House Of Applejay blog | All Categories
The Scotch Tape Origin Story
The Sticky Story of Scotch Tape: A Whisky-Inspired Legacy Scotch tape, a household name synonymous with practicality and convenience, has a surprisingly intriguing backstory that ties in with one of Scotland’s most famous exports: Scotch whisky. From its industrial...
The Origins of Rum Punch
How the Caribbean's Boldest Spirit Conquered Colonial Punch BowlsRum punch is more than a refreshing cocktail; it's a product of seafaring necessity, sugar-driven economies, and global cultural exchange. Born in the early days of colonial expansion and Atlantic trade,...
Walpurgis Night
Witches, Brooms, and Spirits at House Of ApplejaySt. 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 filled with Old...
The Wine Of Philosophers
Alchemy, Transformation, and Timeless SymbolismThe 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 transformative journey of matter...
The Persian Paradox
Seeking Truth in Sobriety and RevelryImagine 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 minds. But then, as...
The Beer Pipeline of Bruges
The Beer Pipeline of Brouwerij De Halve MaanIt 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 rich brewing heritage, one...
Jus Potandi – the Right To Drink
The Satirical Spirit of 1616: Exploring Jus PotandiIn 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 anonymous German author under the pseudonym Blasius...
The Champagne Glass Myth
A Gilded Tale UnraveledPicture 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 lush it’s clung to the...
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 "Green Fairy," this herbal spirit became a muse for...
The Glass of Purity
A Tale of Alchemy, Distillation, and MysticismThe 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 across sources, the tale is often...
The Father Of American Mixology
The Cocktail Maestro Who Lived Boldly & Shaped the Cocktail CraftJeremiah “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 that matched the vibrancy of his creations....
The “Beer Run” of Antarctic Explorers
A Frosty Tale of Austrailan Determination In the vast, icy wilderness of Antarctica, where temperatures drop to unimaginable lows and isolation stretches endlessly, tales of human determination often emerge. Among these, the Beer Run of Antarctica stands out as one...
Café Procope
The Birthplace of Parisian Coffee and Liqueur CultureNestled in the heart of Paris, Café Procope holds a distinguished place in the history of both the city and European café culture. Established in 1686 by Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, an Italian immigrant, Café...
Arnold of Villanova
The Alchemical Legacy of Purification Arnold of Villanova (1240–1311), a physician, religious reformer, and visionary of his era, stood at the crossroads of science, spirituality, and medicine during the medieval period. Renowned as the personal physician to kings and...
The Saint Bernard Dog and Brandy
Saint Bernard Rescue Dogs and Their Brandy BarrelsThe image of a Saint Bernard rescue dog bounding through the snowy Alps with a small barrel of brandy tied around its neck is one of the most iconic and enduring legends in history. This tale, however, is rooted more...
America’s Oldest Drinking Club
The Schuylkill Fishing Company & Its Iconic Colonial Rum PunchIn the heart of 18th-century Philadelphia, a group of influential men sought refuge from the bustling city along the serene banks of the Schuylkill River. Their retreat, the Schuylkill Fishing Company,...
The Green Dragon
Revolution & Lifeline of Boston’s Rum TradeThe Green Dragon Tavern, an unassuming establishment nestled in Boston’s historic North End, became a symbol of revolutionary fervor in the 18th century. Established in 1714 by William Davis, a wealthy merchant, the...
Cocktails & American Political Imagination
How Cocktails Have Shaken & Stirred American PoliticsCocktails are an integral part of America’s cultural and political heritage. From the rum punch served in colonial taverns like Boston’s Green Dragon—where revolutionaries mapped the nation’s future—to the...
Newsletter
