Tarascoe Mezcal

Distilling & Drinking History Blog

Tarascoe Mezcal Early Distilling at Lake Patzucuaro In 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...

Dutch Courage

Distilling & Drinking History Blog

Dutch Courage Genever’s Evolution from Medicinal Elixir to Gin The 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...

The Great Heidelberger Tun

Barrel Culture

The Great Heidelberger Tun Centuries of Rivalry: Heidelberg Castle’s Quest for Supremacy in Crafting the Largest Wooden Barrel The Heidelberger Tun, a colossal wooden barrel, became the focal point of a protracted and costly power struggle among Germany’s...

Haro Wine Festival

Drinking Customs

Haro Wine Festival The Batalla de Vino in Haro, Spain, a Festival Where Rioja Red Wine Becomes a Symbolic Weapon Held annually on June 29th, Saint Peter’s Day, amidst the picturesque landscape of the Rioja wine region, Batalla de Vino stands as one of Spain’s...

The Nick & Nora Cocktail

Drinks, Cocktails & Likör

The Nick & Nora Cocktail Pioneers of Cocktail Culture on the Silver Screen In 1934, Nick & Nora brought Cocktail Drinking to the big screen and made it famous. The drinking glamour couple Nick Charles (played by William Powell) and his rich wife Nora (Myrna...

The Mystery Drink Shedeh

Early History

The Mystery Drink Shedeh Unlocking the Mysteries of Shedeh: Ancient Egypt’s Enigmatic Drink Revealed For centuries, Shedeh, an ancient Egyptian beverage, shrouded itself in mystery, leaving scholars worldwide debating its origin. Was it a pomegranate wine or...

Livingston Distillery

North American Distilling

Livingston Distillery The Distilling Legacy of a Founding Father Philip Livingston (1716–1778) is widely recognized for his crucial role in signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Born into the esteemed Livingston family, known as “patroons,” they...

The Pen-Tailed Treeshrew

Science

The Pen-Tailed Treeshrew Efficient Metabolism: How Treeshrews Handle Daily Alcohol Consumption Investigations into the treeshrew’s diet are shedding light on its role as an omnivore. Beyond the initial understanding of insect and vertebrate consumption,...

Jahrtausendwein 1540

Barrel Culture

Jahrtausendwein 1540 The Rare Vintage of the Millennium Wine 1540 The “Jahrtausendwein” is a “once-in-a-millennium” vintage wine, a very valuable Riesling wine from the Würzburger Stein vineyard, Würzburg, Germany of 1540. The year of 1540 is...

The Schwedenfass

Barrel Culture

The Schwedenfass The Legend of the Schwedenfass: Housing the Priceless Jahrtausendwein Situated beneath the Würzburg Residence, the State Court Cellar is home to the famed “Schwedenfass” or Swedish barrel. This unique wine barrel holds a significant place...