Episodes
Season 3, Episode 1
Fruit of Africa
With its roots deep in the heart of the sub-Saharan bushveld, the Marula tree has ancient ties to South Africa's indigenous people and animals. Throughout history the Marula fruit has been used for medicinal purposes, fertile ceremonies and local rituals. Today, six South African companies are creating marula beers and marula cream liqueurs that are now the world's number three selling cream liqueur. We embark on an amazing journey of discovery, revealing ancient tribal customs, exotic animals and the delicious enigma of the Marula.
Season 3, Episode 2
Mysteries of Mezcal
"For everything bad, Mezcal, and for everything good, too!" Long considered the rough cousin to tequila, Mezcal is, in fact, its predecessor and equal. While tequila piñas are baked or steamed in above-ground ovens, Mezcal piñas are baked in a conical, rock-lined pit oven giving Mezcal a strong, smoky flavor. Join us as we investigate the strong character behind the myriad of mystical and savage flavors that is Mezcal.
Season 3, Episode 3
Secrets of Soju
From soccer to music to food to soap operas, Korea is overtaking Japan as Asia's pop-culture capital. And riding this new wave is the traditional Korean table spirit - soju. Introduced from China in the late 13th Century, soju quickly became the preferred toast of the upper classes and royalty. Come along as we venture into the soul of Seoul on a fearless quest to find the answers.
Season 3, Episode 4
Victorious Vermouth
Vermouth is what makes a martini the classic cocktail it is. But just what the heck is vermouth? To find the answers, we make our way through the sun-drenched Mediterranean and discover the many pleasures of many vermouths. From dry French vermouths to the sweet yet sophisticated Italian version this is a journey of delicious discovery filled with 200 years of cocktail concoctions and culinary surprise.
Season 3, Episode 5
That's Whiskey With an "E," Boyo!
The Irish have been making their own distinct whiskies for nearly 500 years. What better remedy to the chilly sea air than a healthy dram or two of Irish Whiskey? We plan to find out as we prowl through the world's oldest licensed distilleries - distilleries that produce Ireland's famed Irish Whiskey.
Season 3, Episode 6
New Zealand's Sauvignon Blancs
New Zealand has long been famed for its stunning, unspoiled landscape. And equal to the international acclaim for its beauty is that for its fine wines. Here, they produce highly distinctive, premium quality wines, such as their Sauvignon Blanc - now considered the world benchmark. Of course, you can count on us to meet up with a few colorful Kiwi characters who help us explore the very best of New Zealand's wonderful wines - and the best from the Kiwi kitchen.
Season 3, Episode 7
The Green Fairy
Perhaps no other spirit sports a reputation as notorious as absinthe. Absinthe, or "The Green Fairy" was sought after for its perceived opiate-like intoxicating qualities. How will you react to this green goblin's concoction? Join us as we venture into central Europe to harvest wormwood - the mysterious root responsible for absinthe's mysterious properties - and help create a new batch. Of course, much sampling is necessary to appreciate the pleasures of absinthe.
Season 3, Episode 9
Paradise Found
There are fine brandies. And then there is cognac. Cognac stands royally tall as the preferred drink of princes and powerbrokers around the globe. With a thousand years of history behind it, the Cognac region of France is home to this very special spirit. We draw yet another lucky card as we explore Normandy's ancient castle towers, vast aging cellars and a king's kitchen in this ultimate quest for cognac.
Season 3, Episode 10
My Dear Madeira
For more than 500 years, Madeira has been pouring its heart and soul into making the unique fortified wines that are named after this sub-tropical island. As host Kevin Brauch discovers, Madeira was a popular port of call for the early traders who stocked up on the Island's wines destined for the colonies. The further south they traveled, the hotter it got, and the wine was literally cooking in the barrels. Instead of a fiasco, the result was fantastic! Today, producers don't need to send the wine to the equator, instead they use a hot house method to maintain Madeira's distinct flavor.
Season 3, Episode 11
Sparkling Wines of California
California's county of Carneros creates some of the world's finest sparkling wines. Here in Carneros, the Pacific Ocean brings wind that increases the acidity of the Pinot Noir grapes. Join host Kevin Brauch as he rides the rails to Carneros county and lights up the dark Champagne Caves with glass after glass of vintage sparkling wine.
Season 3, Episode 12
The Heartbreak Grape
Nestled between the Cascade Mountains to the west and the Monashee Mountains to the east, is the 124-mile stretch of Lake Okanagan. It's Canada's hot spot for wine lovers, producing French and German vinifera grapes from big, ripe reds to fresh, cool whites. And host Kevin Brauch can't leave the valley without a boat trip on the lake to catch a glimpse of the legendary Ogopogo and maybe a little wine for the journey!
