The King’s Ginger

Distilling & Drinking History Blog, Likör

The King’s Ginger A Regal Libation Crafted for Drive and Delight In 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...

The Blue Bell Bar

North American Distilling, Drinking Culture Blog

The Blue Bell Bar Madame Lizzy’s Legacy: The Blue Bell Saloon The 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...

The Visier Rod

Early History, Science

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...

Bacchanalia

Drinking Gods, Myths & Fairytales, Early History

Bacchanalia An ancient Roman festival venerating the God of Wine Bacchanalia, 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...

The Smoking Bishop

Drinks, Cocktails & Likör

The Smoking Bishop Victorian England’s Christmas Drink The 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...

Fake Old Whiskey

Science

Fake Old Whiskey Counterfeit Whiskey Counterfeit 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...

The Hell Hole Swamp Still

North American Distilling, Prohibition

The Hell Hole Swamp Still Delving into the Past: The Fascinating Story of the Hell Hole Swamp Still Nestled 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,...

The Evolution of “Fire Water”

North American Distilling

The Evolution of “Fire Water” From Alchemical Elixirs to Indigenous Healing Beverages The 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...

George Remus

Prohibition

George Remus The King of the Bootleggers George 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...