Jul 24, 2026

In this episode we explore the history of the alembic pot still and distillation on our way to discovering Arak, an anise-flavored spirit from the Middle East, which most likely inspired your favorite anise tipple.

Resources from this episode:

Books: 

The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle...

Jan 24, 2026

In addition to this re-release of “Whisky, Burns Night, and … Beerhenge?” (Originally Released Jan 28, 2022 ) I give a new, quick introduction to Burns night before treating you to this episode on whisky, in which I discuss: what it is, a little history, how it’s produced, distinguishing the styles, and a little...

Oct 30, 2025

Just in time for spooky season we explore a treat of a fine spirit with a tricky past.

Absinthe: what it is, how it behaves in the glass, the deal on wormwood, a brief history, and some thujone theory.

Please absinthe responsibly, and apologies for the historical nugget on dog flatulence.

Resources from this episode:

Jul 26, 2024

Aquavit or Akvavit or Akevitt: The spirit of Scandinavia, gin’s Nordic cousin, snaps, it goes by many names around the world. Some even sails around the world before it’s bottled. This episode explores some of the history, styles, and origins of the spirit, as well as some tasty tales of potato priests, black death,...

Jul 12, 2024

A quick zip around the North Island of New Zealand’s wine regions, a bit of history, and - well - some silliness, because the host, once again, cannot freaking help herself.

Warning: the host was not/NOT involved in the throwing of either fowl or fake phallus, but has marked this episode as explicit due to some adult...