Walpurgis Night

Drinking Gods, Myths & Fairytales

Walpurgis Night Witches, Brooms, and Spirits at House Of Applejay St. Walpurgis Night, or Walpurgisnacht, falls on April 30th, a festive evening tied to the feast day of Saint Walpurga, an 8th-century English missionary. Celebrated on the eve of May Day, it’s a night...

The Wine Of Philosophers

Early History

The Wine Of Philosophers Alchemy, Transformation, and Timeless Symbolism The concept of the “wine of philosophers” is steeped in the rich traditions of alchemy, mysticism, and the pursuit of wisdom. Far beyond its literal meaning as a drink, it symbolized...

The Persian Paradox

Early History

The Persian Paradox Seeking Truth in Sobriety and Revelry Imagine a council of ancient Persian leaders, gathered around a flickering fire, deliberating the fate of an empire. The scene is serious, their brows furrowed in thought as they weigh options with clear, sober...

The Beer Pipeline of Bruges

Distilling & Drinking History Blog

The Beer Pipeline of Bruges The Beer Pipeline of Brouwerij De Halve Maan It sounds like a myth—a fantastical tale of beer flowing beneath cobblestone streets—but it’s not. In the heart of the medieval city of Bruges, Belgium, where centuries-old architecture meets a...

Jus Potandi – the Right To Drink

Drinking Customs

Jus Potandi – the Right To Drink The Satirical Spirit of 1616: Exploring Jus Potandi In 1616, a unique text titled Jus Potandi—Latin for “The Right to Drink”—emerged, shedding a satirical light on early modern Europe’s drinking culture. Penned by an...

The Champagne Glass Myth

Drinking Gods, Myths & Fairytales

The Champagne Glass Myth A Gilded Tale Unraveled Picture a chandelier-lit salon, the air thick with velvet and whispers. A Coupe glass gleams, its champagne bubbles rising like tiny rebellions. Once, they swore it was molded from Marie Antoinette’s breast—a rumor so...

Absinthe and the “Green Fairy”

Drinks, Cocktails & Likör

Absinthe and the “Green Fairy” The Role of Herbs and Color in the “Green Fairy” Absinthe’s story is one of transformation—a medicinal tonic turned cultural phenomenon, its vibrant green hue and complex rituals captivating generations. Dubbed the...

The Glass of Purity

Early History

The Glass of Purity A Tale of Alchemy, Distillation, and Mysticism The story of the “Glass of Purity” is a captivating narrative rooted in medieval alchemy, intertwining the quest for scientific mastery with spiritual enlightenment. While the details vary...

The Father Of American Mixology

Drinks, Cocktails & Likör

The Father Of American Mixology The Cocktail Maestro Who Lived Boldly & Shaped the Cocktail Craft Jeremiah “Jerry” P. Thomas (1830-1885) carved a colossal legacy in the world of mixed drinks, earning the title “father of American mixology” with a life...