Spirits

Aug 175 min read

First whiskey distilling licence

The world’s first official whiskey licence was granted to Sir Thomas Phillips for the production of aqua vitae (Gaelic for whiskey)

Apr 248 min read

First calvados

There is a fabulous legend around how the name calvados first came about...

Jan 22, 20236 min read

First licensed tequila brand

Despite tequila (and mezcal) being enjoyed in Mexico for 100s of years previously, it wasn’t until 1795 that José Maria de Cuervo became...

Jun 11, 20225 min read

First use of the word tequila

Tequila is the America’s first distilled drink, and first commercial alcohol. But it also has a turbulent and blood-thirsty history.

Jan 4, 20223 min read

First whisky to be marketed as a single malt

The story of the first single malt to be actively marketed outside the UK – effectively starting the modern-day boom of single malt whisky.

Aug 10, 20216 min read

First Courvoisier cognac

Courvoisier cognac boasts an incredible origin story; one steeped in adventure & entrepreneurialism (via Napoleon Bonaparte’s court).

Jul 18, 20212 min read

First ever sonic maturation

Sonic maturation is literally the act of agitating maturing whiskey using sound. The sound itself can be anything so long as it’s got a...