Distilling & Drinking History Blog
Origin Of Cacao Puerto Escondido: Unearthing the Olmec “Cradle of Chocolate” and Ancient Cacao Alchemy Puerto Escondido, situated in the lower Ulúa Valley in northern Honduras, may hold the title of the “Cradle of Chocolate,” as evidenced by...
Distilling & Drinking History Blog
Waragi – The War Gin The History and Unique Flavors of Uganda’s Waragi Waragi, a popular distilled spirit originating from Uganda, East Africa, holds a significant place in the nation’s cultural and social fabric. Often considered Uganda’s...
Distilling & Drinking History Blog
Mesca Ulad Mesca Ulad and the Drunken Warriors of Ulster “Mesca Ulad,” a tale rooted in Irish mythology since the 12th century A.D., unfolds the enchanting story of “The Drunkenness of the Warriors of Ulster.” This narrative, divided between...
Distilling & Drinking History Blog
Drinking is the joy of the Rus Vladimir I. Swjatoslawitsch (960-1015) was Grand Duke of Kyiv from 978/980 to 1015. He is considered the most important prince of Kievan Rus. The Christianization of Kievan Rus’ in 988 is the most important event during...
Distilling & Drinking History Blog
Weißenau Abbey The Premonstratensian monastery in Weissenau was founded in 1145. In its abbey was found the parchment manuscript no. 761/765 from the 12th century. At the end of this manuscript text was a trimmed sheet hidden in the cover with various recipes. The...
Distilling & Drinking History Blog, Science
Is Aqua Vitae Whiskey? Unveiling the Origins of Distillation and Aqua Vitae, the ‘Water of Life’ Alchemists across diverse ages and cultures sought the philosopher’s stone, a legendary elixir believed to grant immortality and cure all ailments....
Distilling & Drinking History Blog
Salernus Magister Salernus was a medieval alchemist from the School of Salerno. In 1150 AD the “Master of Salerno”, alias “Salernus” published in the “Mappae Clavicula” recipes for the isolation of alcohol. This is the earliest mention of drinkable alcohol called...
Distilling & Drinking History Blog
The London Beer Flood On October 17th, 1814, the parish of St. Giles, London, England, was hit by a catastrophe killing eight people in a flood of beer. The so called “London Beer Flood” was caused by a large keg containing over 135,000 imperial gallons...
Distilling & Drinking History Blog
The Whisky War Canada and Denmark have been at odds over a small uninhabited island called Hans for decades. Both Canada and Denmark claim the only 1.25 square kilometer island without any vegetation for themselves. Since it is not clear who the stony rock belongs to,...
Distilling & Drinking History Blog
Witches, Brewing, and Distilling Brewing alcohol was part of a woman’s chores for thousands of years as it was closely associated with cooking and baking. From ancient Egypt up to the medieval times it was common that women were running breweries. The Finns...
