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Drinking & Culture Blog

This captivating blog delving into the history, myths, and legends surrounding the origins of alcohol production is truly fascinating. Throughout the world, cultures have stories to share that date back to their earliest days of distilling, brewing, and winemaking. Across the globe, there are enthralling rituals and traditions that are intertwined with local cultures and production techniques.

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The Same Old Moses Saloon

The Same Old Moses Saloon

A Pioneering Legacy in Oklahoma's Liquor HistoryIn the heart of Oklahoma's storied past lies The Same Old Moses Saloon, a historic establishment that played a significant role in the state's early days. This iconic saloon, opened by Moses (Mose) Weinberger, has a rich...

Jabir ibn Hayyan

Jabir ibn Hayyan

The Alchemist of the Islamic Golden AgeThe Islamic Golden Age, spanning roughly from the 8th to the 14th century, was a period of remarkable advancements in science, medicine, and philosophy. Among the luminaries of this era, one figure stands out for his pioneering...

Hungary water

Hungary water

Exploring the Historical Elixir Hungary WaterIn the world of historical curiosities, few are as intriguing as Hungary Water, also known as the Queen of Hungary's Water. This mysterious elixir from medieval Europe, has captivated the imaginations of scholars for...

Avicenna

Avicenna

Avicenna’s Contributions to the Art of Distillation: A Journey Through TimeIn the annals of history, few figures have left as indelible a mark on the fields of medicine, philosophy, and science as Avicenna. Born in 980 AD in what is now Uzbekistan, Avicenna—also known...

Tapputi-Belatekallim

Tapputi-Belatekallim

The World's First Known Chemist & DistillerTapputi-Belatekallim stands as a remarkable figure in history, recognized as the world’s first known chemist. Her contributions to the field of perfumery and distillation during the 2nd millennium BCE in Babylonian...

The House of Angostura

The House of Angostura

The Pioneering Days of The House of AngosturaIn the early days of The House of Angostura, the foundation of this illustrious distillery was laid by Dr. Johann Siegert, a visionary German physician with a profound impact on the world of spirits. The journey began in...

Clinking and Earthing Glasses

Clinking and Earthing Glasses

The Tradition of Clinking Glasses and Earthing Beers: A Cultural ExplorationThe custom of clinking glasses when drinking and the ritual of "earthing" beers are both fascinating traditions that have deep cultural and historical roots. These practices are more than mere...

A Shot Of Whiskey

A Shot Of Whiskey

The Origin and Evolution of "A Shot of Whiskey" in American CultureThe phrase "a shot of whiskey" is deeply rooted in the history and folklore of the American Old West, evoking images of rugged cowboys and bustling saloons. But how did this term come to signify a...

Bottle labeling

Bottle labeling

The Legacy of Pierre Pérignon: The Father of Modern Bottle LabelingPierre Pérignon (ca. 1638 - 1715), more commonly known as Dom Pérignon, was a Benedictine monk in the Order of Dom Pérignon OSB in France. His name is synonymous with luxury champagne, largely due to...

Cleopatra’s Pearls

Cleopatra’s Pearls

A legandary tale of a Queen's ExcravagancyCleopatra's pearl, a fascinating and legendary tale from antiquity, is associated with the opulent and extravagant life of Cleopatra VII, the last queen of ancient Egypt. The story is primarily chronicled by the ancient Roman...

El Tecuane Taberna

El Tecuane Taberna

The Ingenious Matitán Indians: Masters of Alcoholic Beverages In the picturesque region of Amatitán, Jalisco, Mexico, where the agave fields stretch as far as the eye can see, lies the historic site of El Tecuane Taberna. Believed to be a part of Amatitán in its early...

Al-kuhl, al-kohl, alcohol

Al-kuhl, al-kohl, alcohol

Al-kohl - The Historical Connection Between Alcohol and MakeupThe term "alcohol" has a rich and intriguing etymological journey, originating from the Arabic words "Al-kohl" or "Al–kuhl," which initially referred to a finely powdered substance used in the meticulous...

Achard’s impact on Slavery and Likör

Achard’s impact on Slavery and Likör

Revolutionizing the Sweetness of the WorldFranz Karl Achard (1753-1821), a German natural scientist, is renowned for revolutionizing the sugar industry through his groundbreaking work in producing sugar from beetroot.  Achard's innovations not only revolutionized...

Abu Bakr al-Razi

Abu Bakr al-Razi

The Pioneer of Distillation Abū Bakr Muḥammad ibn Zakaryā ar-Rāzī, also known as Rhazes or Rasis, was a renowned Persian polymath who lived from approximately 854 to 925 AD in Rey, Persia (modern-day Iran). He is widely regarded as one of the most important physicians...

The Rabbit Scale of Intoxication

The Rabbit Scale of Intoxication

Tepoztēcatl & 400 rabbitsIn Aztec mythology, Tepoztecatl, the god of pulque, was closely associated with rabbits. Pulque, a fermented agave drink, was central to Aztec rituals. Tepoztecatl's link to rabbits was so strong that the Aztecs used "rabbits" to describe...

Taddeo Alderotti

Taddeo Alderotti

Alderotti's Legacy in Medicine and AlchemyTaddeo Alderotti, born in Florence between 1206 and 1215, and died in 1295, was a prominent figure in the history of medicine. His contributions to distillation and medicine during the 13th century laid the foundation for...

Irish Clurichaun

Irish Clurichaun

The Boozy Trickster of Celtic MythMeet the clurichaun, a mischievous cousin of the leprechaun known for one thing: a love of drinking. Originating from Irish Celtic mythology, these small elves are often found in distilleries, breweries, wine cellars, taverns, and...