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Explore every episode of the podcast Liquor and Liqueur Connoisseur

Dive into the complete episode list for Liquor and Liqueur Connoisseur. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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1–50 of 122

TitlePub. DateDuration
Episode 121: Bénédictine28 Aug 202400:21:58

Episode 121 features Bénédictine. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for about $40.

Enjoy this episode with a Béné & Hot, or just sip on it neat.

Bénédictine's official website: https://www.benedictinedom.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1510 - Dom Bernado Vincelli, a monk at the Abbey in Fécamp, Normandy, France, creates an elixir intended to revie tired monks.
  • 1789 - The Abbey is destroyed during the French Revolution and the monks gift documents to secular benefactor Prosper Couillard.
  • 1863 - Alexandre Le Grand creates Bénédictine based upon a manuscript he finds in his grandfather Prosper Couillard's collection.
  • 1864 - Bénédictine is commercialized and the bottle trademarked.
  • 1882 - Alexandre Le Grand purchases the site of the old Abbey and builds a distillery.
  • 1888 - Bottles are first available in the United States.
  • 1904 - The new Le Palais Bénédictine opens after the original distillery was destroyed by arson.
  • 1905 - An outpost for the brand is opened in Paris.
  • 1917 - British soldiers during WWI get a taste for Bénédictine and begin drinking it mixed with hot water post war back home.
  • 1937 - B&B, a version of Bénédictine mixed with Brandy, is first produced.
  • 1984 - The La Grand family sells the brand to Martini-Rossi.
  • 1992 - Bacardi purchases Martini-Rossi, becoming owner of Bénédictine.

Key Cocktails:

Bénédictine has been around for ages and prominently features in the Vieux Carré and Singapore Sling. But, you can also enjoy it like the patrons of the Burnley Miner's Club in England and drink it mixed with hot water.

References:

Wikipedia Article on Bénédictine

YouTube Video Featuring Le Palais Bénédictine - French language

The Spruce Eats Article on Bénédictine

Diffords Guide Article on Bénédictine

The Culture Trip Article on Bénédictine

Epicurious Article on Bénédictine

Liquor.com Article on Bénédictine

BBC Article and Video on the Burnley Miner's Club

Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails - Book

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram:

Guest Episode - B&B from My Tiny Bottles30 Jul 202400:06:17

This is a special guest episode featuring B&B - Bénédictine & Brandy, courtesy of My Tiny Bottles hosted by Tammy Coxen.

Tammy and I are on similar paths, diving into the world of distilled spirits, though Tammy is doing this by exploring her grandmother’s legacy of miniature liquor bottles, one tiny bottle at a time. She has hundreds of bottles waiting to be discovered, and with each she’s telling the story of them and then opening & tasting many of these vintage, collectible bottles! Later this year Tammy and I are planning to get together to taste some tiny bottles, but in the meantime, here’s the story of Benedictine as told through bottle #17 in her collection, B&B.

Enjoy this episode while I work on more of my regular content, including an episode on Bénédictine to follow shortly!

Episode 112: Cacique Guaro02 Dec 202200:18:18

Episode 112 features Cacique Guaro. Bottled in 365ml at 30% ABV, or 60 proof and it retails for about $3.

Enjoy this episode with a pour of Cacique Guaro if you can find it.

Cacique Guaro's official website: https://fanal.co.cr/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1850 - Beverage alcohol production is nationalized in Costa Rica
  • 1853 - Fábrica Nacional De Licores, aka FANAL, is established and begins producing guaro
  • 1980 - FANAL brands Cacique Guaro and begins bottling it
  • 2015 - Cacique Guaro sells 1 million 9-liter equivalent cases

Key Cocktails:

Most Cacique Guaro is consumed mixed with fruit juice, or consumed neat. But, you can try this "fancy" version of a popular shot featuring Cacique Guaro.

Chiliguaro (makes a batch to share)

  • 2 cups tomato juice
  • ⅔ cups Guaro - or as much as you want
  • ½ cup lime juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped onion
  • 1 tbsp chopped red pepper
  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • ½ tsp lizano sauce
  • ¼ tsp tabasco
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Blend all the ingredients, strain and store in a glass bottle in the fridge. Serve very cold in shot glasses.

References:

Wikipedia Article on Cacique Guaro

Article on What is Cacique Guaro from the Tico Times

Article on Giving Guaro a Second Sip from the Tico Times

The National Drink of Cost Rica

YouTube Video on the History of Guaro - In Spanish

YouTube Factory Tour

Canadian Distributor's Website

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 22: Pickle Flavored Vodka04 Sep 202000:15:26

Episode 22 features The World Famous Pickle Flavored Vodka. This clear, dill pickle scented and flavored vodka is made in Idaho, USA. At 30% ABV, or 60 proof, it's the first pickle flavored vodka available.

Enjoy this episode with a Caesar cocktail or Bloody Mary.

Pickle Vodka's official website: https://getpickledvodka.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 2017 / 18 - Founder Austin Chesser is inspired to make Pickle Vodka by seeing the popularity of pickle infused vodka at at Denver, Colorado bar
  • 2019 - The first batch of Pickle Vodka is produced
  • 2020- Available to ship to 26 US states

Key Cocktail:

Pickle Vodka is well suited for use in the Canadian cocktail the Bloody Caesar. It's also good as a shot.

The Bloody Caesar is a variation of the Bloody Mary, but features Clamato or clam juice and is usually spicier. Heres the recipe from Pickle's website:

Celery Salt of Montreal Steak Spice for Rim of Glass

2 - 3 Lime Wedges

3 oz. World Famous Pickle Vodka

6 oz. Clamato Juice

2 -3 Dashes of Worcestershire Sauce

2 - 3 Dashes of Tabasco

1/4 TSP Celery Salt or Montreal Steak Spice to Sprinkle on Top


Run a lime wedge across the top rim of your glass, then dunk the rim in celery salt or Montreal steak spice. Fill glass with ice.

Pour in World Famous Pickle Vodka with lime juice. Fill glass with Clamato juice.

Add Worcestershire sauce and tabasco and sprinkle with Montreal steak spice. Stir together.

Garnish with pickles, cheese, celery, olives, or whatever you desire

References:

The Retro Room Lounge in Denver, Colorado

Wikipedia article on the Caesar cocktail

Statistics on the percentage of women who buy spirits for home consumption.

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 21: Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky - The Distillers Edition28 Aug 202000:20:08

Episode 21 features Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky - The Distillers Edition. This double matured, 10 year old scotch is bottled on the Isle of Skye. At 45.8% ABV, or 91.6 proof, it's the expected proof for a Talisker.

Enjoy this episode with a wee dram!

Talisker's official website: https://www.malts.com/en-us/brands/talisker

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1825 - Brothers Hugh & Kenneth MacAskill arrive on the Isle of Skye
  • 1830 - Talisker distillery is founded
  • 1857 - Donald McLellan takes over from the MacAskills
  • 1866 - John Anderson takes over the distillery
  • 1880 - Alexander Allen and Roderick Kemp take over
  • 1892 - Roderick Kemp sells his share in Talisker and buys Macallan
  • 1916 - A consortium formed by John Walker & Sons and John Dewar & Sons take over
  • 1925 - Consortium evolves to become Distillers Company (DCL), an ancestor of Diageo who currently owns Talisker
  • 1941 - Shut down due to war rationing
  • 1960 - Still house is destroyed in a fire
  • 1972 - Floor malting ceases at Talisker

Key Cocktail:

Neat, with a bit of water if you like.

Talisker recommends trying the spirit with seafood, in particular shellfish.

References:

Wikipedia article on Talisker Distillery

Wikipedia article on Talisker - the region

Article on the Talisker name

Diffords Guide reference on Talisker

2012 video "Share a Taste of Talisker"

2020 Whisky.com Review

2014 Whisky.com Review

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 20 : Cascadia Liqueur21 Aug 202000:17:03

Episode 20 features Cascadia American Bitter Liqueur. It also provides an overview of New Deal Distillery and the various adventures and experiments that lead to Cascadia's creation. At 35% ABV, or 70 proof, it's a decently potent liqueur.

Enjoy this episode with some Cascadia Liqueur!

Cascadia's official website: https://newdealdistillery.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 2001 - Distillery founder Tom Burkleaux gets the idea to start distilling
  • 2004 - New Deal Distillery is founded, the smallest licensed distillery in the USA at the time
  • 2005 - First distillery products go on sale
  • 2013 - Cascadia Liqueur is introduced

Key Cocktail:

Like most bitter spirits, Cascadia is perfect neat as an aperitif or digestif. However, give this cocktail a try should you want to mix it.

Negroni Blanc:

1 1/2 oz. Gin (New Deal Portland Dry Gin 33 recommended)

3/4 oz. Cascadia American Bitter Liqueur

3/4 oz. Cocchi Americano

1 dash orange bitters

1 dash aromatic bitters

Lemon peel for garnish

Mix over ice in a mixing glass and stir. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with the lemon peel.

References:

Thanks again to Tom Burkleaux, Founder of New Deal Distillery for taking the time to speak with me for this episode, and sharing his stories with me.

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 19: Chareau11 Aug 202000:16:29

Episode 19 features Chareau. The world's first Aloe Vera liqueur. At 25% ABV, or 50 proof, it's a fresh new take on a liqueur. Made in small batches in California from locally sourced ingredients.

Enjoy this episode with some Chareau!

Chareau's official website: http://chareau.us/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 2013 - Chareau was launched
  • 2015 - Chareau distillery opened

Key Cocktail:

Many great Chareau cocktails are listed on their website, but these 3 were included with the bottle I received.

Spa Cocktail:

1 1/2 oz. Vodka

3/4 oz. Chareau

1/2 oz. Lemon Juice

Topped with Club Soda

Mix over ice in a shaker, shake, then strain into a Collins glass. Garnish with cucumber.

Endless Summer:

2 oz. Rose wine

3/4 oz. Chareau

1/2 oz. Lime Juice

1/4 oz. Simple Syrup

Topped with Club Soda

Add all ingredients to glass, stir and garnish with fresh botanicals.

Aloe Margarita:

2 oz. Tequila

3/4 oz. Fresh Lime

1/2 oz. Chareau

1/2 oz. Agave Syrup

Mix over ice in a shaker, shake, then pour into a glass with or without a salted rim.

References:

Thanks again to Kurt Charron, Founder of Chareau for taking the time to speak with me for this episode, and providing me with the bottle of Chareau for the tasting.

https://www.startengine.com/chareau

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 18: Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka07 Aug 202000:20:44

Episode 18 features Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka. A low proof, coffee and hazelnut flavored vodka that some may classify as a liqueur.

Enjoy this episode with a pour of Hazelnut Espresso Vodka, or the yummy Coco Puff Martini!

Crater Lake's official website: https://craterlakespirits.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1996 - Bendistillery founded
  • 2001 - Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka introduced
  • 2011 - Brands standardized under the Crater Lake name

Key Cocktail:

This cocktail is the result of experimentation at the tasting room, originally intended to be a temporary drink, it proved so popular it earned a permanent place on the menu .

Coco Puff Martini:

2 oz. Crater Lake Vodka

2 oz. Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka

1 oz. Chocolate syrup

1 oz. Half & Half

Mix over ice in a shaker, shake vigorously, then strain into a graham cracker rimmed martini glass. No garnish needed.

References:

Thanks again to James Padilla, National Sales Manager of Bendistillery for taking the time to speak with me for this episode.

Sister's Coffee

Article on Apollo Astronauts in Bend

Visit Bend Tourist Website

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 17: Drambuie31 Jul 202000:22:39

Episode 17 features Drambuie. A Scotch whisky liqueur. This is the Bonnie Prince Charlie's Drambuie.

Enjoy this episode with some Drambuie!

Drambuie's official website: https://www.drambuie.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1745 - Bonnie Prince Charlie brings Drambuie to the Isle of Skye
  • 1746 - Drambuie is given to Clan MacKinnon
  • 1870s - John Ross, owner of the Broadford Hotel on the Isle of Skye gets the recipe for Drambuie
  • 1893 - James Ross, son of John, registers a trademark for Drambuie
  • 1908 - Drambuie is made in Edinburgh by James Ross' widow Eleanor
  • 1914 - The Drambuie Liqueur Company Ltd. is formed by Malcom MacKinnon, from Eleanor Ross
  • 1916 - Drambuie is the first liqueur accepted to the House of Lords
  • 2014 - William Grant & Sons acquires Drambuie

Key Cocktail:

Most people first have Drambuie in a Rusty Nail, a cocktail synonymous with Drambuie.

Rusty Nail:

1.5 oz. Drambuie

1.5 oz. Scotch Whisky

Twist of lemon.

Pour over ice, add the twist and serve.

References:

Wikipedia article on Drambuie

Difford's Guide Article on Drambuie

Rampant Scotland Article on Drambuie

Wikipedia Article on Charles Edward Stewart

William Grant & Sons

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 16: Frangelico24 Jul 202000:13:29

Episode 16 features Frangelico. An Italian hazelnut liqueur. The iconic bottle is shaped like a friar's robes.

Enjoy this episode with a chilled shot of Frangelico!

Frangelico's official website: http://frangelico.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1891 - Barbero family company is founded that eventually produces Frangelico
  • 1960s - Barbero introduces Diesus, an amaro in the friar bottle
  • 1978 - Frangelico is introduced
  • 2010 - Gruoppo Campari purchases Frangelico

Key Cocktail:

Frangelico lends itself to cocktails, but it's also very good served simply. Either as a chilled shot, on the rocks with some lime, or mixed with soda.

Friar Tuck:

1 oz. Frangelico

1 oz. dark creme de caco

2 oz. cream

Shake with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with nutmeg

Angel Kiss:

Equal parts Frangelico and Vodka with a squeeze of lime, shaken with ice, strained and served in a chilled cocktail glass.

Nuts & Berries:

1.5 oz. Frangelico

1.5 oz. Chambord

3 oz. milk or cream

Shake with ice, strain into a chilled glass and serve.

Nutty Irishman:

3/4 oz. Frangelico

3/4 oz. Irish cream liqueur

Layer in a shot glass, Frangelico first.

References:

Wikipedia article on Frangelico

Barbero 1891 history

2002 Article mentioning additional named ingredients

Press Release on Barbero 1891 acquisition

Gruoppo Campari

Diesus Amaro reference

Spruce Easts article on the difference between a Liquor and a Liqueur

Oregon Hazelnut information

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 15: Stroh 16017 Jul 202000:15:15

Episode 15 features Stroh 160. A high proof spiced "domestic rum" from Austria. It's a secret-recipe flavored rum that is highly regarded in baking.

Enjoy this episode with a sip of Stroh if you dare!

Stroh's official website: https://www.stroh.at/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1832 - Sebastion Stroh begins making liqueurs
  • 1857 - Maria Stroh sets up her own facility in Klagenfurt, Austria
  • 1900 - Stroh wins a gold medal at the World Expo in Paris
  • 1969 - Hanno Maurer-Stroh takes over the family business
  • 2001 - Harold Burstein takes over management
  • 2008 - Harold Burstein buys out Stroh becoming owner and CEO

Key Cocktail:

Stroh isn't used much in cocktails. Its primary function these days is as a baking ingredient, or a Rum Pot fruit compote creation.

For recipes, take a look at Stroh's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/STROHAustria/videos

References:

Niche Import Co. - They provided the bottle for this episode!

Wikipedia article on Stroh

Stroh's Facebook Page

Review by The Rum Minute

Wikipedia article on Rum Pot

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 14: Aperol10 Jul 202000:12:59

Episode 14 features Aperol. An Italian bittersweet liqueur that's a very light 11% alcohol by volume, 22 proof. It's very successful in part due to strong advertising.

Enjoy this episode with an Aperol Spritz!

Aperol's official website: https://www.aperol.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1912 - Silvio and Luigi Barbieri inherit a liqueur company from their father
  • 1919 - Aperol is launched
  • 1960s - Aperol launches the "Ah, Aperol!" TV campaign
  • 2003 - Acquired by Gruppo Campari
  • 2006 - First imported into the USA
  • 2011 - New bottle design
  • 2019 - Aperol Spritz is the 9th best selling cocktail worldwide

Key Cocktail:

Aperol, perhaps more than any other liqueur is known for a single cocktail, the Aperol Spritz.

The cocktail was invented in the 1950s. Make it by filling a wine glass with ice, then pour in the following:

3oz. Prosecco

2oz. Aperol

1oz. soda water

Gently stir, garnish with an orange wheel or wedge.

References:

Ah, Aperol! TV commercial from 1965

Wikipedia article on Aperol

Gruppo Campari Aperol Product Background

Town & Country article on Aperol Spritz

Gruppo Campari Net Sales by Brand

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 13: Laird's Applejack03 Jul 202000:15:49

Episode 13 features Laird's Applejack. It's 35% apple brandy and 65 neutral grain spirit, bottled at 40% alcohol by volume, 80 proof. Bottled by America's oldest family-run distillers.

Enjoy this episode with some Applejack neat or with a Jack Rose cocktail!

Laird's Applejack official website: https://lairdandcompany.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1698 - William Laird first makes a distilled apple spirit in New Jersey
  • 1717 - Applejack made at the Colts Neck Inn in New Jersey
  • 1760 - George Washington asks for and receives the Laird recipe for Applejack
  • 1780 - Robert Laird founds Laird & Company and the US Department of the Treasury issues them license number one
  • 1849 - The distillery at the Colts Neck Inn burns
  • 1851 - Distillery established at Scobeyville, New Jersey
  • Prohibition years - The Lairds sell non-alcoholic apple products
  • 1933 - Issued a license to produce Applejack for "medicinal purposes"
  • Post Prohibition - the company thrives and acquires competitors
  • 1970s & 80s - Expand to non-apple based spirits and begin importing wine.
  • 2010 - Applejack makes up about 5% of Laird's total sales

Key Cocktail:

Applejack is one of the oldest American distilled spirits, so it fetures in many vintage cocktail recipes. That said, it's great just sipped neat or on the rocks.

The classic cocktail for Applejack is the Jack Rose. It's said on the Laird website that: "The Jack Rose is to Applejack what the Martini is to gin."

Make is by shaking over ice and straining into a coupe or martini glass the following:

2oz. Applejack

3/4oz. fresh lemon juice

1/2oz. grenadine

Enjoy!

References:

CNN Business Company Profile Video from 2010

Wikipedia article on Laird & Company

Wikipedia article on Applejack

Wikipedia article on Johnny Appleseed

Colts Neck New Jersey History

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 111: Tia Maria25 Nov 202200:16:30

Episode 111 features Tia Maria. Bottled in 750ml at 26.5% ABV, or 53 proof and it retails for about $31.

Enjoy this episode with a pour of Tia Maria on ice or in an Espresso Martini.

Tia Maria's official website: https://www.tiamaria.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1947 - Tia Maria is created with Dr. Kenneth Evans as the named founder
  • 1980s - Hiram Walker acquires the brand
  • 2005 - Pernod Ricard ends up with Tia Maria through acquisitions
  • 2009 - Pernod Ricard sells Tia Maria to Illva Saronno

Key Cocktails:

Tia Maria is claimed to be the first coffee liqueur used in an Espresso Martini, so try it that way.

Tia Espresso Martini

  • 25ml Tia Maria
  • 25ml Vodka
  • Single or Double Shot of Espresso
  • 3 coffee beans for garnish

Shake all ingredients with ice, double strain into a chilled Martini glass, garnish with three coffee beans.

References:

Wikipedia Article on Tia Maria

Diffords Guide on Tia Maria

Press Release on Pernod Ricard sale to Illva Saronno

Press Release on new bottle design

Cocktail-Society.com Article on Tia Maria

Trade Focused Sales Sheet PDF, circa 2020

Tia Maria's first TV Ad on YouTube

Product Listing for Vanilla Beans Defining Bourbon Vanilla

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 12: Lysholm Linie Aquavit26 Jun 202000:16:10

Episode 12 features Lysholm Linie Aquavit from Norway. It's a caraway flavored potato-based liquor bottled at 41.5% alcohol by volume, 83 proof.

Enjoy this episode with some Linie neat!

Linie's official website: https://linie.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1805 - Lysholm ships aquavit to the East Indies, nobody buys it
  • 1807 - Aquavit shipment returns to Norway, aged from the sea voyage
  • 1821 - Current recipe developed
  • 2103 - Over 2.5 million bottles produced that year
  • 2018/19 - The Linie Proof live stream of a shipment of maturing aquavit

Key Cocktail:

Linie isn't really meant for mixing.

You simply drink it neat as they do in Norway. However, the Linie website has a few recipes.

References:

Euromaxx TV segment from 2013.

60 Second Linie TV ad for the US market

Adam Rogers' book: Proof, the Science of Booze

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 11: Zwack Unicum19 Jun 202000:24:00

Episode 11 is dedicated to Zwack Unicum, the national drink of Hungary. It's a bittersweet herb liqueur bottled at 40% alcohol by volume, 80 proof.

Enjoy this episode with some Zwack neat!

Zwack's official website: https://zwackunicum.hu/en/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1790 - Unicum invented by Dr. Zwack
  • 1840 - Zwack Company founded to commercialize Unicum
  • 1883 - Hungarian trademark for Unicum issued
  • 1890s - The Zwack distillery produces more than 200 products
  • 1892 - New distillery completed on the banks of the Danube
  • 1895 - "Sole Purveyors to the Imperial and Royal Court of Emperor Franz Josef" designation
  • 1899 - Begin using the Red Cross on bottles
  • 1930s - Company run by brothers Bela and Jonas Zwack
  • 1940s - WWII destroys the distillery
  • 1945-48 - Distillery rebuilt
  • 1948 - Communist regime confiscates the distillery and business
  • 1958 - Janos wins an injunction agains the US importer
  • 1970s - Peter Zwack, son of Bela, oversees Unicum production in Italy
  • 1988 - Peter partners with the state-run Zwack distillery in Hungary
  • 1992 - Peter and partners buy out the state at the fall of communism
  • 1993 - Zwack Unicum Company listed on the Budapest Stock Exchange
  • 2004 - Unicum Next introduced

Key Cocktail:

Zwack isn't very suitable for mixing.

You simply drink it neat. Or chilled, many in Hungary keep a bottle in the freezer.

References:

Hungarian Unicum website: https://unicum.hu/

Taste of Hungary Article

CNN article on Hungary's National Drink

Wikipedia article on Zwack

Bon Appetit article on Zwack Unicum

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 10: Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey12 Jun 202000:21:31

Episode 10 features Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey. The second best selling Irish whiskey in the world. It's a blend of three types of whiskey, matured in three different cask types, listen to learn why Tullamore Dew is intertwined with the number three. 40% alcohol by volume, 80 proof.

Episode 10 also highlights the Irish Coffee served at the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco, which pours about 100 bottles of Tullamore Dew a day!

Enjoy this episode with a dram of Tullamore Dew!

Tullamore Dew's official website: https://www.tullamoredew.com/en-gb/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1829 - Distillery founded in Tullamore, Ireland
  • 1890s - Tullamore Dew brand launched
  • 1952 - Irish Coffee introduced at the Buena Vista Cafe
  • 1954 - The original Tullamore distillery closes
  • 1960s - Brand sold to John Powers & Son
  • 1994 - Brand sold to C&C Group
  • 2010 - Brand acquired by William Grant & Son
  • 2014 - New distillery in Tullamore, Ireland opens

Key Cocktail:

This episode devotes a good portion to the tale of the Irish Coffee that's served at San Francisco's Buena Vista Cafe.

Irish Coffee:

  • 1 1/3 oz. Tullamore Dew
  • 2 sugar cubes
  • 4 oz. of hot coffee
  • Fresh lightly whipped cream

Served in a bespoke 6 oz. glass. First the glass is heated by filling with hot water, then drained, 2 sugar cubes are added, then coffee. Sugar and coffee are stirred. Add the Tullamore Dew. Float the cream on top. Enjoy without mixing! Drink the hot coffee through the cold cream.

Additional cocktail recipes can be found on Tullamore Dew's website.

References:

The Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco

Wikipedia article on Tullamore Dew

History of Ireland article on Tullamore Distillery

Whiskey Buzz YouTube featuring Tullamore Dew Global Brand Ambassador

Tullamore Dew's ad "The Beauty of Blend"

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 9: Tuaca Originale Italiano05 Jun 202000:14:29

Episode 9 features Tuaca Originale Italiano liqueur. This sweet, brandy based liqueur flavored with citrus and vanilla is said to date all the way back to the 15th century. It's 35% alcohol by volume, 70 proof. Uses Italian brandy, but made in Canada by Sazerac.

Enjoy this episode with some chilled Tuaca!

Tuaca's official website: https://www.tuaca.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 15th Century - Liqueur created to honor Lorenzo de Medici, ruler of Florence, Italy
  • 1938 - Recipe rediscovered and recreated by Gaetano Tuoni and Giorgio Canepa in Livorno, Italy
  • 2004 - Brand purchased by Brown-Forman
  • 2010 - Distillery in Livorno, Italy closed permanently
  • 2016 - Brand acquired by Sazerac

Key Cocktail:

Tuaca is best served chilled, just straight or on the rocks, but it works well in several cocktails.

Hot Apple Pie:

  • 2 oz. Tuaca
  • 6 oz. warm apple cider
  • Whipped cream to garnish
  • Cinnamon (stick or ground) to garnish

Mix in a mug and enjoy!

Additional cocktail recipes can be found on Tuaca's website.

References:

Article on the closing of the Livorno distillery: Goodbye Tuaca

Washington Post Article: Tuaca - You Heard It Here First

Wikipedia article on Tuaca

Wikipedia article on Sazerac

The Spruce Eats: Tuaca

The Spirits Business: Sazerac gives Tuaca new recipe and design

The story behind Brighton, England's love of Tuaca

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 8: Giffard Menthe Pastille29 May 202000:19:33

Episode 8 covers a classic, original liqueur that spawned countless generics and gave rise to a famous cocktail. It's 24% alcohol by volume, 48 proof. A product of France, made by a fourth generation family, its Giffard Menthe Pastille. A mint liqueur.

Episode 8 also delves into the Grasshopper cocktail, made possible by Giffard Menthe Pastille, though it's not an ingredient.

Enjoy this episode with Giffard Menthe Pastille on the rocks, or mix up a Grasshopper!

Giffard's official website (French): http://www.giffard.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1885 - Emile Giffard invents Menthe Pastille
  • 1918 - Philip Guichet invents the Grasshopper cocktail using crème de menthe

Key Cocktail:

This episode devotes about half its length to discussions of the generic form of Menthe Pastille (crème de menthe) and the most famous cocktail using the green version, the Grasshopper.

Grasshopper (original basic recipe):

  • 1.5 oz. Green crème de menthe
  • 1.5 oz. white crème de cacao
  • 1.5 oz. cream

Shake with ice, strain into a cocktail glass or flute.

Tujague's current recipe:

  • 1 oz. white crème de cacao
  • ½ oz. dark crème de cacao
  • ½ oz. green crème de menthe
  • ¼ oz. white crème de menthe
  • 2½ oz. heavy whipping cream
  • ⅛ oz. brandy

Shake all but the brandy with ice and strain into a flute. Float the brandy on top.

Additional recipes and variations including those that include ice cream popularized in the 1950s and 60s, can be found in this Eater article: A Brief History of the Grasshopper

References:

Difford's Guide: Giffard Menthe Pastille

US Importer: Back Bar Project, LLC

Tujague's Restaurant in New Orleans

Article on Flow Through Spittoons

Gray Line Original Cocktail Walking Tour of New Orleans

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 7: Seagram's Seven Crown22 May 202000:13:44

Episode 7 needed a big 7 for it! So, I've featured a bottle of Seagram's Seven Crown. It's 40% alcohol by volume, 80 proof. The most successful American blended whiskey ever!

Enjoy this episode with a 7 & 7!

Seagram's official website: https://www.seagrams7.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1857 - Original Seagram's Distillery founded
  • 1934 - Seagram's Seven Crown Launched
  • 2000 - Brand acquired by Diageo

Key Cocktail:

Seagram's Seven Crown is a rare spirit that has a notable cocktail named after it.

7 & 7 (this is the Seagram's version):

  • 1.5 oz. Seagram's Seven Crown
  • 5 oz. 7UP

Pour over ice. Add a lime wedge if you want to be fancy.

Get the 7UP version: here

References:

Booze Business Blog: Seagram's 7 Crown: Then and Now

Everything 2 Mention that first alerted me to Seagram's 5 Crown

Wikipedia Article on Seagram's

Wikipedia article on Seagram's Seven Crown

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 6: Amaro Sfumato Rabarbaro16 May 202000:14:12

Episode 6 features a bottle of Amaro Sfumato Rabarbaro. It's 20% alcohol by volume, 40 proof. A smokey digestif. Imported from Italy to the USA. Made in the Trento region of northern Italy by Antica Erboristeria Cappalletti.

Enjoy this episode with a glass of Sfumato!

Sfumato doesn't have a stand alone brand website, but here's the distiller's official website: https://www.cappellettinovasalus.it

The US importer, Haus Alpenz has a nice listing with details in English: https://alpenz.com/product-sfumato.html

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1906 - Cappelletti is founded
  • 2017 - Sfumato is imported into the USA

Key Cocktails:

As an amaro, Sfumato is perfectly served neat, but it does add a great smokiness to cocktails.

Campfire Sour:

  • 1.5 oz. Sfumato
  • 1.5 oz. Bourbon (90-prof recommended)
  • .5 oz. Lemon juice

Shake with ice. Strain into a double rocks glass over ice and garnish with a lemon wheel.

Many more recipes can be found here: Recipes

References:

BooK: Amaro - The Spirited World of Bittersweet, Herbal Liqueurs by Brad Thomas Parsons

Chicago Tribune Story on Sfumato

Brief Punch article on Sfumato

The Fireside where I first tried Sfumato

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 5: Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur10 May 202000:12:50

The fifth episode features a bottle of Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur. It's 35% alcohol by volume, 70 proof. Imported from Germany by Niche Importing Co. to the USA. Made in Germany by Schwarze und Schlichte using an original 18th century recipe. Known as Bärenfang in Germany.

This episode is best enjoyed with some Bärenjäger.

Bärenjäger's official website: https://barenjagerhoney.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 15th Century - Teukce and Koneig commercialize the liqueur as bear bait
  • 18th Century - Recipe is refined and Bärenjäger as it's known today is born
  • 2011 - Bottle changes to be all glass, losing the straw basket and strap

Key Cocktails:

This is taken directly from the bottle's hangtag.

Bees Knees:

  • 1 oz. Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur
  • 1 oz. Gin
  • .75 oz. Lemon juice
  • Top with Club Soda

Mix in a Collins glass on ice. Add lemon and mint as garnish.

Also, try as a substitute in any recipe that calls for honey, or pour over pancakes for breakfast!

References:

YouTube showing how to make your own honey liqueur (in German)

Wikipedia page on Bärenfang

Schwarze und Schlichte website - the makers of Bärenjäger

Press Release referencing bottle design change

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 4: El Jimador Tequila Silver05 May 202000:19:04

The fourth episode features a bottle of El Jimador Tequila Silver. A leftover from my Cinco de Mayo party last year, but it's a good spirit! It's a 1.75 L bottle that's 40% alcohol by volume, or 80 proof.

This episode is best enjoyed with El Jimador Tequila Silver! Or a margarita made with it.

El Jimador's official website: https://www.eljimador.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1994 - Brand launched
  • 2005 - Sold nearly 1.4 million, 9 liter cases worldwide, 150,000 in the USA
  • 2006/2007 - Brand acquired by Brown-Forman
  • Late 2000s - Best selling tequila in Mexico with 12% market share

Key Cocktails:

The two margaritas featured at my Cinco de Mayo party, referenced on the Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker website, though apparently no longer available.

Peachy Ginger Rita:

  • 3 oz. Silver Tequila - El Jimadora of course!
  • 1.5 oz. Peach Schnapps
  • 1.5 oz. Lime juice
  • 6 oz. Ginger ale

If making in the machine, you fill the top reservoir with ice, combine ingredients in the glass mixing jar, hit the "go baby go" button to concoct until smooth, pour into a glass and enjoy! If you don't have the machine, just blend with ice until smooth.

Key West Margarita

  • 4.5 oz. Silver Tequila - El Jimador of course!
  • 3 oz. Melon Liqueur - don't skimp, spring for Midori
  • 3 oz. Pina Colada Mix
  • 1.5 oz. Lime juice
  • 1.5 oz. Orange juice
  • 3 dashes of Grenadine

If making in the machine, you fill the top reservoir with ice, combine ingredients in the glass mixing jar, hit the "go baby go" button to concoct until smooth, pour into a glass and enjoy! If you don't have the machine, just blend with ice until smooth.

Sparkling Rose Margarita Punch - The surprise hit of the party!

  • 10 oz. Strawberry-basil infused Silver Tequila - El Jimador of course (soak cut strawberries and bruised basil in the tequila for up to 24 hours, then strain)
  • 5 oz. Fresh lime juice
  • 4 oz. Agave syrup
  • 1 Bottle Sparkling Rose (750 ml)
  • Garnish with sliced strawberries and lime wheels

Combine the tequila, lime juice and agave syrup, add cubed ice and stir with a ladle to mix. Top with sparkling rose and garnish.

References:

Wikipedia page on Casa Herradura

Brown-Forman Press Release on Acquisition

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 3: Bundaberg Overproof Rum02 May 202000:26:30

The third episode features a bottle of rum that was gifted to me, and sat in my liquor cabinet for a decade before I opened it for this show. A large bottle of Bundaberg Overproof rum from Australia. It's 57.7% alcohol by volume, so 115.4 Proof.

This episode is best enjoyed with Bundy rum and cola!

Bundaberg Rum's official website: https://www.bundabergrum.com.au/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1888 - Distillery founded
  • 1936 - Distillery fire burns the place to the ground
  • 1940s - American GI's mix Bundy and Coke and the distillery does too
  • 1961(2) - Mascot Bundy R. Bear - a polar bear, is introduced
  • 2000 - Brand and distillery purchased by Diageo
  • 2014 - Bottling moved to a suburb of Sydney
  • 2016 - New visitor center in Bundaberg is opened

Great YouTube Channel with historic videos, including advertisements: https://www.youtube.com/user/BundyShowcase/videos

Key Cocktails:

Bundy and Cola. Mix to your preference.

Bundy Dark and Stormy

  1. Fill a high ball glass with ice
  2. Squeeze in some fresh lime juice
  3. Fill with Bundaberg Brewed Ginger Beer
  4. Top with 1 oz. Bundy Rum to create the "stormy" effect
  5. Garnish with a lime wedge
  6. Enjoy!

References:

Wikipedia Page for Bundaberg Rum

Bundaberg Distilling Company Showcase

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 110: Glayva14 Oct 202200:17:49

Episode 110 features Glayva. Bottled in 750ml at 35% ABV, or 70 proof and it retails for about $36.

Enjoy this episode with a pour of Glayva neat.

Glayva's official website: https://www.glayva.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1947 - Ronald Morrison creates Glayva
  • 1960s - Glayva begins to spread across the UK and around the globe
  • 1993 - Whyte & Mackay Ltd. acquire the brand
  • 2022 - Glayva wins yet another double gold at the IWSC

Key Cocktails:

Enjoy Glayva neat or over ice.

References:

My thanks to Whyte & Mackay Ltd. for answering questions I had about Glayva via email and helping to fill in some of the blank.

Whyte & Mackay Ltd Listing for Glayva

Scotsman.com Article on Glayva

Scottish Dance Site with Historical Bottles

Glayva.com Circa December 2004

Telegraph.co.uk Article on Glayva (archived)

Wikipedia Article on Glayva

Wikipedia Article on Leith

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 2: Santa Teresa 1796 Solera Rum02 May 202000:17:22

The second episode features my current favorite sipping rum, Santa Teresa 1796 Solera Rum. This is a product of Hacienda Santa Teresa, an 8,000 acre estate in the northern part of Venezuela. This rum is aged from 4 to 35 years. It's 40% alcohol by volume, so 80 Proof.

This episode is best enjoyed with a glass of 1796!

Santa Teresa 1796's official website: https://www.santateresarum.com

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1796 - Hacienda Santa Teresa founded
  • 1830 - Rum production begins
  • 1996 - Bicentennial of the Hacienda and launch of 1796 Solera Rum
  • 2017 - Global distribution deal with Bacardi

Solera System Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGMVvPUiTzU

Key Cocktails:

Santa Teresa 1796 should be enjoyed neat.

References:

Interview with Nestor Alfonso Ortega Sotero, Master Distiller of Santa Teresa Rum

Barrons Magazine Interview: 20 Minutes with: Alberto Vollmer, CEO of Venezuela's Santa Teresa Rum

The Hype Magazine Interview: Santa Teresa Rum's Josh Campbell

Distilling Order From Chaos: Making Santa Teresa Rum in Venezuela

Episode 1: Midori Melon Liqueur02 May 202000:23:13

In this premier episode I've focused on Midori Melon Liqueur, a green spirit from Suntory in Japan that is 20% alcohol by volume, or 40 Proof. I also take some time to introduce myself and why I've started this podcast, plus what listeners can expect in future episodes.

This episode is best enjoyed with some Midori!

Midori's official website: www.midori-world.com

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1964 - First introduced as Hermes Melon Liqueur
  • 1971 - Gained international acclaim at IBA Championships
  • 1978 - Launched at Studio 54 in New York
  • 1987 - Production begins in Mexico
  • 2003 - Production also begins in France
  • 2007 - Packaging updates and worldwide sales top 300,000 cases
  • 2013 - New formulation and packaging update

Key Cocktails:

The Universe - This exquisite cocktail took home the grand prize at the US Bartenders Guild Annual Competition in 1978.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 oz. Midori
  • 1/2 oz. Vodka
  • 1/2 oz. Pistachio flavored liqueur
  • 1 1/2oz. Pineapple juice
  • 1/2 oz. Lime juice

Shake ingredients together with ice and pour into a whiskey sour glass. Enjoy!

Midori Sour - This is my go-to cocktail is I'm drinking Midori at a bar.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Midori
  • 2 oz. Sour mix
  • Maraschino Cherry garnish

Served in a rocks or collins glass, ingredients are simply poured in one after the other. Variations on this simple recipe improve the drink by introducing vodka and using fresh lemon and lime juice in place of the sour mix.

Melon Ball - The recipe printed on the back of the bottles today.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz. Midori
  • 1 oz. Vodka
  • 3 oz. Pistachio flavored liqueur
  • Green melon garnish

Served over ice in a rocks glass.


References:

Wikipedia Article on Midori

Web Archive Timeline

Bar Magazine Article: Made in Japan: New Directions for Midori


Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur






Episode 109: Gordon's Gin24 Sep 202200:17:28

Episode 109 features Gordon's London Dry Gin. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for $12.

Enjoy this episode with the late Queen's favorite cocktail, the Dubonnet.

Gordon's official website: https://www.gordonsgin.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1769 - Alexander Gordon found his distillery in London
  • 1786 - The distillery moves to Clerkenwell in London
  • 1823 - Alexander's son Charles takes over after a 7 year apprenticeship
  • 1877 or 1889 - The Gordon family sells to John Currie & Co.
  • 1898 - Gordon's merges with Tanqueray
  • 1904 - Gordon's begins being bottled in green glass
  • Circa 1905 - Gordon's creates an export label and applies it to clear glass
  • 1924 - Gordon's introduces a line of pre-mixed cocktails
  • 1934 - Gordon's opens a distillery in New Jersey, USA
  • 1962 - Gordon's becomes the bet selling gin in the world
  • 1998 - Production of the UK and Europe moves to Fife, Scotland
  • 2021 - Annual case sales reached 7.4 million 9-liter equivalent cases

Key Cocktails:

Enjoy Gordon's in the classic Dubonnet Cocktail.

1 part Gordon's Gin

2 parts Dubonnet (French aperitif wine)

Lemon Twist Garnish

Shake liquid ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

References:

Wikipedia Article on Gordon's

Diageo Bar Academy Article

Diageo Bar Academy History of Gordon's

The Spirits Business Gordon's Brand History

Wikipedia Article on the Gin Craze

Wikipedia Article on Gin Lane

The Gin Guide Listing -includes list of botanicals

Hello Magazine Article on The Queen's Favorite Gin Brand - it was Gordon's

The Queen's Favorite Dubonnet Cocktail

The Spirits Business Article on New Bottle Designs for Gordon's

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram:

Episode 108: Waterford Whisky Biodynamic Luna 1.110 Sep 202200:21:28

Episode 108 features Biodynamic Luna 1.1 from Waterford Whisky. Bottled in 750ml at 50% ABV, or 100 proof. This retails for $119.

Enjoy this episode with any of the Waterford Whisky offers you can get your hands on!

The official website for Waterford Whisky: https://waterfordwhisky.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 2004 - Diageo build the Waterford distillery site as a beer brewery
  • 2015 - Mark Reynier converts the closed brewery into a whisky distillery
  • 2016 - The first distillation goes into casks
  • 2020 - The first releases are made available from Waterford

Key Cocktails:

Drink this neat. Add one or two cubes of ice if you like, but treat it as you would any good Single Malt.

References:

My interview with Neil Conway, Head Brewer for Waterford Whisky.

Whiskey Magazine Interview with Mark Reynier

Biodynamics Manure Horns Downloadable PDF

More detail on Manure Horns Prep and Biodynamic Principles

Biodynamics.com Principles and Practices

Book (pages 120-123): From Barley to Blarney - A Whiskey Lover's Guide to Ireland, presented by the Dead Rabbit, Sean Muldoon, Jack McGarry, Tim Herlihy, and Conor Kelly

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 107: Vestal Vodka20 Aug 202200:24:43

Episode 107 features Vestal Vodka, Polish Potato Vodka. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof. There are three options covered, the Unfiltered 2015 Vintage that retails for $28. Next is the standard or "white label" that retails for $20. Last is the Black Cherry that retails for $21.

Enjoy this episode with any of the Vestal Vodkas you can get your hands on!

The official website for Vestal Vodka: https://www.vestalvodka.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • Early 1990s - William Borrell's father buys a farm in Poland
  • 2009 - The Borrell's grow a crop of potatoes on their Polish farm and have it distilled into vodka
  • 2010 - This first version of their vodka earns a perfect score on Difford's Guide
  • 2020 - Halewood, a UK based spirits producer, purchases 48% of Vestal forming a partnership
  • 2021 - TotalWine begins distributing Vestal Vodka in the USA, including all of the available Unfiltered 2015 Vintage
  • 2022 - The brand is hitting it's stride, growing distribution while staying true to their traditional production methods

Key Cocktails:

It depends upon which version of Vestal you're drinking, but for the Unfiltered 2015 Vintage, let its flavor shine. The standard or "white label" is well suited for any vodka cocktail. The Black Cherry? Use it for flavor, recommended to be mixed with Coke for an alcoholic Cherry Coke.

References:

My interview with William Borrell, founder of Vestal Vodka.

Chilled Magazine Article on Vestal Vodka

The Spirits Business Article Featuring William Borrell

The Spirits Business Article on Halewood Partnering with Vestal

Vice Article on Polish Moonshine

The Ladies & Gents Bar

Inside Hook Review

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 106: Myers's Rum10 Aug 202200:19:29

Episode 106 features Myers's Rum - Original Dark from Jamaica. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof. It retails for $20.

Enjoy this episode with a Myers's Planter's Punch!

The official website for Myers's Rum: https://www.myerssrum.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1879 - Fred L. Myers founds the Myers's Rum brand
  • 1920s - The brand finds popularity as an inclusion in the Planter's Punch, adding this to their brand description
  • 1954 - Eustace Myers sells the brand to Seagram's
  • 2000 - Diageo acquires Myers's when Seagram's implodes
  • 2018 - The Sazerac Company acquires the brand from Diageo

Key Cocktails:

Try the Planter's Punch.

  • 1 part fresh squeeze lime juice
  • 2 parts simple syrup
  • 3 parts Myers's Original Dark Rum
  • 4 parts ice
  • Dash of bitters
  • Orange wheel as garnish

Add all ingredients into a shaker, shake, then strain into a highball filled with fresh shaved ice. Garnish and serve.

References:

Sazerac Brand Listing

Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails Book Excerpt

The Fat Rum Pirate Myers's Rum Review

Rum Label Collection Website Featuring Myers's Rum

And a Bottle of Rum by Wayne Curtis

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 105: Broken Shed Vodka25 Jul 202200:21:04

Episode 105 features Broken Shed Vodka from New Zealand. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof. It retails for $25.

Enjoy this episode with some Broken Shed with a twist!

The official website for Broken Shed: https://brokenshed.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 2008 - Two Americans on sabbatical fall in love with the Wanaka region of New Zealand and move there permanently
  • 2009 - Broken Shed Vodka is born when the first two founders wonder why they're drinking imported vodka, and decide to make one in New Zealand
  • 2010 - After about a year of trials and tastings, Broken Shed Vodka is ready
  • 2012 - Broken Shed Vodka becomes available in the USA
  • 2022 - The brand closes in on 20,000 annual 9-liter equivalent case sales

Key Cocktails:

Let the vodka shine in a cocktail, try not to overpower it. Broken Shed Vodka also works really well for infusions.

References:

My interview with Mark Simmonds, Master Blender of Broken Shed Vodka along with materials provided by the brand.

Huff Post Article from 2012

Chilled Magazine Article on Broken Shed

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 104: Maker's Mark16 Jul 202200:30:44

Episode 104 features Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky. Bottled in 750ml at 45% ABV, or 90 proof. It retails for about $28.

Enjoy this episode with a Maker's Mark Old Fashioned!

The official website for Maker's Mark: https://www.makersmark.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1840 - T.W. Samuels erects the family's first commercial distillery in Kentucky
  • 1943 - Bill Samuels gets out of his family business, for awhile
  • 1953 - Bill Samuels founds Maker's Mark
  • 1958 - The first bottles of Maker's Mark are hand dipped in red sealing wax
  • 1973 - Maker's Mark hires Kentucky ad agency Doe Anderson
  • 1975 - Bill Samuels, Jr. becomes President and CEO of Maker's Mark
  • 1980 - Maker's Mark is featured on the front page of The Wall Street Journal
  • 1981 - Hiram Walker buys Maker's Mark
  • 2004 - A second still is added to increase production
  • 2005 - Pernod Ricard (who ended up with Maker's Mark through acquisitions) sells the brand to Fortune Brands, which would become part of Beam Suntory
  • 2011 - Maker's Mark sells 1 million 9-liter case equivalents for the first time
  • 2011 - Rob Samuels, grandson of the founder, takes over when his father Bill Samuels, Jr. retires
  • 2013 - Proof is reduced 3%, but only for a moment
  • 2015 - A $67 million investment includes a third still and new warehouses
  • 2019 - Maker's Mark sells 2.4 mill cases

Key Cocktails:

Use as you would any quality bourbon. I'm drinking it neat, but try it in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

References:

Book: Maker's Mark - My Autobiography by Bill Samuels, Jr. published in 2000

Wikipedia Article on Maker's Mark

Brand History Article on The Spirits Business

Drink Spirits Story on Maker's Mark Whisky

Maker's Mark on The Spirits Educator

Vinepair.com Article on Hops Used in Production

Vinepair.com Article on Maker' Mark

Doe Anderson Ad Agency for Maker's Mark

Press Release on Bill Samuels, Jr. Retiring via the Wayback Machine

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

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Episode 103: Flor de Caña 1208 Jul 202200:20:37

Episode 103 features Ron Flor de Caña 12. Boxed and bottled, it's 750ml at 35% ABV, or 70 proof and was intended for the domestic Nicaraguan market. In the United States, this is sold at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for about $40.

Enjoy this episode with a neat pour of Flor de Caña 12!

The official website for Ron Flor de Caña 12: https://flordecana.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1875 - Alfredo Francisco Pellas Canessa immigrants to Nicaragua from Genoa, Italy
  • 1890 - Alfredo sets up a sugar plantation and the workers celebrate the harvest with some rum made on site
  • 1937 - Flor de Caña is established as a brand
  • 1959 - Flor de Caña begins export sales in Central America
  • 1980s - The brand stockpiles aging rum, amassing the largest reserves of aged rum in the world
  • 1999 - Flor de Caña is sold to 40 countries and 5 continents worldwide
  • 2012 - Distillery tours begin, following investment
  • 2013 - The branding was updated including the bottles
  • 2017 - International Wine and Spirits Competition awarded the brand the Best Rum in the World

Key Cocktails:

This is a sipping rum for sure, just great on it's own. However, you may also want to try it in a rum Old Fashioned.

References:

Wikipedia Article on Flor de Caña

Brand History YouTube Video

An Older Brand History YouTube Video

Brand Ad on YouTube

Distillery Tour YouTube Video

Production Video on YouTube

Spanish Language YouTube Video Purporting 80% is 12 Years Old Rum

Wikipedia Article on Nicaragua

Wikipedia Article on Nicaraguan Revolution

The Spirits Business Article on Packaging Update

Press Release on Tree Planting Campaign

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

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Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

Episode 120: Everclear05 Apr 202400:22:57

Episode 120 features Everclear Grain Alcohol. Bottled in 750ml at 95% ABV, or 190 proof and it retails for about $21.

Enjoy this episode with something you've made with Everclear.

Everclear's official website: https://diywitheverclear.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1922 - Everclear is mentioned in various issues of the Druggists Circular as a product of American Distilling Company.
  • 1936 - Article lists Everclear alongside whiskey, gin and rum.
  • 1950 - Everclear is registered as a trademark.
  • 1981 - American Distilling Company sells the Everclear brand to David Sherman Corporation.
  • 2006 - David Sherman Corporation rebrands as Luxco.
  • 2015 - First marketing campaign for Everclear, the "Make It Your Own" is launched.
  • 2018 - New packaging, labeling is introduced.
  • 2021 - Luxco is purchased by MGP Ingredients.

Key Cocktails:

Everclear is described as a blank canvas, a clean slate and open invitation to make it your own. Everclear will add more "Punch to your Punch." Ample recipes are featured on the brand's website.

References:

Luxco Website

Vinepair Article on Everclear History

Vinepair List on Everclear

The Druggists Circular

Punch Article on Rebrand

Press Release on Updated Packaging

Wikipedia Article on Everclear

MGP Purchase of Luxco

Art Alexakis Quote on Everclear as his Band Name

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

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Episode 102: Patrón Tequila05 Jun 202200:27:45

Episode 102 features Patrón Silver Tequila. Boxed and bottled in a handmade glass bottle that's 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for $50.

Enjoy this episode with a neat pour of Patrón Tequila!

The official website for Patrón: https://www.patrontequila.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1989 - John Paul Dejoria and Martin Crowley wonder what the aristocrats in Mexico drink, Martin Crowley finds it at Casa Sieta Leguas
  • 1989 - John Paul Dejoria and Martin Crowley form the Patron Spirits Company, securing 100% of production from a distillery in Mexico, as well as the services of Francisco Alcaraz, who would become Master Distiller
  • 1991 - Patrón hold a blind tasting event at Spago in West Hollywood with a celebrity guest list
  • 2000 - Ed Brown is hired as CEO
  • 2002 - Patrón begins setting up their own production facility, what would become Hacienda Patrón
  • 2003 - Founder Martin Crowley dies, kicking off a 5 year legal battle for control of the brand
  • 2006 - Patrón reaches 1 million 9-liter equivalent case sales
  • 2008 - John Paul Dejoria acquires 70% of Patrón with Bacardi owning 30%
  • 2012 - Patrón reachs 2 million 9-liter equivalent case sales
  • 2018 - Bacardi buys John Paul Dejoria out of his stake in Patrón for $5.1 Billion USD
  • 2020 - Case sales are 3.1 million

Key Cocktails:

Please try Patrón neat, then mix as you like in your favorite cocktails that call for tequila.

References:

The Patrón Way by Ilana Edelstein, published in 2013 with a forward by John Paul Dejoria

John Paul Dejoria interview on YouTube

Ilana Edelstein interview on YouTube

Mercury News article from 2017 on the founders of Patrón

Wikipedia Article on Patrón

Wikipedia Article on John Paul Dejoria

Statista Global Sales Information

Forbes article "The Truth Behind Patrón's Tequila Empire (may require subscription)

Bacardi Press Release on Purchase of Patrón

Business Insider Video on How Patrón is Made

Patrón YouTube Video on "60 Hands"

Contact Information:

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Episode 101: Old Elk Whiskey13 May 202200:24:41

Episode 101 features Old Elk Distillery. Five different bottlings are noted, with a tasting from the Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey that is bottled in 750ml at 44% ABV, or 88 proof and it retails for $45.

Enjoy this episode with a neat pour of any Old Elk product!

The official website for Old Elk: https://www.oldelk.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1880 - Brand is originally created
  • 1888 - Old Elk Trademark is registered by Stoll, Vanatta & Co
  • Prohibition Years - Old Elk is produced by Stitzel Distillery as a "medicinal spirit"
  • Post Prohibition - Stitzel-Weller Distillery continues production of Old Elk, without the "medicinal" moniker
  • 1972 - Brand is sold to Norton-Simon who abandons it
  • 2013 - Entrepreneur Curt Richardson resurrects the Old Elk brand, acquiring the trademark
  • 2013 - Greg Metze creates a custom mash bill for Old Elk's signature bourbon
  • 2017 - Old Elk launches in Colorado and California
  • 2021 - Annual sales of about $16 million

Key Cocktails:

Old Elk is perfect neat, right out of the bottle. You can mix it or chill it if you like.

References:

Most of the content for this episode came from an interview and tasting conducted with Greg Metze, Master Distiller for Old Elk.

MGP Ingredients

Early Brand History from Bourbon Veach

Article on Greg Metze from Gear Patrol

Bourbon Lens Overview of Old Elk Distillery

Contact Information:

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Episode 100: Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila29 Apr 202200:18:33

Episode 100 features Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for $36.

Enjoy this episode with a neat pour of Gran Centenario!

The official website for Gran Centenario: https://grancentenario.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1857 - Tavern owner and tequila producer Lázaro Gallardo starts making what will become Gran Centenario
  • 1895 - Gallardo names his tequila Gran Centenario to commemorate the new century and the coming 100th anniversary of Mexican independence
  • 1920 - Luciano Gallardo, the founder's son, designs art deco inspired bottles and begins selling Gran Centenario beyond the tavern
  • 1995(?) - Becle, the parent company of Jose Cuervo, acquires Gran Centenario (may have been much earlier)
  • Today - Gran Centenario is the best selling tequila in Mexico

Key Cocktails:

Gran Centenario Añejo makes for a great sipper, but give their signature cocktail a try if you like.

Golden Angel

  • 1.5 parts Gran Centenario® Añejo
  • 1 part Pressed Ginger
  • 1 part Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 part Fresh Lime Juice
  • 3⁄4 part Agave Nectar
  • Dash of Kosher Salt
  • Garnish with wedges of fresh Lemon and Lime

References:

Proximo Spirits, the US Importer of Gran Centenario

Tequila Source Listing

Forbes Article on Gran Centenario

Tequila Matchmaker Listing

YouTube Review (in Spanish)

Becle Financial Overview with Sales Insight

Trademark Listing for Gran Centenario

Cuervo 2018 Annual Report

Mashed.com Article on Tequila NOM Meaning

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

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Episode 99: 99 Bananas22 Apr 202200:15:55

Episode 99 features 99 Bananas. Bottled in 50ml at 49.5% ABV, or 99 proof and it retails for $0.99.

Enjoy this episode with a shot of 99 Bananas!

The official website for 99 Bananas: https://99brandparty.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1997 - Barton Brands introduces 99 Bananas
  • 2009 - Sazerac Company acquires Barton Brands and 99 Bananas
  • Today - The brand has expanded to more than two dozen flavors

Key Cocktails:

Shots! 99 Bananas is meant to get you to a good time quickly.

References:

Barton Brands Website Circa 2002

Liquor.com Review

Sazerac Brand Listing

Wide Open Eats Article on 99 Bananas

Diffords Guide Listing for Creme de Banane

Wikipedia Listing for Schnapps

Press Release Mentioning Introduction of Banana Liqueurs

YouTube Product Comparison from 2007

Hip Hop Song from 2010 on YouTube A bit NSFW

Hip Hop Song from 2012 on YouTube

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

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Episode 98: Liquore Strega15 Apr 202200:19:53

Episode 98 features Liquore Strega. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for $36.

Enjoy this episode with pour of Strega chilled.

The official website for Strega: https://www.strega.it/en/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1200s - Legend says witches gathered in Benevento, Italy
  • 1860 - Strega is founded by Giuseppe Alberti
  • 1894 - Giuseppe Alberti dies, leaving the distillery to his four sons
  • 1900s - The brand invests in advertisings
  • 1947 - The Premio Strega, or Strega Prize, is created by Guido Alberti
  • 1998 - Strega gets into the confections business, with candies that feature Strega
  • Today - The fifth generation of the Alberti family is still running the company

Key Cocktails:

Strega is a digestif, or after drinker drink, but mixes well with certain drinks. Try the Strega Tonic:

1 oz. Strega

1 oz. Gin

4 oz. tonic water

Serve over ice

References:

The Spruce Eats Article on Strega

Wikipedia Article on Strega

Diffords Guide Listing of Strega

Punch Drink Article on Strega

YouTube Brand Commercial

YouTube Video of Distillery Tour with Vintage Advertising Shown

YouTube Overview - Fast Paced, and in Italian

YouTube Candy Making Overview

Wikipedia Article on the Witches of Benevento

Atlas Obscura Article on Why Witches Ride Brooms

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

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Episode 97: Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum08 Apr 202200:19:05

Episode 97 features Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum. Bottled in 750ml at 63% ABV, or 126 proof and it retails for $26.

Enjoy this episode with a "Wray & Ting".

The official website for the brand simply redirects to the corporate parent: http://www.jwrayandnephew.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1825 - John Wray founds The Shakespeare Tavern in Kingston, Jamaica
  • 1860 - John. Wray brings his nephew, Charles James Ward into the business
  • 1862 - J. Wray & Nephew Ltd. is formed
  • 1862 - The brand wins gold medals for their aged rums in London
  • 1901 - J. Wray & Nephew acquires the Monymusk Estate
  • 1913 - Charles Ward dies, leaving the business to trustees
  • 1916 - Lindo Brothers & Co. purchases the company from the trustees
  • 1917 - Distillery operations move to the recently acquired Appleton Estate
  • 1940s - This overproof bottling was likely introduced
  • 1997 - Joy Spence is appointed Master Blender
  • 2012 - Gruppo Campari buys J. Wray & Nephew Ltd.

Key Cocktails:

This rum is great for mixing and stands up in a cocktail. A popular serve is the "Wray & Ting".

1 Part Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum

2 Parts Ting or Smilar Grapefruit Soda

Serve over ice

References:

Campari's Brand Listing

Wikipedia Article on j. Wray & Nephew Ltd.

Liquor.com Review

YouTube Video Discussing the Campari Acquisition Circa 2015

Steve The Barman on YouTube, Features Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum

Long Presentation on Production at Appleton Estate, by J. Wray & Nephew

Good Tasting & Review on YouTube

Another Good Tasting & Review on YouTube

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

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Episode 96: The Kraken01 Apr 202200:19:36

Episode 96 features The Kraken Black Spiced Rum. Bottled in 750ml at 47% ABV, or 94 proof and it retails for $21.

Enjoy this episode with a Kraken and Coke.

The Kraken's official website: https://www.krakenrum.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 2009 - The Kraken is available in limited release in the United States
  • 2010 - The Kraken expands distribution internationally
  • 2010 - Several awards are bestowed upon The Kraken for exceptional branding & packaging
  • 2020 - Sales reach 510,000 9-liter equivalent cases

Key Cocktails:

The Kraken is made for mixing, try it in a Kraken & Coke.

References:

Proximo Spirits Listing for The Kraken

Wikipedia Article on the Giant Squid

Wikipedia Article on The Kraken Rum

Drink Hacker Review from 2009

The Drinks Business 2010 Awards List

YouTube Acceptance of the 2010 Clear Choice Award

The Spirits Business Reference in 2011

Press Release from 2011

Article on the Mobile Game in 2011

Tweet from the Brand Referencing Sugar Content

Liquor.com Listing

The Fat Pirate Rum Feature on The Kraken

Sailor Jerry's Recipe Change Coverage

Global Sales Stats from Statista.com

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

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Episode 95: Tanqueray25 Mar 202200:20:40

Episode 95 features Tanqueray London Dry Gin. Bottled in 750ml at 47.3% ABV, or 94.6 proof and it retails for $22.

Enjoy this episode with a Tanqueray and Tonic.

Tanqueray's official website: https://www.tanqueray.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1830 - Charles Tanqueray begins working in the Vine Street Distillery
  • 1898 - Tanqueray merges with Gordon's Gin
  • 1922 - Tanqueray Gordon & Company join Distillers Company
  • 1933 - Tanqueray is the first alcohol served in the White House after Prohibition was repealed
  • WWII - The distillery is bombed
  • 1957 - Distillery is rebuilt and reopened with their famous pot still named "Old Tom"
  • 1960s - The Rat Pack drinks so much Tanqueray they double sales in the USA
  • 1979 - Tanqueray sales hit 1 million cases
  • 1995 - Tanqueray production moves to Scotland
  • 2016 - Tanqueray becomes the best selling gin in the USA
  • 2019 - Global sales peak at 4.5 million 9-liter equivalent cases
  • 2022 - Drinks International names Tanqueray the #1 best selling gin brand worldwide

Key Cocktails:

Enjoy Tanqueray in a classic Gin & Tonic or Martini.

References:

Behind the Scenes Video - Part One

Behind the Scenes Video - Part Two

Behind the Scenes Video - Part Three

Behind the Scenes Video - Part Four

Distillery Tour Video

Visit to the Diageo Archives

Additional Video Coverage of Tanqueray

Diageo Bar Academy

Charles Tanqueray History Blog

Diffords Guide Listing on Tanqueray

VinePair Article on Tanqueray

Travel Distilled Article on Tanqueray

Wikipedia Article on Tanqueray

Tanqueray Brand History on The Spirits Business

Statista Global Sales Data

Drinks International 2022 Gin Brands Report

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

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Episode 94: Italicus20 Mar 202200:17:16

Episode 94 features Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto by popular request from listeners. Bottled in 750ml at 20% ABV, or 40 proof and it retails for $40.

Enjoy some Italicus with Prosecco and a lot of ice, plus some olives while listening to this episode.

Italicus' official website: https://rosolioitalicus.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1500s - Rosolio was enjoyed by Catherine de' Medici
  • Late 1700s - The 17th Duke of Savoy, Vittorio Amedeo III, banned Rosolio from his household and switched to vermouth, which he preferred
  • Early 2000s - Giuseppe Gallo, founder of Italicus, comes across a recipe for Rosolio di Torino
  • 2106 - Italicus is launched
  • 2017 - Italicus wins Best New Spirit 2017 at Tales of the Cocktail's Spirited Awards
  • 2019/20 - Drinks International recognized Italicus as a top-trending brand
  • 2020 - Partnership with Pernod Ricard announced
  • 2021 - Italicus is available in more than 40 countries and had sales of $5 Million USD

Key Cocktails:

Italicus was designed to go with bubbles. The suggested serve from the bottle is:

  • 1 part Italicus
  • 1 part Prosecco
  • Lots of Ice
  • Green Olives

Build in a wine glass and enjoy.

References:

ItalSpirits

The Blue Grotto

Wikipedia Article on Rosolio

Tales of the Cocktail Article on Italicus

Master of Malt Article on Italicus

Press Release on Partnership with Pernod Ricard

Winerist Article on Italicus

Food And Wine Article on Italicus

Saveur Article on Italicus

Diffords Guide Article on Bergamot Liqueurs

Casa Mia Tours Article on Italicus

Startup Spotlight on Giuseppe Gallo

Contact Information:

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Episode 93: Rockland Old Arrack Extra Strong11 Mar 202200:25:15

Episode 93 features Rockland Old Arrack Extra Strong from Sri Lanka. The small bottle came to me as a gift from a friend in his luggage following a trip to Sri Lanka. Bottled in 180ml at 34% ABV, or 68 proof and it retails for about $2 at this size.

If you can find Arrack, enjoy some while listening to this episode!

Old Arrack Extra Strong's official website: https://www.rockland.lk/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1924 - The Rockland Distillery is founded
  • 2022 - I get a small bootle of Old Arrack Extra Strong to try!

Key Cocktails:

I suggest it be enjoyed it neat, but Rockland suggests on their website the following signature serve:

ARRACK TABILE

  • 50 ml Extra Strong Old Arrack
  • 100 ml king coconut water
  • 15 ml lime juice
  • 20 ml sugar syrup coconut flack

Add all the ingredients in the Shaker, shake well and strain into a tall glass.

References:

Wikipedia Article on Arrack

Wikipedia Article on Sri Lanka

What is Arrack?

BBC Article on how Arrack is Going Up Market

Tody Tapping Video In English

YouTube on Rockland's Ceylon Arrack is Made

YouTube on Rockland's Ceylon Arrack Brand

YouTube on Old Arrack - in Sinhala <- A MUST WATCH

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

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Episode 119: Kentucky Owl Bourbon - Maighstir Edition24 Feb 202400:23:45

Episode 119 features Kentucky Owl, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey - Maighstir Edition. Bottled in 750ml at 50% ABV, or 100 proof and it retails for about $134.

Enjoy this episode with a pour of Kentucky Owl as you like it.

Kentucky Owl's official website: https://kentuckyowlbourbon.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1879 - Kentucky Owl is founded by C.M. Dedman.
  • 1916 - Production ends and aging stocks are confiscated by the US government, they are then all "lost in a fire".
  • 2014 - Dixon Dedman, great-great-grandson of the founder, releases Batch #1, resurrecting the brand.
  • 2017 - Stoli Group purchases Kentucky Owl.
  • 2018 - Groundbreaking of the 420 acre distillery complex and brand home.
  • 2023 - Maureen Robinson collaborates with John Rhea in the release of the Maighstir Edition.
  • 2023 - Maureen Robinson is named Master Blender for Kentucky Owl.

Key Cocktails:

Simply drink Kentucky Owl as you like it. Neat, on the rocks, with water, or you could mix it if you like.

References:

Interview with Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender, Maureen Robinson

Stoli Group Website

Coverage of Stoli Group's Purchase of Kentucky Owl

Kentucky Owl's Distillery Complex Announcement

Press Release on Maureen Robinson Becoming Master Blender

Press Release on Maighstir Edition Release

Maureen Robinson Background

Keepers of the Quaich

Story of Kentucky Owl in American Whiskey

The Whiskey Wash Article on Kentucky Owl

Forbes Article on Kentucky Owl

The Beaumont Inn Website

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

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Episode 92: Appleton Estate Signature25 Feb 202200:23:19

Episode 92 features Appleton Estate Signature Jamaica Rum. The entry level blend from the Appleton Estate is bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for $23.

Enjoy this episode with some Appleton Estate Signature mixes in your favorite rum cocktail.

Appleton Estate's official website: https://appletonestate.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1655 - The Appleton Estate is established
  • 1749 - Rum is first distilled at Appleton Estate
  • 1825 - J. Wray & Nephew gets it's start with John Wray founding the Shakespeare Tavern
  • 1916 - Lindo Brothers & Co. purchase J. Wray & Nephew, then purchase the Appleton Estate
  • 1944 - The first Appleton Estate branded rum is introduced
  • 1997 - Joy Spence is appointed Master Blender, making her the first female Master Blender in the industry
  • 2002 - Appleton Estate breaks the 1 million 9-liter equivalent case barrier
  • 2018 - Campari Group acquires J. Wray & Nephew, along with Appleton Estate

Key Cocktails:

This Signature blend of Appeton Estate is recommended to be enjoyed in a rum cocktail, but I enjoy it neat.

References:

Short History of Sugarcane in Jamaica

Wikipedia Article on J. Wray & Nephew

Cocktail Wonk History of J. Wray & Nephew

YouTube Interview on Appleton Estate

Campari Group Listing for Appleton Estate

Jamaica Travel Article on Appleton Estate

Jaime Montilla Appleton Estate Reference

The Spirits Business Appleton Estate Brand History

The Spirits Business 2015 Rebrand Article

The Spirits Business 2020 Rebrand Article

Alcademics Article on Appleton Estate Distillery Tour

Rum Revelations Article on Jamaica GI

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

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Episode 91: Bushmills Irish Whisky18 Feb 202200:23:55

Episode 91 features Bushmills The Original Irish Whisky. The entry level bottling from the first licensed whisky distillery in the world, bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for $30.

Enjoy this episode with some Bushmills neat.

Bushmills' official website: https://bushmills.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1276 - Written record of whisky production in northern Ireland
  • 1608 - Whisky distilling license is signed by King Phillip I
  • 1784 - The Old Bushmills Distillery Company is formed by Hugh Anderson
  • 1860 - Distillery is purchased by James McColgan and Patrick Corrigan
  • 1885 - Fire destroys the distillery, but it's rebuilt
  • 1890 - The SS Bushmills steamship embarks on a voyage to America
  • 1972 - Bushmills joins Irish Distillers Ltd.
  • 1988 - Pernod Ricard purchases Irish Distillers Ltd.
  • 2005 - Bushmills is sold to Diageo
  • 2008 - The Bank of Ireland commemorates the 400th anniversary of the distillery license by featuring the Old Bushmills distillery on the revers of the £20 note
  • 2014 - Bushmills is traded to Jose Cuervo for 50% of Don Julio
  • 2020 - Bushmills is the third most popular Irish Whisky by sales, selling just shy of 745,000 9-liter equivalent cases

Key Cocktails:

Bushmills is perfect on its own, but also can be mixed. Drink it like you would any whisky you enjoy.

References:

YouTube Origin of Bushmills

YouTube on the Original Single Malt

YouTube Tasting of The Original

Wikipedia Article on the Old Bushmills Distillery

Wikipedia Article on Bushmills (the village)

Vinepair Article on Bushmills

Good Food Ireland Article on Bushmills

Whiskymag Article on a Visit to Bushmills

Irish Times Article with Sales Figures

Alcademics Bushmills Distillery Tour

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Episode 90: PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur11 Feb 202200:18:54

Episode 90 features PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur. The leading pomegranate brand of spirit bottled in 750ml at 17% ABV, or 34 proof and it retails for $25.

Enjoy this episode with some PAMA and Champagne.

PAMA's official website: https://www.pamaliqueur.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 2005 - PAMA is test marketed
  • 2006 - Nationwide US release
  • 2007 - Advertising campaign featuring magazine ads with scent strips helps propel PAMA to 60,000 9-liter equivalent case sales
  • 2020 - Packaging is updated for the brand's 15th anniversary

Key Cocktails:

PAMA works very well as a modifier to existing cocktail recipes. Treat it much like you would Chambord or St-Germain. Cocktail recipes are available widely, and on the PAMA website.

References:

Heaven Hill Brands Listing

Heaven Hill Brands Website Circa 2006 from the Wayback Machine

Launch Press Release

First Ad Campaign Press Release

Wikipedia Article on PAMA

The Spruce Eats Article on PAMA

Spirits Review of PAMA

Beverage Dynamics Growth Brands Circa 2008

Drink Spirits Review of PAMA

The Spirits Business on New Packaging

Alcademics Blog on the History of Grenadine in Cocktails

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Episode 89: Mount Gay XO04 Feb 202200:22:53

Episode 89 features Mount Gay Barbados Rum, the XO expression. From the birthplace of rum, Barbados, this rum is aged between 5 and 17 years, and bottled in 750ml at 43% ABV, or 86 and it retails for $65.

Enjoy this episode with a pour of Mount Gay XO neat.

Mount Gay's official website: https://www.mountgayrum.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

  • 1637 - Sugar cane is introduced to the island of Barbados
  • 1703 - A deed of title noting commercial rum distillation on the plantation that became Mount Gay is produced.
  • 1747 - John Sober buys the plantation and hires Sir John Gay Alleyne to manage it.
  • 1801 - Sir John Gay Alleyne dies, but impressed the Sober family so much, they rename the plantation in his honor (there was already a Mount Alleyne, so they used his middle name)
  • 1897 - Mount Gay Rum is singled out as one of the best rums in Barbados
  • 1900s - Aubrey Ward purchases Mount Gay and consolidates it with other sugar cane plantations
  • 1920s - Blending and bottling come under the control of new company Mount Gay Distilleries Ltd.
  • 1948 - Aubrey Ward dies, leaving the Mount Gay holdings to his children
  • 1980 - 60% of Mount Gay Distilleries Ltd. is sold
  • 1989 - Rémy Cointreau buys the 60% stake in Mount Gay Distilleries Ltd.
  • 2014 - Rémy Cointreau buys controlling interest in Rum Refinery of Mount Gay and the Oxford plantation adjacent to the distillery
  • 2015 - Rémy Cointreau buys the Mount Gay Plantation land for $4.9 million
  • 2019 - Trudiann Branker becomes the first female Master Blender for Mount Gay

Key Cocktails:

Just drink it neat, or with one large coconut water cube of ice.

References:

Rémy Cointreau Group Brand Listing

Cocktail Wonk Barbados Rum Cheat Sheet

Cocktail Wonk Mount Gay Rum Article

YouTube Video Featuring Trudiann Branker

YouTube Animated Brand Story

YouTube Taste the Islands Video

Wikipedia Article on Mount Gay Rum

Wikipedia Article on History of Barbados

International Sugar Organization Article on Molasses

Vine Pair 9 Things to Know About Mount Gay Rum

Diffords Guide Listing

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