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Fake Old Whiskey
Counterfeit WhiskeyCounterfeit whiskey has emerged as a serious issue within the spirits industry, with unscrupulous individuals seeking to profit from the allure of rare and aged spirits. Counterfeit whiskey refers to the production and distribution of fake or...
The Hell Hole Swamp Still
Delving into the Past: The Fascinating Story of the Hell Hole Swamp StillNestled within the depths of the Hell Hole Swamp area in Williamsburg County, South Carolina, the Hell Hole Swamp Still, also known as the Williamsburg County Still, harbors a mysterious history...
The Evolution of “Fire Water”
From Alchemical Elixirs to Indigenous Healing BeveragesThe term "Fire Water" has a rich history, evolving from its origins as a descriptor for a burning sensation-inducing drink to encompass a range of meanings across various cultures. Initially associated with...
George Remus
The King of the BootleggersGeorge Remus was an influential figure during the Prohibition era in Cincinnati in the early 20th century. His background as a German immigrant, pharmacist and a defense lawyer granted him a unique advantage in understanding and exploiting...
1894 Milwaukee Brandy Revolution
Brandy & The Columbian Exposition, Chicago 1893The Brandy Revolution took root in Milwaukee during the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893. This global event drew many Wisconsinites, and amidst the various exhibitions, Captain Pabst showcased his...
Versailles Treaty & German Cognac
WWI & Rise Of TrademarksIn 1896, Hugo Asbach, a German distiller (1868-1935), acquired the "Rhenish Cognac" company in Rüdesheim, Germany. Despite not being distilled in the Cognac region of France, Asbach continued the tradition of labeling wine brandy produced...
The Salzburger’s Brandy
Georgia's first distillersIn 1734 Salzburger Emigrants, a group of German-speaking Protestant refugees from the Catholic Archbishopric of Salzburg, sailed from England to Charleston, South Carolina, and thereafter to Savannah, Georgia. Johann Martin Boltzius, the...
Georgia’s Brandy from Corn Stalks
The Salzburgers in GeorgiaIn 1734, a group of Protestant Salzburgers, fleeing religious persecution in their home countries of Germany and Austria, sought refuge by establishing a settlement in the newly formed Colony of Georgia, established in 1732. Interestingly,...
Amrita
The Drink Of ImmortalityAmrita, a revered elixir in ancient Indian Vedas, is often referred to as the nectar of the gods, known by other names such as Soma or Madhu. Beyond its literal sense, Amrita embodies the concept of immortality in Hindu mythology. The Saga Of...
Tarascoe Mezcal
Early Distilling at Lake PatzucuaroIn 1891, the esteemed anthropologist John G. Bourke embarked on an intriguing journey to encounter the Tarascoe people residing near Lake Patzcuaro in Mexico. His exploration led him to the renowned coffee plantations of Uruapan,...
Dutch Courage
Genever's Evolution from Medicinal Elixir to GinThe term "Dutch Courage" is used to describe courage that is gained from drinking alcohol. Franciscus Sylvius de Bouve (1614–1672), a Dutch chemist and alchemist, is often named as the "father of Genever". Modern...
The Great Heidelberger Tun
Centuries of Rivalry: Heidelberg Castle's Quest for Supremacy in Crafting the Largest Wooden BarrelThe Heidelberger Tun, a colossal wooden barrel, became the focal point of a protracted and costly power struggle among Germany's Electors over the centuries. This...
Haro Wine Festival
The Batalla de Vino in Haro, Spain, a Festival Where Rioja Red Wine Becomes a Symbolic WeaponHeld annually on June 29th, Saint Peter’s Day, amidst the picturesque landscape of the Rioja wine region, Batalla de Vino stands as one of Spain's most renowned festivals....
The Nick & Nora Cocktail
Pioneers of Cocktail Culture on the Silver Screen In 1934, Nick & Nora brought Cocktail Drinking to the big screen and made it famous. The drinking glamour couple Nick Charles (played by William Powell) and his rich wife Nora (Myrna Loy) fascinated with witty...
The Mystery Drink Shedeh
Unlocking the Mysteries of Shedeh: Ancient Egypt's Enigmatic Drink RevealedFor centuries, Shedeh, an ancient Egyptian beverage, shrouded itself in mystery, leaving scholars worldwide debating its origin. Was it a pomegranate wine or perhaps a grape wine? The ambiguity...
Livingston Distillery
The Distilling Legacy of a Founding FatherPhilip Livingston (1716–1778) is widely recognized for his crucial role in signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Born into the esteemed Livingston family, known as "patroons," they held vast colonial land parcels...
The Pen-Tailed Treeshrew
Efficient Metabolism: How Treeshrews Handle Daily Alcohol ConsumptionInvestigations into the treeshrew's diet are shedding light on its role as an omnivore. Beyond the initial understanding of insect and vertebrate consumption, researchers are exploring the...
Jahrtausendwein 1540
The Rare Vintage of the Millennium Wine 1540The "Jahrtausendwein" is a "once-in-a-millennium" vintage wine, a very valuable Riesling wine from the Würzburger Stein vineyard, Würzburg, Germany of 1540. The year of 1540 is mostly known for its desastrous drought in...
