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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 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...
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...
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