows, these integrations remind participants of the museum's core purpose: fostering innovation and wonder. SMO President and CEO Sherry Marshall emphasized the series' impact, noting that it not only generates revenue but also builds community engagement. "Spirit Labs is more than a fundraiser; it's a celebration of how science infuses everyday pleasures like a good drink," she said. The museum, which welcomes over 300,000 visitors annually, relies on such events to sustain free admission days and scholarship programs for K-12 students.

For those interested in attending, tickets go on sale January 1, 2025, via the SMO website, with early-bird discounts available for members. Packages range from general admission to premium experiences, ensuring accessibility for various budgets. Sponsors, including local beverage companies and corporate partners, play a vital role in making these events possible, often providing in-kind donations that enhance the tastings.

In an era where experiential learning is key, the Spirit Labs Tasting Series stands out as a creative way to support science education. By merging the allure of fine spirits with rigorous scientific inquiry, SMO invites the public to sip, learn, and contribute to a brighter future for Oklahoma's young minds. Whether you're a connoisseur, a science enthusiast, or simply looking for a novel night out, the 2025 lineup promises something for everyone, all while advancing the museum's vital work. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full The Oklahoman Article at:
[ https://www.oklahoman.com/story/lifestyle/food/2025/08/12/science-museum-oklahoma-2025-fundraisers-spirt-labs-tasting-series/85409834007/ ]