In Scotland and Ireland, it was initially known as "uisge beatha" or "usquebaugh," which means "water of life." Over time, the name was anglicized to "whisky" in Scotland and "whiskey" in Ireland and the United States. The first detailed history of whiskey production appears in Scottish documents from 1494. Irish whiskeys, made using processes similar to Scotch, share a similar flavor profile but lack the smoky attribute because the malt isn't smoked during roasting. Whiskey flavors can range from caramel and oaky to smoky, with a potential bitterness influenced by the aging period and the type of barrel used. Various whiskeys may also reflect the distinctive flavors of the grains from which they are made, with rye whiskey generally exhibiting...

Step back to the 1920s Prohibition era, a time of secret speakeasies and hidden bars. During this era, mocktails, the non-alcoholic siblings of cocktails, made their debut. Born out of a necessity to enjoy the social facets of cocktail hour without violating the law, these concoctions have come a long way. Today, they stand as a testament to the evolution of our drinking culture, offering a sophisticated and refreshing option to their alcoholic counterparts. Furthermore, the growing craze of mindful drinking, backed by wellness movements, has led many to try this alternative thirst libation. For a more in-depth dive into the world of mocktails, check out our article “Mocktails: A Cheers to Sobriety!” And “The Rise of Mocktails”. These pieces...