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History of Grappa or Pomace

September 29th, 2010

The origins of this brandy are unclear but it is generally accepted that yesteryear’s thrifty peasants were responsible ; they did not wish to see any part of any crop wasted. It is unlikely that it was much of a business proposition and was probably drunk by those who made it and best used to [...]

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Vodka – more than just potatoes!

September 29th, 2010

What vodka is made from was initially determined by what was grown in the various producing regions of the world. This helped determined regional style of vodka according to the produce used to make it. WINTER WHEAT Prevailed in Sweden and some parts of Russia giving vodkas of delicacy with undertones of aniseed and a [...]

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Origins of Rum

September 28th, 2010

Rum, rhum or ron is the product obtained by distilling the ferment of either sugar cane juice or molasses. It comes from many parts of the tropical and sub-tropical world including Central and South America, Australia, India, Mauritius, Hawaii and, of course, the Caribbean. It can be distilled either in a continuous still or a [...]

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Whisky types explained

September 19th, 2010

American Whiskies American whiskies are the result of a mash of cereals and water that have been saccharified by enzymes, fermented by yeast, subsequently distilled, aged and bottled. Neither bourbon nor rye may be artificially coloured. Bourbon Whiskey Must be made from a minimum 51 % corn, distilled to a maximum of 160˚proof or 80 [...]

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Cachaca – what’s in it?

September 16th, 2010

Cachaça pronounced (ka-sha-sa) is a spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice. It is the national drink of Brazil, but has become very popular here in the UK, especially its signature cocktail the Caipirinha. Cachaça can have an Alcoholic strength of between 38% vol and 54% vol. Cachaça differs from rum in that most rum is [...]

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What is Gin or Geneva..?

September 16th, 2010

Gin or Geverer is a spirit whose predominant flavour must be juniper . Although several different styles of gin have existed since its origins, gin is broadly differentiated into two basic legal categories. Distilled gin is crafted in the traditional manner, by re-distilling neutral spirit with juniper berries and other botanicals. Compound gin is made [...]

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How is Whisky made?

September 13th, 2010

Find out more about the whisky making process and some of the terms used by experts

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Liqueurs – why so sweet?

September 9th, 2010

Probably the oldest of all high-strength alcoholic beverages they were originally the preserve of monks who produced them primarily for medicinal purposes. The first record of a liqueur belongs to Kummel in 1575 ; made with caraway seeds as an aid to digestion. Some liqueurs sold today still retain their ancient heritage and their recipes [...]

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Absinthe – fiercely potent?

September 6th, 2010

Absinthe is an aromatic, dry and highly alcoholic herbal spirit. It contains anis (Liquorice flavour) and the notorious wormwood plant (Artemisa) as well as optional various other aromatic components, such as peppermint, cloves, cinnamon, (the juice of spinach, nettles and parsley are also sometimes used.) Historically it was widely regarded as a “very dangerous drink” [...]

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German & American Schnapps

September 4th, 2010

Schnapps is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage. The English word schnapps is derived from the German Schnaps (plural, Schnäpse), which can refer to any strong alcoholic drink but particularly those containing at least 32% ABV . American schnapps, however, are liqueurs. German Schnapps is clear, colourless, and has a light fruit flavor. It is [...]

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