ProhibitionDenver

When you’re standing in the liquor aisle staring at two bottles of bourbon, the difference between wheated bourbon vs high rye bourbon might not be obvious from the labels. But pour two glasses—one smooth and sweet, the other bold and spicy—and you’ll immediately understand why bourbon enthusiasts debate this topic passionately. The secondary grain in … Read more

When the 18th Amendment was ratified in 1919, prohibiting the production and sale of alcoholic beverages, observers predicted the death of wine in America. Yet when Repeal Day arrived on December 5, 1933, wine emerged from the shadows faster than beer or spirits. This wasn’t luck—it was the result of legal loopholes, preserved viticultural knowledge, … Read more

In the world of craft cocktails, few drinks have achieved modern classic status as quickly as the Paper Plane cocktail. Created during the height of the 2000s cocktail renaissance, this bittersweet bourbon drink represents everything innovative about contemporary mixology. It’s a story of experimentation, cultural timing, and the perfect balance of flavors that defined an … Read more

If you have only ever ordered a Caipirinha, you are only scratching the surface of what cachaça can do. I spent three months working through recipes with this Brazilian spirit, and I discovered a world of cocktails that rivals gin in versatility and rum in character. This guide covers everything you need to know about … Read more

There is something almost magical about watching a Cuban bartender make a mojito. I spent three weeks in Havana learning from locals who have been perfecting this cocktail for generations. The technique they use is different from what most home bartenders do. This guide will teach you how to make a mojito like a Cuban … Read more

The Manhattan cocktail history represents one of the most fascinating tales in American mixology. Emerging in the 1860s-1870s, the Manhattan is regarded as the first “modern cocktail” due to its inclusion of vermouth, an aromatised and fortified wine that marked a departure from earlier whiskey-only drinks. This sophisticated combination of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and … Read more

If you’ve ever stood in a liquor store staring at rows of amber bottles, wondering what actually makes bourbon different from rye whiskey, you’re not alone. The bourbon vs rye whiskey confuses even experienced drinkers, but the difference comes down to one simple rule that changes everything about how these spirits taste. Understanding bourbon vs … Read more

Scotch whisky carries a reputation that precedes it. Many drinkers believe it should only be enjoyed neat, perhaps with a drop of water to open up the spirit. But here’s the truth I’ve learned after years behind the bar and countless experiments in my home kitchen: some of the best scotch cocktails in the world … Read more

When the 18th Amendment ushered in Prohibition in 1920, Americans were promised a more moral society free from the ravages of alcohol. The Volstead Act was meant to extinguish the saloons, sober up the workforce, and strengthen family life. Instead, it birthed one of the most thriving black markets in American history, and remarkably, some … Read more

Learning how to pair whiskey with cigars without wrecking either one is one of those skills that seems intimidating until someone shows you the simple framework behind it. I have been experimenting with different combinations for years, and I can tell you that most pairing disasters happen because people violate one basic principle: they mismatch … Read more