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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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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...

The Puss & Mew

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

"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

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

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

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

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 King’s Ginger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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”

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...