Le Salon at DFH - "Poisoners & Pefumers" with Erica Kassel

Le Salon is Detroit’s new gathering for curious minds and spirited conversation. Each month, we invite local professors, artists, and community leaders to share fresh perspectives in a relaxed, after-hours setting in our new Borgman Room just off of the Apparatus Room.

Arrive early, grab a cocktail (or your drink of choice), and settle in for a 35–40 minute talk that’s as thought-provoking as it is approachable. Whether you’re a regular or just dropping by, Le Salon is your place to connect, unwind, and discover something new. This event is ticketed and comes with a custom cocktail that aligns with the lecture subject.

Lecture title: " Poisoners and Perfumers" with Erica Kassel, Co-owner of Castalia, a scented cocktail bar

About the lecture: Historically, professional perfumers had access to both the ingredients and the equipment to create deadly poisons. We will discuss some of the most famous and diabolical cases from antiquity to the modern era, while tasting and smelling through some of the botanicals that have been used for unsavory purposes. Explore the darker side of the bygone fragrance industry with this multi sensory deep dive into perfumers and the poisons they once created..

About the Lecturer: Erica Kassel received a BA in Anthropology from Wayne State University with a special focus on American Death Practices, and as co-owner of perfumed cocktail bar I have created several multi-sensory tasting experiences which explore the intersection of culture, fragrance, flavor and the macabre.

Website: https://www.castaliacocktails.com/

Agenda:

- 6:30 PM – Doors open: find a seat (open seating), order food & drinks, and expect a bar line—arriving early is key. - 6:55 PM – Host introduction- 7:00 PM – Lecture begins- 7:45 PM – Audience Q&A

- 8:00 PM – 1:1 time with the speaker, mingle with fellow guests, and order another round

-8:30PM–Wrap up

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Host or Publisher Detroit Foundation Hotel