Liquor and Liqueur Connoisseur

Episode 122 features Amer Picon. Bottled in 1L at 21% ABV, or 42 proof and it retails for about 25 t0 30€. Enjoy this episode as you like. Amer Picon's official website: https://www.piconaperitif.com/ Brief Historical Timeline: 1830 - The brand’s namesake founder Gaétan Picon enlisted in the French military and was stationed in Algeria. 1837 - Picon founds a distillery in the Algerian city of Skikda, also known as Philipeville. 1872 - Picon left Algeria and opened a distillery in Marseille, France, the spirit becomes known as "Amer Picon" from then on. 1909 - Picon's son and five son-in-laws are running the business with eight total distilleries. 1937 - For the brand's centennial an illustration is commissioned showing a man on horseback with a woman and a bottle of Amer Picon. See it here! 1960s - Amer Picon is no longer available in the United States due to a banned ingredient, Calamus root. 1970s - The ABV is stepped down to the current 21% from the original 39%. 1995 - Diageo acquires the brand. 2022 - Campari Group purchases Picon and owns the brand as of this recording. Key Cocktails: Amer Picon is featured in pre-Prohibition cocktails, so you if you get a bottle you may want to try it in the Brooklyn Cocktail. But it also has a knack for making beer more drinkable. References: Wikipedia Article on Amer Picon Good Beer Hunting Article on Amer Picon Saveur Article on Amer Picon Diffords Guide Article on Amer Picon Washington Examiner Article on Amer Picon Press Release on Campari Group Buying Picon Link to Historic Poster Showing the Woman Behind the Man on the Horse Drinking French by David Lebovitz (pages 98-99) - Book 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: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

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

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 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 Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

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 Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

Episode 118 features St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram. Bottled in 750ml at 22.5% ABV, or 45 proof and it retails for about $30. Enjoy this episode with a tiki cocktail using "Pimento Dram" if you like. St. Elizabeth doesn't have standalone brand website, but here's the producer's website: https://alpenz.com/product-allspice.html Brief Historical Timeline: 1850s - Pimento Dram is thought to have been invented. 1862 - First written reference to Pimento Dram as a commercial product. 1900s - Pimento Dram is fairly common, and finds use in Tiki cocktails. 1980s - Pimento Dram leaves the US market. 2008 - Haus Alpenz creates St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, bringing Pimento Dram back to the US. Key Cocktails: St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram works in many tiki cocktails, but try this British concoction from 1937, the Lion's Tail. Ingredients: 2 oz. Bourbon 0.5 oz. of St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram 0.5 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice 1 teaspoon simple syrup 2 dashes Angostura bitters Orange twist Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake until well-chilled, then strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Express oil from the orange twist over the top of the drink and discard (the twist, not the drink!). References: Book: Vintage Spirits & Forgotten Cocktails by Ted Haigh, copyright 2009 revised edition. Wikipedia Article on Allspice Wikipedia Article on Saint Elizabeth Parish What is Pimento Dram by The Spruce Eats 2008 Article from the San Francisco Chronicle discussing the launch of St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram 2015 New York Times Article Cocktail Society Article on Allspice Dram Liquor.com Article on the Lions Tale Cocktail 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/

Episode 117 features Four Roses. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for about $25. Enjoy this episode with a pour of Four Roses however you like. Four Roses official website: https://www.fourrosesbourbon.com/ Brief Historical Timeline: 1860s - Paul Jones Sr. and Paul Jones Jr. get into the whiskey business in Atlanta, Georgia 1883 - Paul Jones Jr. moves to Louisville, Kentucky and builds his whiskey business there. 1888 - The brand of Four Roses is founded with a legend of a southern belle and a corsage of four red roses. 1894 - Paul Jones Jr. makes his nephews Lawrence Lavelle Jones and Saunders Paul equal partners in the Paul Jones Company. 1895 - Paul Jones Jr. dies. Circa 1910 - Lawrence buys his brother Saunders out of the business 1922 - Lawrence buys the Frankfort Distilling Company during Prohibition and securing a rare license to sell whiskey for "Medicinal Purposes Only." 1941 - Lawrence dies, leaving the company to heirs would almost immediately sell it. 1943 - Seagrams headed by Samuel Bronfman purchases Four Roses and Frankfort Distilling Company for $42 million. 1950s - Seagrams converts Four Roses to a blended whiskey for the US market, reserving straight bourbon versions for export markets. 1990s - Master Distiller Jim Rutledge convinces Seagrams to bring the straight bourbon back to the USA, in Kentucky only. 2001 - Seagrams goes bankrupt and the beverage alcohol brands are sold off. Kirin Brewery Company, Ltd., Four Roses' Japanese distributor buys the brand. 2002 - Four Roses Straight Bourbon Whiskey is bak on US shelves. 2015 - Brent Elliott is named Master Distiller and a $55 million expansion of the distillery begins. 2019 - Distillery expansion is complete, doubling capacity to 130,000 barrels a year. Key Cocktails: Drink Four Roses as you like, it mixes well in any cocktail calling for bourbon. References: Book: Four Roses - The Return of a Whiskey Legend by Al Young, copyright 2013 Wikipedia Article on Four Roses Wikipedia Article on the Language of Flowers Wikipedia Article on the Pure Food and Drug Act Wikipedia Article on V-J Day in Times Square Four Roses History Article Four Roses History Article on SippingHistory.com Difford's Guide Listing for Four Roses 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/

Episode 116 features Herbsaint. Bottled in 750ml at 50% ABV, or 100 proof and it retails for about $31. Enjoy this episode with an Herbsaint Frappe, or any cocktail that calls for absinthe. Herbsaint doesn't have it's own website, so here's the Sazerac listing: https://www.sazerac.com/our-brands/sazerac-brands/herbsaint.html Brief Historical Timeline: 1914-18 - World War I and J. Marion Legendre 's friend Reginal P. Parker learns of pastis while stationed in Marseille, France 1920-33 - Post war, during Prohibition, Legendre and Parker make pastis in New Orleans 1933 - Legendre introduces Legendre Absinthe in December, immediately following the repeal of Prohibition 1934 - The Federal government forces Legendre to drop Absinthe from the name, Herbsaint is chosen as the replacement 1949 - Legendre sells the brand and business to Sazerac & Company 1950 - Sazerac changes the formulation, packaging and proof 2009 - For the brand's 75th anniversary, Sazerac recreates the original recipe and resurrects the historical packaging, creating Legendre Herbsaint Original Key Cocktails: The Sazerac Cocktail is most widely cited, but it only uses Herbsaint as a rinse. Select an absinthe based cocktail as a better use for Herbsaint. References: Wayback Machine Archive Copy of The Virtual Absinthe Museum story of Herbsaint - This resource was invaluable in producing this episode Wikipedia Article on Herbsaint New Orleans Absinthe History Imbibe Magazine Article Circa 2009 Alcademics.com Article on the 75th Anniversary Relaunch Sazerac House Recipe for the Sazerac Cocktail, featuring Herbsaint Barfaith.com 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/

Episode 115 features Tito's Handmade Vodka. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for about $20. Enjoy this episode with some Tito's and soda with a lemon wedge. Tito's Handmade Vodka official website: https://www.titosvodka.com/ Brief Historical Timeline: 1992 - Tito Beveridge begins making vodka infusions for his friends 1995 - Tito applies for a distillery license 1997 - First year of production yields about 1,000 9-liter equivalent cases 2001 - Tito's wins a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013 - United Airlines begins serving Tito's on all their flights 2021 - 11,070,000 9-liter equivalent cases are sold, making Tito's the most popular distilled spirit brand in the USA, and providing enough for one 750ml bottle for each third person in the country 2023 - Tito's runs a Superbowl commercial named Dry January that features Martha Stewart Key Cocktails: Mix Tito's as you like. References: Eater Article on Tito's Wikipedia Article on Tito's Statista Sales Volumes 2022 Beverage Dynamics Ranking Grain Volumes for Vodka Making 2022 Corn Yields Per Acre YouTube Featuring Tito Speaking on Early Failures YouTube Featuring Tito Telling the Origin Story Tito's Stories YouTube Videos (All 8 are referenced) Dry January Superbowl Ad 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 114 features Jeppson's Malört. Bottled in 750ml at 35% ABV, or 70 proof and it retails for about $22. Enjoy this episode with a shot of Jeppson's Malört straight. Jeppson's Malört official website: https://www.jeppsonsmalort.com/ Brief Historical Timeline: 1880s - Carl Jeppson immigrates to Chicago, Illinois, USA from Sweden 1920s - Carl Jeppson begins making and selling door to door his own bask brännvin, later to be named Malört 1933 - Carl Jeppson sells Malört to Bielzoff Products 1945 - George Brode buys Bielzoff Products, eventually renaming the company Red Horse Liquors 1953 - George Brode sells Red Horse Liquors, except for Malört 1986 - Mar-Salle Distillery in Chicago, who had been making Malört since 1953, closes so production moves to Kentucky 1999 - George Brode dies, leaving Jeppson's Malört to his friend and long-time secretary Patricia Gabelick 2007 - The hastag #malortface catches on in Chicago with photos shared online 2011 - Chicago comedian Sam Mechling begins promoting Malört on Twitter and Facebook, eventually raising the ire of Patricia Gabelick 2012 - Sam Mechling officially joins the Carl Jeppson Company 2018 - CH Distillery in Chicago buys the Carl Jeppson Company and Jeppson's Malört bringing production back to Chicago 2020 - The brand was selling about 20,000 9-liter equivalent cases annually Key Cocktails: Don't mess around, you just take shots of Jeppson's Malört. References: Chicago Tribune Article on the History of Jeppson's Thrillist Facts List Food and Wine Article Serious Eats Article YouTube Video Featuring Production at CH Distillery YouTube Video Featuring an Interview with Sam Mechling YouTube Video: "Chicago's Grossest Drink, Explained" YouTube Video: "The Worst Liquor Ever" 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 113 features John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum. Bottled in 750ml at 11% ABV, or 22 proof and it retails for about $22. Enjoy this episode with a pour of John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum mixed in a tiki cocktail if you like. John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum doesn't have a website I can find, so here's the US Importer's website: https://alpenz.com/product-falernum.html Brief Historical Timeline: Pre-1800s - Falernum is likely being made in Barbados on sugar estates alongside rum 1821 - The first printed reference to Falernum is found 1890 - John D. Taylor is said to have refined the Falernum recipe into this award-winning liqueur 1934 - Falernum is used in tiki cocktails by Donn Beach at Don's Beachcomber 1970s - Falernum is gone from the US market and global sales decline along with tiki 1993 - R. L. Seale & Co. Ltd. purchases blender Alleyne Arthur who had previously purchased John D. Taylor, bring this version of Velvet Falernum under R. L. Seale & Co. Ltd.'s ownership 2009 - Haus Alpenz begins importing John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum into the US Key Cocktails: Try the Corn 'N Oil listed on the back label. Corn 'N Oil ½ oz. John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum 2 oz. Aged Barbados Rum Stir in an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime slice. References: Presentation by Richard Seal of R. L. Seale & Co. Ltd. on the history of Falernum Wikipedia Article on Falernum Difford's Guide listing for John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum Instagram Account Teakwood Tavern Article on John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum Punch Article on Rediscovering John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum 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 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 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 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 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: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/ Twitter: @LLConnoisseur

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 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 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: Sazer ac 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 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 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 Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/ Twitter: @LLConnoisseur