Schmollis & Fiducit

Schmollis & Fiducit In student associations, the term “Schmollis” (also: Smollis, Schmolles) is used since before 1795 to initiate a drinking ritual called “Brüderschaft”, meaning “brotherhood drinking”. Schmollis is confirmed...

Advocaat – the Holiday Likör

Advocaat – the Holiday Likör Dutch Brazil (also New Holland) was a Dutch colony in northeastern Brazil from 1630 to 1654. So it may not surprise that in the 17th century, the Brazilian drink “Abacate” which was brewed by the indigenous people of the...

Paulanersche Doppelbock Brewed for Lent

Paulanersche Doppelbock Brewed for Lent The monastery of Neudeck ob der Au in Munich was founded in 1627 after the Bavarian Elector Maximilian I brought Paulaner monks from Italy to his country. The Paulaner order imposed strict fasting rules during Lent on its...

The London Beer Flood

The London Beer Flood On October 17th, 1814, the parish of St. Giles, London, England, was hit by a catastrophe killing eight people in a flood of beer. The so called “London Beer Flood” was caused by a large keg containing over 135,000 imperial gallons...

Linie Aquavit

Linie Aquavit In Norwegian “Linie” means equator, and that is the name of one of the most famous aquavit brand’s. The premium market leader from Norway is maturing their aquavit in barrels that are crossing twice the equator on a four-month journey...

The Whisky War

The Whisky War Canada and Denmark have been at odds over a small uninhabited island called Hans for decades. Both Canada and Denmark claim the only 1.25 square kilometer island without any vegetation for themselves. Since it is not clear who the stony rock belongs to,...

Shaken, not stirred

Shaken, not stirred The original Bond Martini (“Vesper Martini”) was invented by author Ian Fleming for Casino Royale, the first James Bond book, in 1953. It is 3 parts gin, 1 part vodka and ½ part Lillet. It differs from a classic martini as it uses both...

Drinking “Brüderschaft”

Drinking “Brüderschaft” Drinking “Brüderschaft” (brotherhood drinking) is a widespread drinking custom in many countries indicating switching to a personal form of address by means of drinking. This custom is to link arms holding the glass...

Witches, Brewing, and Distilling

Witches, Brewing, and Distilling Brewing alcohol was part of a woman’s chores for thousands of years as it was closely associated with cooking and baking. From ancient Egypt up to the medieval times it was common that women were running breweries.  The Finns...

Quaich – Traditional Scottish Cups

Quaich – Traditional Scottish Cups The quaich is a traditional drinking vessel from Scotland. It is a flat bowl with two handles. The name derived from the Gaelic word cuach, meaning mug. It is unclear where quaichs originate from,   though some historians...