Most people think of whiskey legends as having been distillers or distillery owners, but I would argue that America’s “whiskey historians” deserve some of that praise, as well. After all, […]
The Origins of the Word “Congener”
I was listening to a podcast recently* where the interviewee kept saying “congeners” to describe the specific chemicals produced during fermentation, and I kept thinking- I wonder how many people […]
Hiram Walker Gooderham & Worts, After Repeal
The dynamics of the liquor industry during Repeal are of constant interest to me. Those “Big Four” companies had such a huge impact on American whiskey’s future. It’s not a […]
What Was “Cider Royale”?
I came across a letter to the editor from an old Philadelphia publication called the Aurora General Advertiser. This clipping is from September 11, 1799. Only 226 years ago… Aside […]
What is the “Correct Whiskey”?
A little excerpt from a discussion in British Parliament in 1909- debates over whether blends should be considered legitimate, “correct whiskies.” American blenders using Islay malts to blend out American […]
Rye Whiskey is America’s Native Spirit.
I know we love to love bourbon, but rye is bourbon’s wise old grandsire, and we should respect our elders😊 Rye whiskey was also unique to the the United States […]
Where Did the Term “STRAIGHT” Come From When Describing Whiskey?
In March of 2022, while digging for information related to a theory on the origins of the term “straight,” I sought out the expertise of Justin Nathaniel Cherry, an incredible […]
Rye Whiskey, by Albert M. Hanauer
Couldn’t have said it better myself, Mr. Hanauer. The following was written by Albert M. Hanauer of the famous Hamburger Distillery (Bridgeport, PA). It was published in 1914 in The […]
Irish Whiskey Miracle in 1737
There goes whiskey- curing women from menopause again. I’m sure Mrs. Delap was thrilled. This funny little snippet was published in 1737, so I’m sure I don’t need to tell […]
Pennsylvania: A State Split in Half by Historic Conflict.
Here’s a great little snippet of how Philadelphians have always been clueless about the rest of the state. The Whiskey Rebellion is a tough topic of discussion for any American […]