Rum started out before it was even called by that name. Way back before the word rum was recorded, there was a drink referred to as “wine sugar.” Wine sugar was most likely the beginning of the drink back in the thirteen hundreds. While the word rum didn’t exist at...
“You can sit there and drink pulque for hours and you just don't get drunk,” said an expert in Mexico’s epicurean delights. “Then you get up to leave and realize your legs don’t really work right. Your mind is completely clear, but your body doesn’t work.”We know that...
'Reece-ling' must be the world's most misunderstood, and mispronounced, grape variety. Loved by wine critics but a stranger to broad commercial appeal, Riesling is a light-skinned, aromatic grape of German origin which is also responsible for some of Germany's...
The wines of the Hungarian region of Tokaj, or as they say it “toe-kay,” are a window into the past.The Tokaj region has 5,500 hectares of vineyards and 27 towns and villages. It’s a white wine region best known for its sweet aszú wines, which are made from botrytized...
One of the most well-known types of French brandy is Cognac. While it may sound esoteric, it’s widely distributed–and often inexpensive. But Cognac isn’t the only great French spirit out there. If you’re really looking to get into the wonderful world of French brandy,...
On January 16 1919, the 18th Amendment went into effect one year later, by which time no fewer than 33 states had already enacted their own prohibition legislation. In October 1919, Congress put forth the National Prohibition Act, which provided guidelines for the...
Mankind has been using corks (or phelo in Greek) since the days of ancient Egypt, maintaining the quality of a wine even over a period of many years. Remnants of cork stoppers found in Egyptian tombs highlight just how far into the past cork usage goes and it’s...
Opulence, wealth, and enchanting myths envelop the elixir of kings—champagne. Having champagne grace your table during Christmas infuses an air of elegance and festivity into the celebration. The effervescent bubbles and crisp taste of champagne evoke a sense of...