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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
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
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
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
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...
The Puss & Mew
Gin & Ingenious Invention in 18th Century LondonThe 18th century in London was marked by an unparalleled obsession with gin, sparking a societal crisis often referred to as the "Gin Craze." To tackle this issue, the British Parliament enacted the Gin Act of 1736,...
Old Tom Gin
"Old Tom" Gin Inspires a modern American "Old-Style Juniper Liqueur" from the Appalachians"Old Tom" Gin was a cherished libation in the 18th-century English pub scene, and is an intriguing mystique. The depiction of Old Tom Gin as a black cat was more than just an...
The Queen Mother’s Cocktail
From Malaria Tonic for French Legionnaires to Royal ApprovalIn 1846, Joseph Dubonnet, a French chemist, crafted a delightful concoction that would forever change the world of aperitifs. This creation, a sweet and aromatic wine-based aperitif, was originally formulated...
Acan & Balché
The Mayan God of Intoxication and his Sacred Brew of BalchéIn the heart of ancient Maya civilization, amidst the verdant jungles and towering pyramids, resides a deity shrouded in mystery and reverence—the god Acan, patron of intoxication, revelry, and spiritual...
Warren Gamaliel Harding
A President Amidst ProhibitionWarren Gamaliel Harding, the 29th President of the United States, is often remembered for his role in the post-World War I era and his approach to economic policies. However, beyond the political landscape, Harding had a more complex and...
Drinking like a Scythian
Spirits of the Steppe: Scythian Drinking CultureIn the vast tapestry of the Eurasian steppe, the Scythians emerge as a nomadic mosaic, a confluence of tribes tracing their origins to modern-day Iran. Between 900 and 200 BCE, they roamed expansively from the Northern...
The Mystery “Huichol” Stills
Exploring the Distillation Heritage of Pre-Columbian TimesIn the heart of west-central Mexico, amidst the Huichol indigenous community, lies an ancient distilling contrivance known as the Huichol still. While its origins have long been shrouded in mystery, recent...
The King’s Ginger
A Regal Libation Crafted for Drive and DelightIn 1901, King Edward VII, a vibrant leader of London society, embraced the dawn of a new era by becoming the first royal to own an automobile. His passion for driving in all weather conditions led to the creation of "The...
The Drink of Nobility
Likör, An Aristocratic ElixirLikör, or liqueurs, stand as historical symbols of prestige and opulence, once exclusively savored by the elite and nobility of Europe. The rich and intricate history of these spiced and sweetened spirits is intertwined with the luxury of...
The Blue Bell Bar
Madame Lizzy's Legacy: The Blue Bell SaloonThe Blue Bell Bar in Guthrie, Oklahoma Territory, holds a storied past that mirrors the rugged tales of the American West. Established during the Oklahoma Land Run in 1889, Guthrie swiftly transformed from a small town into a...
The Visier Rod
Kepler's Revolutionary Work: A New Era in Wine Barrel Measurement The work "Nova stereometria doliorum vinariorum" by Johannes Kepler from the year 1615 marks a turning point in the history of barrel measurement, where the practical methods of gaugers begin to submit...
Bacchanalia
An ancient Roman festival venerating the God of WineBacchanalia, an ancient Roman festival venerating Bacchus, the god of wine and fertility, stands as a vibrant testament to the intertwining of revelry, culture, and mythology. The festival was inspired by the...
The Smoking Bishop
Victorian England's Christmas DrinkThe Smoking Bishop gained widespread popularity during the Victorian era in England, akin to the well-known "mulled wine." This delightful concoction is crafted from red wine, spices, fruits, and notably, port wine sets it apart from...
