Episodes
Ports of Pleasure
From the red and white port lodges of Oporto to the hillside vineyards of the Douro Valley, there is no better place to find world-class port than in Portugal. As refined as cognac or single malt scotch, tawny port is full of delicious flavors. Join us as we explore Portugal's sun-drenched Douro Valley in search of the world's finest tawny and ruby ports.
Grabba Grappa
From the romance of Venice's canals to the granite spires of the mighty Dolomite Mountains, northern Italy offers an awesome palette of sights, experiences, food and drink. One of Italy's lesser-known pleasures is grappa; a colorless, high-alcohol eau de vie distilled from the grape skins and seeds left in the wine press. We get to the bottom of this complex blend.
Apple Cider House Rules
Tucked away on a winding country road in Old Mystic, Connecticut, is one of the only remaining steam-powered cider mills in the world. The Clyde family has been making hard cider for six generations. Today you can still buy cider right out of the mill's basement.
Gin Joint Jive
Come and explore the site where, in 1793, the Pilgrim Fathers spent their last night before setting sail on the Mayflower. Make your way to the port town of Plymouth, England to find out why Plymouth Gin is one of the world's greatest spirits.
Bitters: The World's Best Kept Secret
Aromatic bitters have been around for centuries, but what exactly goes into bitters is one of the world's best-kept secrets. First used as a medicinal aid to combat indigestion, bitters have evolved into an incredible enhancer for both food and drink. Good things come in small packages and the we intend to find out exactly what goes into this little bottle of flavour packed lightning.
Make It Schnappy
Say the word "schnapps" and Germany instantly springs to mind. But what exactly is schnapps? Where does it come from? And how do you choose the proper lederhosen to wear when drinking it? Follow along as we explore its history and answer these questions and many more.
Chile's Best-kept Secret
The first recorded vintage in Chile was made back in 1551 when priests who swiftly followed the conquistadors south pressed grapes to make sacramental wines. Three centuries later, prosperous landowners sent their sons for education to Europe, notably to France, Spain and Italy, to return home with a taste for wine - and bring the skills of European winemakers and architects with them. Today, Chile is regarded as a rising force in the world of wine and the we fully intend to find out why. Ole!
Maple Liqueur
Merveilleux! Maple syrup isn't just for breakfast anymore. Intrepid entrepreneurs in Quebec have turned a Canadian classic into one of the most interesting and delicious new liquors on the market. Join us as we traipse across old Quebec and tap into a truly unique story and spirit.
From Russia with Vodka
The history of vodka reads like the history of Russia. Join us as we retrace the epic footsteps of czars and revolutionaries alike. We visit the palaces and promenades of St. Petersburg and Moscow where Smirnov's first vodka distillery was located. His vodka was the official Purveyor to the Russian Court, and the choice vodka of James Bond. Learn how vodka was first developed and how it gained popularity in the US.
The Birthplace of Pilsner
On October 5th, 1842 in the City of Pilsen, modern day Czech Republic, the world's first golden beer was brewed - Pilsner Urquell! Literally translated Pilsner Urquell means "Pilsner from the original source" and that is as true today as it was in 1842. Follow along as we venture through beautiful and historic Prague to the city of Pilsen to find out the story behind this golden liquid.
Absolutely Aquavit
Northern Scandinavia is known as the "Land of the Midnight Sun." Here, under the constant bombardment of summer's 24-hour sunlight, men and women like their drink strong, their song loud, and their fish fresh. So it's an absolute given that they also love acquavit and the ceremony of herring and singsong that accompanies its consumption. Who knows what adventures lie in store for the us as we make our way through Lappland, fueled by acquavit's fiery bite.
Alaskan Beer
What comes to mind when you think of Alaska? Think cold and crisp...just like their beer! Alaskans boast a rugged individualism unlike those of the lower 48. With its near Arctic environment, beer masters tend to make a heartier blend. So, couple Alaskan Smoked Porter Ale with an ice-fishing trek for king salmon, and we're in for quite an adventure.
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