The Pen-Tailed Treeshrew

The Pen-Tailed Treeshrew

Science

The Pen-Tailed Treeshrew The pen-tailed treeshrew is the only nocturnal species of shrews. Treeshrews are small mammals native to Southeast Asia. Though called “treeshrews” they are not being true shrews. They live – as the name indicates – in...
Is Aqua Vitae Whiskey?

Is Aqua Vitae Whiskey?

Distilling & Drinking History Blog, Science

Is Aqua Vitae Whiskey? Alchemists in various ages and cultures were searching for the philosopher’s stone, an elixir for life that was also said to cure all diseases. The process of distilling follows this alchemistic idea by distilling aqua vitae, the “water of...
Pasteurization – a study of beer and wine

Pasteurization – a study of beer and wine

Science

Pasteurization – a study of beer and wine Louis Pasteur (1822-1895)  invented the process of pasteurization. Pasteurization has become synonymous with dairy products, but Louis Pasteur made his most famous discovery studying the fermentation and the souring of...
Achard’s impact on Slavery and Likör

Achard’s impact on Slavery and Likör

Science

Achard’s impact on Slavery and Likör Franz Carl Achard (1753-1821) was a German natural scientist. His family was socially highly respected Huguenot that had fled from France to Germany seeking religious freedom after 1685. Achard himself had all his life...
Here Comes The Proof

Here Comes The Proof

Science

Here Comes The Proof When in the 16th century the British began to tax liquor higher than beverages with a lower alcohol content like wine and beer, proof suddenly became an important term. The easiest way to proof a higher alcohol content was by soaking a gun pellet...