Distilling & Drinking History Blog
Brandy Legends The Fascinating History of Brandy: From Dutch Ships to Cognac’s Finest In the early 16th century, a Dutch shipmaster, whose name has been lost to time, revolutionized the world of spirits by distilling wine to preserve it for long sea voyages. This...
North American Distilling
Grog Shops Grog Shops in Colonial American Ports Grog shops were essential to the cultural and economic fabric of colonial America’s port cities. These informal establishments, often located near bustling wharves and shipyards, served as lively hubs where...
Drinks, Cocktails & Likör
The Champagne Sabotage Madame Clicquot’s Love for Iced Champagne Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot, the trailblazing widow who propelled Veuve Clicquot to global fame, didn’t just revolutionize Champagne production—she savored her creation with a distinctive flair:...
Drinks, Cocktails & Likör
Old Fashioned The Origins and History of the Old Fashioned Cocktail The Old Fashioned is a cornerstone of American mixology, embodying simplicity, balance, and tradition. As one of the oldest cocktails still widely enjoyed today, it connects us directly to the early...
Moonshine, North American Distilling, Prohibition
Heifer Heels A Prohibition-Era Smuggling Tactic The term “heifer heels” is a fascinating part of Appalachian folklore, tied to the moonshine smuggling methods of the Prohibition era. It’s a term that conjures images of resourceful bootleggers moving their contraband...
