The Puss & Mew

The Puss & Mew Gin & Ingenious Invention in 18th Century London The 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...

Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary The Cocktail That Thrived Despite Prohibition The Bloody Mary is much more than a savory brunch favorite; it traces its roots back to one of the most pivotal eras in American history—Prohibition. This iconic cocktail emerged in the 1920s, when Americans...

The Great Boston Molasses Flood

The Great Boston Molasses Flood The Purity Distilling Company’s molasses storage tank In 1919, Boston stood as a hub of rum production in North America, with the Purity Distilling Company’s massive molasses storage tank symbolizing the city’s...

Sumbel

Sumbel The Role of Boasts and Oaths in the Sumbel Tradition The *Sumbel* or *Symbel* is a rich ceremonial tradition rooted in ancient Germanic culture, where the Old English term *Symbel* and the Old Norse *Sumbl* both translate to “feast” or...

Luck of Edenhall

Luck of Edenhall Guardians of Fortune: The Fascinating Story of the Luck of Edenhall Amidst the realm of cultural artifacts, few objects evoke as much mystery and fascination as Luck beakers—fragile glass vessels thought to protect the fortunes of their owners. Among...

Maria-Louca

Maria-Louca Brazil’s Prison Moonshine  In the shadowy confines of Brazil’s prison system, a unique and illicit form of aguardiente known as *Maria Louca* (or “Crazy Mary”) emerges. This homemade spirit, first highlighted in Dr. Drauzio Varella’s...

The Three Chimneys

The Three Chimneys A Legacy of British Colonial Enterprise and Preservation The Three Chimney Distillery site is a significant landmark in American history. Also known as the Three Chimneys Sugar Mill, Oswald’s Swamp Settlement, and the Henry Yonge Plantation,...

The Imperial Eagle Beaker

The Imperial Eagle Beaker Symbolism in 16th Century Drinking Culture A Humpen glass, often referred to as a Humpen or Reichsadlerhumpen, is a significant artifact of European decorative arts and drinking culture from the Renaissance to the Baroque periods. These large...

The Drunken Bakerman

The Drunken Bakerman The Remarkable Tale of the Drunken Bakerman on the Titanic Among the many harrowing and heroic stories of the Titanic, the tale of Charles Joughin, the Drunken Bakerman, stands out for its unique blend of resilience, fortitude, and an unexpected...

The Same Old Moses Saloon

The Same Old Moses Saloon A Pioneering Legacy in Oklahoma’s Liquor History In the heart of Oklahoma’s storied past lies The Same Old Moses Saloon, a historic establishment that played a significant role in the state’s early days. This iconic saloon,...